Iloilo
City is one of the known gastronomic haven in the Philippines where the
cuisine culture is best represented by a fusion of traditional and modern way
of cookery. Situated around the throwback downtown and the modern bustling part
of the city are a number of establishments that serve both old and new
favorites. A day or two in the city should present you a variety of food
choices to guarantee a satisfying gastronomical experience. To help you plan
your food trip, here are our some of the places I’ve tried dining in the city
of love.
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 existed since it first opened in the 1940’s,
and 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 has 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 50 years of institutional tradition serving great quality local
coffee.
Samurai Tablahan
Where
else can 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 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 synonym to ‘Siopao’ in 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, steam pasayan, baked talaba, blue marlin, fish tail soup just to name
a few, a meal here with the 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 better serve a mean set
of dishes as well. Good for the rest of us, Brewery Gastropub didn’t miss out
on this memo. Try out some local craft beer favorites such as Guimaras Gosse, Dinagyang Pale Alle, Boracay
Blonde and pair it with their house signature dishes like; Rack of Skewers,
Beer Can Chicken, 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 Espalanade River, Punot serve 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 of menu inspired from 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 café 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 Punot Facebook Page.
