By Huey Zacarias (Chow Food Crawl)
Nana Heleng’s Pancit Estacion, a beloved dish from Barangay Biwas, Tanza, Cavite, has been a local favorite since 1934. Unlike the famous Pancit Luglog of Pampanga, Pancit Estacion is uniquely made with bean sprouts instead of noodles, a practice born out of necessity during a time when noodles were hard to come by. The dish earned its name from Nana Heleng’s regular customers at the train station, who fondly called it Pancit Estacion.
Traditionally paired with Pan de Rasyon (Monay) and Quesilyo (Kesong Puti), both made in-house, Pancit Estacion has stood the test of time. Today, Nana Heleng’s grandson, Johnny Bobadilla, continues the family business, preserving this unique culinary heritage. Nana Heleng’s Pancit Estacion remains a cherished part of Cavite’s local cuisine, celebrated for its historical roots and distinctive flavor.
Nana Heleng’s legacy lives on through this iconic dish, delighting generations with its unique taste and rich history.