sig is a beloved Filipino dish that has its roots deeply embedded in Pampanga, a province in the Philippines known for its rich culinary heritage. Sisig from Pampanga is particularly famous and often considered the original version of the dish.
The origins of sisig trace back to the 17th century, but the dish as we know it today was popularized in Pampanga. Sisig originally began as a way to use leftover parts of a pig, particularly the head. The word "sisig" itself is derived from the Kapampangan verb "sisigan," which means "to season" or "to sour," referring to the way the dish was traditionally prepared with a souring agent like tamarind or calamansi (Filipino lime).
The modern version of the dish is attributed to Luciana "Angelita" Cunanan, who is credited with transforming sisig into the sizzler-style dish that became famous in the 1970s. She is known for having served it on a sizzling plate with pork head parts like cheeks, ears, and snout, which are finely chopped, boiled, and then grilled or fried for a crispy texture. Angelita’s innovation helped elevate sisig into the iconic dish it is today.