Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey through Iloilo City! Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, this buzzing city has plenty to explore from its ancient heritage sites to its vibrant food scene.
With a mix of traditional Ilonggo dishes, sweet treats, and seafood specialties, you’ll find something for everyone here. From classic breakfast dishes like pancit molo to scrumptious seafood served at Tatoy’s restaurant, experience the flavors of Iloilo City.
Join me on this culinary journey of Iloilo City as we explore the local specialties and discover the best places to experience each dish! From breakfast to desserts and drinks, Iloilo City has plenty of flavors to savor. So let’s get started!
Iloilo City’s Culinary Scene
Iloilo City is considered a paradise for foodies with its vast array of culinary experiences. From classic Filipino dishes to innovative contemporary creations, the city’s flavors offer something for everyone.
With an emphasis on local ingredients, Ilonggo dishes typically feature seafood, pork, and vegetables. Try the famous Batchoy – a savory soup made with pork innards, noodles, and egg – or the classic La Paz batchoy – a unique combination of noodles and pork liver broth topped with pork cracklings and egg.
Seafood is also a staple in Iloilo City. Enjoy fresh local fish such as bangus (milkfish) and squid. Whether it’s grilled, steamed, or fried – the options for seafood dishes are endless.
Breakfast
Iloilo City’s breakfast offerings are just as diverse and unique as its other culinary experiences. A variety of traditional dishes can be found on the breakfast menus of local restaurants, such as:
1. Pancit Molo: This dish is a steamed wonton soup that is filled with ground pork and shrimp. It is usually served with a side of garlic rice and topped with green onions. Pancit Molo is the perfect way to warm up in the mornings – tasty comfort food guaranteed to fuel your day!
2. Batchoy: A savory noodle soup topped with pork cracklings, beef, chicken liver, and shrimp paste. This popular dish is often enjoyed with toasted siopao buns on the side. Batchoy is a great way to start off your day with an energy boost!
3. Dinuguan with Puto: Considered a traditional Ilonggo breakfast, this dish consists of stewed pork offal with garlic and onions served with steamed rice cakes. Dinuguan with puto is a delicious and filling breakfast that is sure to keep you going all day!
4. Ibos: Freshly made coconut milk and turmeric rice cakes served with a side of salted fish. Ibos are a healthy way to start off your day, perfect for those who are looking for something light and nutritious.
The Best Places for Breakfast in Iloilo City
You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for the best breakfast spots in Iloilo City. From local eateries to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone! Here are three of the top places to enjoy breakfast in Iloilo City:
1. La Paz Public Market: The La Paz Public Market is a great place to go for cheap and delicious eats. You’ll find tons of local eateries serving up classic Ilonggo breakfast fares such as Dinuguan with Puto, as well as sweet treats like suman and halo-halo.
Address: 18 Huervana St, La Paz, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: (033)3207514
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy: This popular eatery has served Iloilo City residents since 1945 and is known for its signature La Paz Batchoy. The dish consists of egg noodles, pork liver, and beef in a rich broth that has been simmered for hours. It is the perfect way to start your day!
Address: Public Market, Rizal St, La Paz, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Phone: (033)3962189
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafoods: This local eatery is known for its unique take on Pancit Molo which combines the classic wonton soup with the flavors of seafood. Enjoy it alongside some freshly-caught Ilonggo favorites like crispy pata, grilled tuna belly, and squid sisig.
Address: Sto. Nino Sur Arevalo Iloilo City , Iloilo City, Philippines
Phone: (033)3371360
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Snacks and Street Food
Iloilo City is renowned for its variety of traditional Ilonggo snacks and street food. From crunchy biscuits to Balut, there’s something for everyone here! Here are some of the most popular items on the Iloilo snack scene:
1. Biscocho: This crunchy biscuit is made with butter, sugar, and flour and is flavored with anise. It’s a popular snack in Iloilo City that can be enjoyed as a dessert or as an accompaniment to coffee or tea.
2. Siopao: This popular item consists of soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The best siopao in Iloilo City can be found at Robertos Siopao, a local eatery that has been serving this specialty for over 40 years.
3. Turon: This delicious snack is made of banana, brown sugar, and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. It’s then deep-fried to perfection and served with a scoop of ice cream or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
4. Balut: This famous Philippine street food consists of a hard-boiled duck egg with a partially-formed embryo inside. It’s popular among locals and visitors alike and can be found on almost every corner of Iloilo City.
The Best Places for Ilonggo Snacks and Street Food in Iloilo City
For those looking to sample these traditional Ilonggo snacks and street food, here are three of the best places to find them in Iloilo City:
1. The Markets: The local markets in Iloilo City are great places to find all kinds of traditional snacks and street food. Most vendors here will offer samples so you can try them before you buy!
2. Street Food Stalls: Street food stalls found throughout the city are another way to sample the delicious local cuisine. They typically offer a variety of snacks and street food so you can try many different things.
3. Restaurants: Many restaurants in Iloilo City serve traditional Ilonggo snacks and street food on their menus. This is a great way to sample the local cuisine without having to leave the comfort of your hotel or resort!
Lunch
Lunch in Iloilo City is a delightful experience! This city has a wide variety of traditional Ilonggo dishes, from savory to sweet. Whether you’re looking for something light or something more filling – there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best traditional Ilonggo lunch specialties that make dining in this city a truly unique experience:
1. Kadyos Baboy Langka – This is a classic Ilonggo dish of pork, kadyos (black beans), and langka (jackfruit). The savory flavors of the pork are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the fresh jackfruit.
2. Inasal na Manok: This popular dish consists of grilled chicken marinated in a blend of local spices. It is served with garlic rice and atchara (pickled carrots and papaya). Inasal na Manok is a popular lunch dish that can be found all over Iloilo City.
3. Pinakbet: This is a vegetable dish made with bitter melon, eggplant, string beans, squash, and seafood such as shrimp and squid. It’s cooked in a flavorful broth and served over steamed white rice.
4. Talaba: This is a seafood dish made with fresh oysters cooked in a savory sauce. It’s usually served over steamed white rice and topped with diced onions, tomatoes, and tangy vinegar.
The Best Places for Lunch in Iloilo City
For those looking to experience the best of what Iloilo City has to offer for lunch, here are three of the top places:
1. Ponsyon by Breakthrough: This local restaurant specializes in traditional Ilonggo cuisine and offers a modern twist on classic dishes. Be sure to try their signature Kadyos Baboy Langka for a truly unique experience!
Address: PH62+RJ8, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Phone: (033)5088859
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafoods: This renowned restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes and flavorful Inasal na Manok. Enjoy some of the freshest catch in Iloilo City while indulging in a traditional Ilonggo lunch experience!
Address: Sto. Nino Sur Arevalo Iloilo City , Iloilo City, Philippines
Phone: (033)3371360
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Bebot and Mila Talabahan: This restaurant is the perfect place to sample traditional Ilonggo dishes with a modern twist. Their Pinakbet and Talaba dishes are definitely worth trying!
Address: QH8W+FWW, Coastal Road, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: +639432850822
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Dinner
Dinner in Iloilo City is full of delicious flavors and unique tastes. From traditional Ilonggo dishes to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Here are four of the best Ilonggo dinner dishes to try in Iloilo City.
1. Sinigang: Sinigang is one of the famous classic Filipino dishes made with pork, tamarind, and vegetables cooked in sour broth. It’s often served over white rice and topped with chili peppers.
2. Seafood Kare-Kare: This popular dish is a seafood version of the classic Filipino stew, kare-kare. It consists of squid and shrimp cooked in a rich peanut sauce and served with steamed white rice.
3. Sizzling Sisig: This famous Filipino dish consists of diced pieces of pork, chicken, or beef served on a hot plate with onion and chili peppers. It’s the perfect combination of flavor and heat!
4. Grilled Pusit: This classic Ilonggo dish is made with fresh squid grilled over hot coals and topped with a savory sauce. It’s best enjoyed with steamed white rice and a cold beer!
The Best Places for Dinner in Iloilo City
For those looking to indulge in a delicious dinner in Iloilo City, here are three of the top places to visit:
1. Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafoods: This restaurant is a popular choice for dinner in Iloilo City and offers a variety of traditional dishes, from seafood sinigang to sizzling sisig.
Address: Sto. Nino Sur Arevalo Iloilo City , Iloilo City, Philippines
Phone: (033)3371360
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Breakthrough Restaurant: This modern restaurant is known for its innovative take on traditional Ilonggo dishes. Their signature Bulalo and seafood kare-kare are must-tries!
Address: MGH8+WWQ, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Phone: (033)3373027
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Buto’t Balat Restaurant: Buto’t Balat is a popular dinner spot in Iloilo City that offers both traditional Filipino dishes and international fare. Be sure to try their grilled pusit – it’s one of the best in town!
Address: PHG5+28Q, Benedicto St, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: (033)3203836
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Dessert & Sweets
Desserts and sweets in Iloilo City are a treat for the senses! From traditional favorites like Suman to more modern options like ice cream, there’s something for everyone here. Here are four of the best must-try desserts and sweets in Iloilo City:
1. Halo-Halo: This popular Filipino dessert consists of shaved ice, condensed milk, and various fruits and beans such as jackfruit, mung beans, and plantains. It is then topped with ice cream for an extra burst of flavor!
2. Ensaymada: This sweet treat is a type of brioche filled with cheese and butter, then covered in sugar or grated cheese. It tastes best when freshly baked and served warm.
3. Letche Flan: This dessert is a layer of custard topped with caramelized sugar and a sprinkle of nuts. It’s sweet, creamy, and simply delicious!
4. Ice Cream: Iloilo City is home to some of the best ice cream parlors in the country. From classic flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla to more unique flavors such as Ube and Queso, there’s something here for everyone.
The Best Places for Desserts and Sweet Treats in Iloilo City
Iloilo City is a sweet-toothed paradise, with an array of desserts and sweets to choose from. There are plenty of places in Iloilo City where you can find the perfect dessert or sweet treat! Here are the three best places to try these desserts and sweets:
1. Panaderia de Molo: This bakery is perfect for sweet tooth cravings! It has a wide variety of freshly-baked goods, including sweet pastries like Ensaymadas and Pan de Ube.
Address: Avanceña St, Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: +639086790035
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. JD Bakery Cafe: This cafe offers a variety of sweet treats such as cakes, halo-halo, Leche flan, and pastries. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sweet snack or indulge in something more decadent.
Address: 425 E Lopez St, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: (033)3201469
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Sweet Cravings: This charming cafe is the perfect spot to indulge in some classic Filipino desserts and sweets. From freshly-baked cakes to homemade ice cream and halo-halo, there’s something here for everyone.
Address: Donato Pison Avenue, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province 5000 Philippines
Phone: +639998094696
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Drinks
Iloilo City is renowned for its variety of unique and flavorful drinks. From classic Ilonggo favorites to more modern concoctions, there’s something here for everyone. Here are four of the best must-try drinks in Iloilo City:
1. Buko Juice: This refreshing drink is made with freshly-shaved coconut, water, and sugar. It’s a classic Ilonggo favorite that can be found in most local eateries and street stalls.
2. Fruit Shakes: Fruit shakes are a popular way to cool off and recharge in Iloilo City. Made with fresh fruit like mango, buko, watermelon, etc., ice, and condensed milk, they’re a refreshing treat that can be found in almost every corner of the city.
3. Coffee: Iloilo City is known for its world-class coffee. From cold brews to traditional espressos and frappes, there’s something here for everyone. Be sure to try one of the many locally-owned cafes in Iloilo City!
4. Kalamansi Juice: This tart and refreshing drink is made with local kalamansi (Philippine limes) and sugar. It’s a classic Filipino favorite that can be found in most local eateries and street stalls.
The Best Places for Drinks in Iloilo City
For those looking to sample some of the best drinks in Iloilo City, here are three of the top places:
1. Madge Cafe: This charming cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed coffee or an ice-cold fruit shake. They also serve delicious local snacks that pair perfectly with their drinks!
Address: Lapaz Public Market, Cor. Rizal-Huervana Sts., La Paz, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: +639519601423
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Buko Loco: This local eatery is known for its delicious buko juice. Made with freshly-shaved coconut, water, and sugar, it’s a classic Ilonggo favorite that can be found in most local eateries and street stalls.
Address: SM City, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Phone: 283302889
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. The Molo Mansion Cafe: This café is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed coffee or a glass of kalamansi juice. From traditional espressos to frappes, there’s something here for everyone!
Address: Yusay-Consing Mansion, Locsin St, Molo, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Phone: +639173160439
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Culinary Experiences
Iloilo City is full of culinary experiences to enjoy! From local food tours to cooking classes, there are plenty of opportunities for locals and travelers alike to learn more about Ilonggo cuisine. Here are three of the best culinary experiences in Iloilo City:
1. Eat like a Local Food Tour: This 3-hour tour is the perfect way to experience the best that Iloilo City has to offer. The tour includes a visit to local markets, an introduction to different dishes and ingredients, and a tasting of traditional snacks and desserts.
2. Local Cooking Class: This class will teach you how to make some of your favorite Ilonggo dishes. From kare-kare to kadyos baboy langka, you’ll learn how to make these dishes from scratch using only local ingredients.
3. Tapas & Cocktails Night: This fun and interactive experience will teach you how to create delicious Ilonggo tapas and pair them with local craft cocktails. You’ll learn how to make dishes like sizzling sisig and grilled pusit, as well as classic Ilonggo cocktails like the Manila Mule.
Overall, Iloilo City is a food lover’s paradise with so many culinary experiences waiting to be discovered.
In Conclusion
Iloilo City is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Ilonggo dishes to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone here. With its unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and abundance of culinary experiences, Iloilo City is the perfect place for anyone who loves great food!
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an indulgent dinner, or some sweet treats to satisfy your cravings, Iloilo City has it all. So what are you waiting for? Come experience the unique flavors of Ilonggo cuisine! Explore the best places to eat in Iloilo City and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
