MANILA -- Considered as one of the pillars of Kapampangan cuisine, Atching Lillian Borromeo is indeed a living treasure.

The renowned chef and food historian discovered her passion for cooking at the young age of four. And to this day, she continues to cook traditional Kapampangan specialties at her open-air kitchen in Barangay Parian, Mexico, Pampanga.

Atching Lillian's Kitchen is located just beside their ancestral home. It is connected to a small dining area, which can accommodate over 50 people.

It is surrounded by lush trees that keep the air cool even during humid afternoons. There is even a small pond with a couple of koi and a turtle.

Inside the dining area, you will be greeted by the homey, rustic smell of antique wood and sawali. A couple of old photographs of Borromeo's ancestors hang on the wall, welcoming guests.

Traditional kitchen utensils and antique equipment are also displayed all over the dining area, making you feel like you're actually visiting a museum.

But, of course, the star of Atching Lillian's kitchen is her authentic Kapampangan menu.

Here are 10 must-try dishes from Atching's kitchen:

1. Bobotung Asan

Bobotung Asan is a Kapampangan dish that is, by tradition, usually served during election season. It is made of boneless bangus (milk fish) stuffed with a mixture of kamias, tomatoes, alagao leaves, onions, oil and soy sauce.

2. Ensaladang pako with itlog ng bayawak

This exotic salad is made of edible ferns, tomatoes, and onions topped with processed eggs of monitor lizard.

3. Morcon

Atching Lillian has her own version of morcon, a popular Pinoy dish that is usually served during special events and occasions. It is a mixture of ground pork, toasted garlic, onions, egg yolk, tomatoes, chorizo de Bilbao, cheese, red and green bell pepper, cornstarch, pepper, and bay leaf.

4. Pork sisig

Of course, no one leaves Pampanga without tasting its famous pork sisig, which is made of chopped pig's ears, cheeks, and snout. This is perfect not just for lunch, but also during happy hour.

5. Quilayin

This dish is quite similar to dinuguan, except that it has less blood and more pork internals.

6. Buru

Although many would say no to the strong odor of this delicacy, Buru continues to be an important part of Kapampangan cuisine. It is a perfect dip for boiled mustard leaves, eggplants, and ampalaya.

7. Bringhe

If the Spanish have paella, the Kapampangans are proud of their bringhe. It is made of turmeric, sticky rice, coconut milk, chicken, chorizo, and bell peppers.

8. Puchero

Unlike typical puchero, Atching Lillian's version of this dish is made of chicken sauteed in garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

9. Pritong Hito

Hito (catfish), which is usually overlooked because of its ugly appearance, is one of the favorite ingredients of Atching Lillian since it is abundant in the area. Its meat, especially its fatty skin, is bursting with flavors.

10. Sanikulas

Sanikulas, also known as San Nicholas cookies, is the perfect partner of your afternoon coffee break. These handmade cookies bear the stamp of St. Nicholas, the patron saints of bakers.