I LOVE FOOD SOOOO MUCH… really, I do!
Actually, to the point of grabbing every FOOD trip opportunity. I especially love it when I’d get to organize the trip’s itinerary (this way, I’d get to schedule a stop at every food shop, pure bliss!)
Our recent trip was a food lover’s heaven! Scrumptious, Delicious, Tantalizing food was just EVERYWHERE! We literally spent 3 days of non-stop eating!
The list below cites some of the places I want to highlight. Thus, a SHOULD NOT MISS!
Afrique’s - a famous Italian restaurant in Iloilo, offering gourmet dishes
As an Italian restaurant, it takes pride in using fresh ingredients, with sauces made from scratch.
Before calling it a night, we decided to visit the place for a light evening snack. And I must say, it was well worth it! Dishes served were deliciously satisfying – the pastas were exceptionally great!
Must order these!
- Carbonara - pasta: al dente; sauce: creamy and very flavorful
- Lemonade with Cucumber - a refreshingly unique blend
Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods - popular among locals and tourists. It serves Filipino - Ilonngo cuisine.
Must order these!
- Lechon Manok - a house specialty; the BEST grilled native chicken in Iloilo!
- Baked Oysters - fresh and overloaded with cheese and garlic
- Kinilaw - sorry, no picture available – unfortunately it was devoured before I even got the opportunity to take a shot =( The raw fish was fully submerged in a distinct vinegar mix- bursting with Ilonggo flavors! A balance of sweet and sour, without the acidity that crinkles the nose.
Netong's - offer one of the best versions of the infamous Iloilo batchoy.
Iloilo is the “Home of Batchoy”, so NEVER leave the province without trying it- a mortal foodie sin!
Prior to my Iloilo visit, research through the internet disclosed unending foodie debates on who offers the best batchoy. Personally, I like Netong’s over Deco’s, as their version of the batchoy is tasty but not overly salty.
*Iloilo Delicacies for Pasalubong:
Roberto's - known for making the best and largest (It’s actually Gigantic in size!) siopao in Iloilo
The meat- filled dough was truly a culinary delight. The dough-wrap was soft yet firm, with an explosive filling of chicken adobo bits, pork adobo flakes, boiled eggs and Chinese sausage.
Royalties; such as the” King” or “Queen” Siopao include “SPECIAL” ingredients.
Must buy these!
- King Siopao - the best seller: Mantao (traditional Chinese steamed bread) filled with Roberto’s famous chicken pork filling, plus Ham
- Queen Siopao - a limited edition, as it is only offered 3 or 4 days within a month. Also stuffed with Roberto's chicken pork filling, plus bacon
Panaderia de Molo - known for its artisan Spanish biscuits.
Must buy: Galletas
Original Biscocho Haus - also a famous Iloilo pasalubong stop-over. Offering wide varieties of sweets, breads, and pastries.
Must buy: Biscocho
Deocampo Barquillos - famous for Barquillos (crisp wafer rolls) since 1898. Deocampo's product line include; pinasugbo, biscocho, butterscotch, and many more.
Must buy: Barquillos
*Food Directory:
Red Square Bldg.
Smallville Business Complex
Biscocho Haus
Lopez Jaena, Jaro
Deocampo Barquillos
46 Sta. Isabel, Jaro
Panaderia de Molo
Avaceña Street
Netong's Original Lapaz Batchoy
Inside Lapaz Public Market, Lapaz
Roberto’s Restaurant
#61 J.M. Basa Street
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods
Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo
written by: Shobe
