Most tourists flock to Bicol to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Mayon, marvel at the ancient churches, or take part in the local festivities such as the Peñafrancia fiesta. But did you know that this quaint southern region is also a foodie haven? And no, it’s not just because of the famous Bicol Express. Through the years, Bicol has established itself in the foodie map because of its sumptuous local specialties and unique fusion dishes.

During my recent trip to Bicol, one of my agendas was to sample the best of what the region has to offer. My itinerary took me to three provinces, but most of my foodie finds were made in Albay since I stayed there the longest. Scroll through the gallery below to know more about my top picks.

(Photo by Andy Nelson via Flickr Creative Commons)