During a weekend lunch with my mentor Alberto “Boy” Santiago, President of the Central Luzon Media Association Pampanga, I had the distinct pleasure of reconnecting with Ronald, the eldest of Chef Howard D. Dizon’s six siblings.
Diosdado, a celebrated Kapampangan restaurant, is the brain child and solely owned by Chef Howard.
Ronald is a lifelong friend and a former student leader from Chevalier School, Batch ’84. Although he was a senior to me, as I was in Batch ’87, we reminisced about our school days, making the experience even more memorable.
“Diosdado” is a Spanish name meaning “God-given,” derived from “Dios” (God) and “dado” (given).
Ronald revealed that the name embodies their deep gratitude and blessings, symbolizing that after 22 years of relentless effort and dedication, the restaurant stands as a profound gift to both their family and the community.
He emphasized the importance of longevity, quality, and sustainability in their business, with profit being secondary. Their goal is to pass on Diosdado to their nieces and nephews, ensuring its legacy endures.
Located at Doña Lucing Ave., Bacolor, Pampanga, just a stone’s throw away from Fil-Am Friendship Highway and near Villa Leoncia and L & S Subdivision in Angeles City, Diosdado offers a sense of gratitude and blessing. The restaurant’s classy yet homey interior, coupled with ample parking space, enhances the dining experience.
Their late father, Santiago Dizon, Sr., a distinguished board member at Pampanga Capitol representing farmers for Luzon during Governor Atty. Estelito Mendoza’s tenure, would surely be proud of this culinary venture. Their mother, Mommy Mel Due-Dizon, was the cook during their childhood, passing down cherished heirloom recipes to Chef Howard. The grand opening of Diosdado in May 2023 was led by former Governor Mendoza, adding to the restaurant’s significance.
Chef Howard’s menu features a distinctive array of Kapampangan dishes, all lovingly cooked and served at the table by Mommy Mel, during their childhood.
The menu includes: Ligang pasku, Lagat paro ng Daddy, Asadong matwa ampong Ensaladang mangga at unsuy, Arobung bakang sagin saginan at Litid ampong bukayung sagin, Galantinang manuk ampong tsoklateng batirol at pandesal, BBQ mi king bale, Pritung manuk ampong ensaladang repolyu.
These dishes also reflect the rich culinary heritage of Pampanga, revived through Chef Howard’s menu at Diosdado.
Soups:
- Bulanglang o Sigang
- Paro
- Bangus
- Babi
- Pesang Bulig
- Miswa ampong Bola-bola
- Tinolang Manuk
- Swam Mais
- Balatong
Main Courses:
- Asadung dilang baka
- Hamonadong pata
- Crispy pata
- Kare-kareng baka
- Sisig
- Kilayin
- Bistig baka
- Crispy kare-kare
- Begukan
- Pulutuk
- Litsong kawali
- Kalderetang baka
- Ensaladang liempo
- Tokwat baboy
Snacks and Side Dishes:
- Lelut manuk
- Tidtad at pandesal
- Palabok
- Pansit bihon
- Pansit canton
- Sotanghon miki
- Putung babi
- Preskong lumpia
- Pritong lumpia
Seafood:
- Relyenong alimasag
- Adobong ema
- Gatang paro
- Putserong bulig
- Relyenong bangus
Vegetables:
- Pakbit
- Chopsuey
- Lagat apalya
- Lagat pusu
Rice:
- Aligue nasi
- Begukan nasi
- Siningle keng bawang
- Nasi
Desserts:
- Halayang ube
- Gandus
- Leche flan
- Lelut mais
- Lelut balatong
- Sampelut
- Bukayung sagin
- Kamuti ampong gata
- Turon con leche
Diosdado by Chef Howard D. Dizon is truly a culinary treasure, offering a God-given experience with each dish. More than just a restaurant, it stands as a testament to the values of family, tradition, and community. The legacy of Diosdado, built on a foundation of love and dedication and cherished heirloom recipes, promises to be a beloved part of Pampanga’s culinary landscape for generations to come.
