Tinapa ng Salinas

Many are not aware that there is no such town as Salinas. Salinas is a famous name of Rosario town which is in Cavite. Only a stranger will call this town as Rosario. Salinas is a fishing town wherein fish trading happens early mornings in Pandawan. The trading is called “bulong” because bid per big bucket is whispered to the seller. Some of these fish will be later process into tinapa or smoked fish.
Tinapa ng Salinas is a backyard industry. Families with old age recipe still process the fish into tinapa. They do not have an elaborate distribution system; instead vendors pick up the merchandise in the “tinapahan” then travel all across Cavite, nearby provinces and in Manila in tricyle, buses or jeeps. This is how tinapa ng Salinas reaches Luzon and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
Tinapa can be found in most markets in Cavite and every nook and places where people can sell.
You can also find Tinapa ng Salinas in some Manila supermarkets. Just make sure that you are buying authentic Tinapa ng Salinas. You might ask, how will I know if it’s authentic? Tinapa ng Salinas has a distinct aroma and firm meat.
Enjoy Tinapa ng Salinas with fried rice and dip in vinegar.