Pili is one of Bicol's great edible treasures. The nut is buttery, mild, and versatile, and it shows up in everything from brittle to ice cream. If you are leaving Albay with room in your bag, pili products are the souvenir to prioritize.
What is pili?
Pili is a tree native to the Philippines, with the Bicol region as its best-known growing area. The nut has a hard shell and a soft, rich kernel. It is often roasted or candied, and its flavor is closer to a mild macadamia or almond than a peanut.
Pili is also used for oil and as an ingredient in pastries. Because the tree takes years to mature, pili is a crop that rewards patience.
What to taste
- Pili brittle: Caramelized sugar with pili nuts. Sweet, crunchy, and easy to share.
- Pili pastillas: Soft milk candy with pili. A common pasalubong (take-home gift).
- Pili tarts and pies: Dense, nutty, and rich. Good with coffee.
- Pili ice cream: Creamy with a toasted-nut flavor. Some shops also offer chili versions.
- Pili spread: A nut-butter-style spread for bread or crackers.
- Roasted pili: The simplest way to taste the nut itself.
Other Bicolano sweets and treats
- Sili ice cream: The famous chili ice cream from Legazpi. Try a small cup before committing to a larger size.
- Bicol longganisa: Garlicky and slightly sour; buy frozen or vacuum-packed if you are traveling.
- Tsokolate: Local hot chocolate, often thick and intense.
- Cashew and coconut sweets: Common in markets and souvenir shops.
- Chili paste and laing kits: Useful if you want to cook Bicolano food at home.
Where to buy
Legazpi City has the widest selection: souvenir shops, markets, and restaurants with packaged products. Smaller towns may have local makers with excellent brittle or pastillas. Ask your driver or hotel staff for a reputable shop.
If you are buying for gifts, check the packaging and expiration date. For international travel, confirm whether the product is allowed in your destination country.
How to store pili
Pili nuts can go rancid if stored in heat, so keep them in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer them to an airtight container. If you are buying brittle or pastillas, keep them out of direct sunlight and follow the label.
A simple souvenir list
- A pack of pili brittle for the office.
- Pili pastillas for family.
- A jar of chili paste for cooks.
- A small bag of roasted pili for yourself.
- Sili ice cream before you leave — not as a souvenir.
For more food stops, browse Albay restaurants.
