Pangasinan Food Tour 2014: Mangaldan

From Baguio to Mangaldan to Baguio

Everyone knows where to buy peanut brittle—Baguio City.

But things might have a turnaround—or, already had—as another town in Northern Philippines has become known for a peanut brittle shop.

After our sumptuous pindang tasting at Mama Cela’s Tapa and Meat Products during the Pangasinan Food Tour 2014 on January 11, it was time to rekindle our fiery sweet tooth with peanut brittle of Romana in Mangaldan. Situated along the highway, the same road that motorists take in going to Baguio City, Romana Peanut Brittle and its owner boast of an authentic Filipino favorite that will surely satiate your craving for a delightfully sweet mix.

Peanut brittle, the answer to your craving for a sweet treat.

I used to like exceedingly sweet treats, but for some reason which I’m not quite certain of, I toned down the craving. Yet, the peanut brittle served to us was one treat which was hard to resist.

Romana's products are also exported to Baguio, the city in North Luzon which is famous for it--a bit of an irony, isn't it?

Savoring the crunchiness, I was reminded of the peanut brittle of Antipolo City where we used to live. It is a flat round mass of hardened sugar riddled with peanuts. Like this delicacy, Romana’s peanut brittle contains whole peanuts—one characteristic which makes it different from those sold in Baguio City whose nuts are crushed into tiny bits.

Looking around the compact yet inviting store adorned with wood accents and furnishings, one will conclude that the business has flourished. But, the expanse of the property on which the store, the house and the factory lay nested is a much concrete proof of how successful Romana has been. The store also sells peanut adobo and tablea (chocolate).

It may not be the original maker of peanut brittle. Not even located in the city that is famous for it. But Romana has marked its spot in the peanut brittle industry, a spot that may continue to expand as time goes by and as the owner, Romana de Vera, devises new ways to innovate.