Seven years ago, the hubby and his friends and I found Matutina’s in Tondaligan, Dagupan City, known for bangus and seafood. Several years later, more branches opened in more accessible locations. One is located along the National Highway in Urdaneta, Pangasinan.
Not for the faint-hearted, Buttered Crabs!
Palate cleansing mango salad with salted duck eggs.
Juicy grilled prawns.
Kinilaw na talaba (raw oysters) with vinegar and onions and chili.
Calamansi, chili pepper and fish sauce blend well together, even just with rice.
Bukayo (coconut candy) is served at the end of a meal. They are also sold at the pasalubong booth.
At Matutina’s, where the prices are still within one’s reach, my love affair with seafood is at an ultimate high; I even left my wallet without realizing until I reached home. I had to phone the restaurant, and it’s great to know Freddie Eugenio, my honest waiter, kept it in a safe place. I rarely travel, but after an important commitment, I had to travel back to the south to attend a relative’s wedding later in the day. The following day, on my way back to Laoag, at Matutina’s, I got reunited with my worn out wallet that contained only just a few pesos.
Matutina’s never disenchants. The taste is consistent and everything you order is always available. Freshness of ingredients is ever noticeable. And they have courteous and honest waiters who serve the appetizing dishes, as well.
