FOODIES will be happy to know that when they head over to Ayala Malls? Marquee Mall in Angeles City, they are in for a big treat ? the flavors of Kapampangan food in the convenience of a mall setting.

?We wanted to celebrate Kapampangan cuisine,? says Norie Ubalde-Raniel, deputy general manager of Marquee Mall.

They did so by bringing together some of Pampanga?s best restaurants and giving them space in the mall.

?We sought them out. We did a series of food tests. We also generated feedback from the locals since they are the best judge of local flavors.?

We were given exclusive access to the mall weeks before it opened, allowing us to enjoy the richness of Kapampangan food and to meet the entrepreneurs behind these restaurants.

Marquee opens September 23.

Ikabud Pagkaing Pinoy

Ikabud, owned by Harlan M. Ostonal and Miriam O. Rush, has been serving good Kapampangan food for six years now.

Original location: Angeles City
Best sellers: Sisig, Salpicao, Kare-Kareng Dagat, Sizzling Bulalo, Sizzling Tokwa at Talong
Must-try for first-timers: Operations manager Oliva Puno suggests people try their sizzling dishes. ?Choose from the sizzling platters. They don?t just look good, they are delicious and really capture the essence of Kapampangan cuisine.?

Lifestyle top pick: The Kare-Kareng Dagat. It is rich, flavorful and fresh.

Kabigting?s Halo-Halo

Irynne Kabigting Miranda and Benjamin Miranda had to face waist-deep flood just to get the halo-halo and pastillas to our shoot. Now that?s what we call serious dedication to food.

Kabigting?s has been serving halo-halo for four years now. Just what makes their halo-halo different? ?The way the beans are cooked and the pastillas,? says Irynne. Yes, Kabigting?s puts pastillas in their halo-halo, resulting in a sweet treat that?s extra-creamy.

Original Location: Arayat
Best seller: Halo-Halo
Must-try for first-timers: Halo-Halo, Pastillas de Leche

Lifestyle top pick: The Halo-Halo, of course

Aling Lucing Sisig Queen

Aling Lucing Sisig Queen is not just a restaurant, it?s a family tradition. Sisters Zenaida L. Cunanan and Priscilla Payumo continue what their mother started in 1974 ? serving good food. They keep the memory of their mother?s passion for flavors alive by using mostly her recipes. Her sisig is legendary.
Shunning the idea of putting eggs and mayonnaise, Zenaida says: ?Our sisig is authentic and natural.?
Their BBQ is also a delight. ?Our sauce is a top secret,? says Priscilla.

Original location: Angeles City
Best sellers: Sisig, BBQ, Lechon Manok
Must-try for first-timers: Sisig

Lifestyle top pick: The Sisig. Aling Lucing?s Sisig made us realize sisig doesn?t have to be crunchy to be good.

FNC-Nathaniel?s Bakeshop

FNC-Nathaniel?s Bakeshop began as a home-based business in 1991. Opened by Fernando and Nelly Co, the business grew as news about their tasty treats spread by word of mouth. Son Nathaniel proudly says: ?These are all my mom?s recipes. These are actually our childhood favorites.?

Original location: San Fernando
Best sellers: Buko Pandan, Siopao, Siomai, Sylvannas
Must-try for first-timers: Buko Pandan Salad, Siomai, Puto Pao, Siopao, Sylvannas, Leche Flan, Taisan, Macapuno Tarts, Kuchinta, Buchi

Lifestyle top pick: The Buko Pandan Salad. It?s cold and creamy. If this was on the table, we?d always have room for dessert.

Susie?s Cuisine

Jesusa and Glenn Yabut run Susie?s Cuisine. Susie?s has been around for a while now; Jesusa?s mother began the business in 1972. Their different kinds of kakanin are so good that balikbayans bring them back to the US. Their flavorful palabok is a must-try too. ?Hindi kami nagtitipid sa sahog [We do not scrimp on the ingredients],? says Jesusa.

Original location: Nepo Mart, Angeles City
Best sellers: Tibok-tibok, Moche, Sapin-Sapin, Palabok
Must-try for first-timers: Duman, Sylvannas, Ube Pastry, Palabok, Tidtad + Puto

Lifestyle top pick: The Sylvannas. They are thinner than usual, crisp and just like some of our friends ? the right mix of sweetness and nuttiness.