Iloilo City is the Philippines' first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and food is reason enough to visit. Ilonggo cooking is mild, savory and slightly sweet, built on fresh seafood, slow-simmered broths and recipes passed down for generations.
Dishes you have to try
| Dish | What it is | Where to try it |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz batchoy | Noodle soup with pork, liver, crushed chicharon and a rich broth | La Paz Public Market stalls such as Netong's and Ted's; Deco's |
| Pancit Molo | Clear soup with pork dumplings, named after Molo district | Molo district eateries; Camiña Balay nga Bato |
| Kansi | Beef shank and bone-marrow soup, soured with batwan fruit | Kansi houses across the city |
| KBL | Kadyos (pigeon peas), baboy (pork) and langka (jackfruit) stewed with batwan | Home-style Ilonggo restaurants |
| Laswa | Light vegetable soup with shrimp | Home-style Ilonggo restaurants |
| Seafood | Grilled fish, crabs, prawns, scallops and oysters | Breakthrough and Tatoy's along the Villa Arevalo coast |
| Native chicken | Charcoal-grilled native chicken | Tatoy's Manokan in Villa Arevalo |
| Tsokolate | Thick native hot chocolate | Camiña Balay nga Bato, Arevalo |
Coffee and bakeries
- Madge Café in La Paz Market has served native coffee since the 1940s; order it "kape" with or without milk.
- Panaderia de Molo, one of the country's oldest bakeries, still bakes traditional breads like galletas and hojaldres.
- Roberto's on J.M. Basa Street is known for its giant "Queen" siopao.
- Newer specialty coffee shops line Iloilo Business Park, Smallville and Jaro.
Pasalubong to take home
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Biscocho | Crisp, buttery toasted bread; Biscocho Haus in Jaro is the best known |
| Butterscotch | Chewy, rich bars; a classic Iloilo gift |
| Dried mangoes | From Guimaras, the "Mango Capital" |
| Barquillos | Thin, rolled wafers from Molo bakeries |
| Piaya and galletas | Flat, sweet pastries; easy to pack |
Most pasalubong shops are on Calle Real, in Jaro, and at the airport.
Dining tips
- Batchoy stalls open early. Go for breakfast to beat the lunch crowd.
- Seafood restaurants on the Villa coast price by weight; pick your catch and choose how it's cooked.
- Restaurants can change hours or close; check their current listings before you go.