Iloilo City is one of the known gastronomic havens in the Philippines, where the cuisine culture is best represented by a fusion of traditional and modern ways of cookery. Situated around the throwback downtown and the modern, bustling parts of the city are a number of establishments that serve both old and new favorites. A day or two in the city presents a variety of food choices to guarantee a satisfying gastronomical experience. To help plan your food trip, here are some of the places I tried dining at in the City of Love.
Where to Eat in Iloilo City
Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy
Do not be swayed by the batchoy wars between Ted’s and Deco’s—both are reputable restaurants serving the Iloilo signature dish of La Paz Batchoy. But when it comes to “who came first” and “who still holds the crown of ‘all-time favorite La Paz Batchoy’” in Iloilo, it is hands down Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy. Hidden inside La Paz Market, this culinary icon of the city still retains its old-school vibe that has existed since it first opened in the 1940s, along with the original recipe that makes downing a mega bowl of La Paz Batchoy a very pleasant food experience.
Madge Café
A stark contrast to the many hipster and Instagrammable cafes that have mushroomed today, Madge Café still presents that no-frills and stripped-back café atmosphere—of faded floors and carinderia-type interiors, all screaming of authenticity, just like the coffee and sweet goodies it serves. Also located inside La Paz Market, the original branch remains a local favorite and has become a must-visit for tourists exploring Iloilo City. Unpretentious and charming, this small coffee joint delivers a continuance of more than fifty years of institutional tradition, serving great quality local coffee.
Samurai Tablahan
Where else could you order a plateful of oysters starting from less than a hundred pesos? Cheap seafood that doesn’t suffer in quality and taste is what makes Samurai a popular food choice for both locals and tourists. They also serve pork and chicken barbecue that matches perfectly with their assorted baked scallops flavors. Samurai is located just across the road from the Smallville complex.
Roberto’s Siopao
A siopao so big and delicious it elevates from a simple merienda to a meal in itself. A household name in Iloilo, and synonymous with ‘Siopao,’ one mere mention of its name is enough for anyone to salivate over a rich and tasty bun loaded with sumptuous fillings. Lucky diners can choose from the following: Regular Siopao (pork adobo and egg), Jumbo Siopao (chicken sausage, chicken or pork adobo, and egg), King Siopao (ham, Chinese sausage, chicken and pork adobo, and egg), and the Queen Siopao (bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken and pork adobo, and egg). Roberto’s is located along Basa Street, right at the heart of Iloilo’s downtown and heritage district.
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood
A perennial inclusion in the many ‘Where to Eat in Iloilo’ listicles, Tatoy’s continues to never disappoint. Serving a wide array of Filipino native dishes that includes native lechon manok, grilled scallops, steamed pasayan, baked talaba, blue marlin, and fishtail soup, just to name a few, a meal there with family or a group of friends should be included in any Iloilo City travel itinerary.
Brewery Gastropub
A joint serving the best local craft and imported beers had better serve a mean set of dishes as well. Good for the rest of us, Brewery Gastropub didn’t miss out on that memo. Try out some local craft beer favorites such as Guimaras Gosse, Dinagyang Pale Ale, and Boracay Blonde, and pair them with their house signature dishes like the Rack of Skewers, Beer Can Chicken, and Boneless Crispy Pata for a satisfying night of beer and food fest.
Punot
Iloilo-based lifestyle blogger Levy Amosin, meanwhile, recommends Punot Restaurant. “Situated along the riverside boardwalk also known as Esplanade River, Punot serves a combination of traditional and modern Ilonggo dishes. The owners wanted to provide a new and exciting dining experience to the Ilonggos, so they designed a set menu inspired by their travels around the world. The restaurant also offers a relaxed and casual riverside dining experience that many Ilonggos enjoy.”
Although these are just a few of the many highly recommended restaurants, bars, and cafes in Iloilo City, you can use this as a guide to kick off your food-trip adventure in the City of Love.
*Picture of Punot from the Punot Facebook Page.
Iloilo City Food Trail Matrix
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