Cely’s Carinderia: A Carinderia in San Fernando City (Pampanga) Serving Authentic Kapampangan Dishes
Pampanga is considered the culinary capital of the Philippines. This province north of Manila is home to iconic dishes and talented cooks!
My wife and I mostly visit Angeles City, which is the birthplace of the iconic Sisig. But last year, we started exploring other cities and towns for its food. We began in the capital of Pampanga—San Fernando City. And our first stop is an iconic carinderia (eatery), Cely’s Carinderia.
Cely’s Carinderia
Cely’s Carinderia has been around since 1970s. They serve home-style Kapampangan dishes, which you can order turo-turo (literally “point point”) style.
Just point at your desired dish in Cely’s Carinderia
While their dining area is airconditioned, its interior has no frills, giving authentic carinderia vibes.
Inside Cely’s Carinderia
Let’s now talk about the food. Since we ordered a lot of dishes, let me be organized:
Adobong/Arobong Balut: This balut (fertilized duck egg) dish is cooked in vinegar and it has a nice acidity. I love balut and its taste, so this is easily one of my favorites at Cely’s.
Adobong Balut (PHP150)
Chicken A**: This is grilled, fatty, on the sweet side.
Chicken A** (PHP110)
Dinuguan (Blood Stew): This is done Kapampangan style, which is cooked in vinegar. It uses pig stomach, I believe.
Left to Right: Dinuguan (PHP150) and Kilayin (PHP150)
Ensaladang Pako (Fern Salad): This salad has crisp ferns. But I find its dressing too sweet and tangy like pickles.
Ensaladang Pako (PHP100)
Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly): It’s deliciously fatty, right sweet, and nicely charred.
Inihaw na Liempo (PHP200)
Kilayin: This is another Kapampangan dish and its made with pork and pig liver cooked in vinegar and spices. It has the same flavor profile as with the other dishes due to the use of vinegar.
Pork Asado: Not to be confused with Chinese-style asado (roast pork) which is on the sweet and savory side, the Kapampangan style is stewed with tomato sauce. Cely’s version has a nice tomato flavor. But while its pork has tender fatty parts, its meat could be more tender.
Pork Asado (PHP160)
Kinilaw na Talaba (Oysters “Ceviche”): This is made with briny oysters marinated in vinegar, onions, and ginger.
Kinilaw na Talaba (PHP170)
Sizzling Sisig: Cely’s version of this Kapampangan classic has a nice smokiness and acidity. It has lots of white onions, which add crunch to the dish.
Sizzling Sisig (PHP300)
Cely’s is popular for their Tortang Alimasag (crab omelette). But since we’re allergic to crustaceans, we didn’t order it. So do me a favor: Order it and taste it for me. Then let me know at the comments section.
My only concern is that most of the dishes we ordered have vinegar or a sour ingredient, which I didn’t mind. So our meal leaned on the sour side. Next time, I’ll order better.
Cely’s Carinderia serves good Filipino and Kapampangan food. Plus, it’s affordable. So if you’re in San Fernando, drop by the legendary eatery. I highly recommend it to you!
Address: Lazatin Blvd., San Fernando City, Pampanga, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 9AM-6PM | Contact No.: 0918-9592868 | Facebook