‘P
akdol’ is a waray term for buffalo meat stew. The soup exhibits more tasty character than the usual bulalo of Luzon, which reflects the Spanish tint in the Filipino cuisine.
Text and photo by IVY FE M. LOPEZ
“
Dahil sa Iyo” is one of the most visited restaurants in Tacloban City.
Located along the highway of Real St. and corner P. Burgos St., it offers the most delicious and reasonable viands, foremost of which are those from buffalo’s meat. “Dahil Sa Iyo” is like wine, the older it gets, the more exhilarating it becomes. Operating for almost 35 years now, it remains a much-sought place for travelers who always want to savor the taste of pakdol. The restaurant is owned by husband and wife Mr. Roman and Mrs. Anacoreta Guinto. Mr. Gunito is a pure Caviteño while his wife is from Barugo, Leyte. They decided to settle and have their business in Tacloban City. The couple started a small restaurant in 1976 offering pakdol as its centerpiece menu. From then on, this dish remained among the top picks of customers. Pakdol is a waray term for buffalo meat stew. The soup exhibits more tasty character than the usual bulalo of Luzon, which reflects the Spanish tint in the Filipino cuisine. In pakdol, the carabao’s shank with bone marrow and chinese cabbage are 18
PCC Newsletter • October-December 2011
‘Dahil sa Iyo’ is for partaking
‘pakdol’
used as main ingredients. It is spiced up with a handful of ginger and lemon grass.
source of numerous vitamins and minerals.
Pakdol gained the attention of the diners in Tacloban because of its exquisite taste.
As the restaurant’s master chef, Mr. Gunito said buffalo meat is tenderized by simmering it for four hours under a low fire using charcoal.
According to Mr. Guinto, they use buffalo meat for pakdol instead of beef because it has rich and beef-like taste and the price is lesser. It is lower in cholesterol and calories yet higher in iron and protein making it a perfect beef substitute for the health-conscious customers. In addition, buffalo meat is a great
The Guintos’ restaurant was once featured by a national TV network and its pakdol recipe was included in a Canadian magazine. A bowl of this delicious soup, which is good for a serving of four persons, is offered at an affordable price of Php200.