Kusinang Matua ng Atching Lillian
The Kusinang Matua ng Atching Lillian, or the "Old Kitchen of Atching Lillian" in English is an open-air restaurant in Barangay Parian, Mexico in Pampanga. It is run by Atching (Kapampangan term for elder sister) Lillian Lising-Borromeo, a well-known culinary icon in the province. Considered one of the pillars of Kapampangan cuisine, Atching Lillian is a renowned chef and food historian who has been dubbed the “The Guardian Angel of Kapampangan Cooking."
Atching Lillian began her life in the kitchen at the age of two as she belonged to a family of cooks. This early interest in cooking eventually inspired her to take up a degree in Home Economics by the time she started attending college. As she launched her career as a chef, she quickly became popular for her Panecillos de San Nicolas, or Saniculas Cookies, which are one of the oldest cookies in the country that were introduced by Augustinians. These pastries are traditionally made with arrowroot, sugar, egg yolks, flour, and a hint of dayap (key lime).
Best time to visit
The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 8 PM from Mondays to Saturdays and from 10:30 AM to 9 PM on Sundays. However, tourists will need to secure a reservation by contacting Atching Lillian's Facebook page ahead of time.
