Iloilo Western Visayas, Philippines Travel Guide
Ilonggo cuisine a respected place in Philippine gastronomy, famous for its subtle flavors and use of fresh, local produce. It known for its mild, subtly sweet, and savory flavors. It frequently fresh seafood, pork, and local vegetables.
Chinese traders introduced noodles and stir-fries, while Spanish colonizers influenced stews and baked goods. The cuisine natural flavors without counting on excessive spice.
Fresh seafood (crabs, shrimp, fish), pork, local root crops (ube, kamote), coconut milk, kadyos (pigeon peas), batuan (a souring agent), ginger, garlic, onions, and annatto.
Generally mild, with a balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. Ilonggo dishes less chili spice compared to other Philippine regions. The batuan fruit a distinct sourness.
While a distinct Ilonggo style , specific dish preparations vary between Iloilo City and its surrounding towns or islands. Coastal towns might unique seafood preparations.
Iloilo's most famous dish. This hearty noodle soup pork cracklings (chicharon), pork offal (liver, intestines), various meats, and a rich, savory broth, often topped with a raw egg.
Where to find: Deco's La Paz Batchoy, Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, Netong's Original Special Chuqi Yapu Batchoy.
A clear, flavorful soup wonton-like dumplings filled with ground pork, chicken, and shrimp. It often shredded chicken and slivers of ham or shrimp.
Where to find: Many Ilonggo restaurants, especially those specializing in local cuisine.
A not sweet and slightly sour soup Kadyos (pigeon peas), Baboy (pork hocks or belly), and unripe Langka (jackfruit) as a vegetable. Batuan fruit its souring agent.
Where to find: Local Ilonggo restaurants, carinderias.
Non-alcoholic: Fresh fruit shakes (mango, calamansi), buko (young coconut) juice, sago't gulaman (tapioca and jelly drink). Alcoholic: San Miguel Beer (Pale Pilsen, Light), local rum (Tanduay).
Biscocho (twice-baked bread), Barquillos (thin, crispy rolled wafers), Piaya (flatbread with muscovado sugar), Butterscotch (chewy, sweet bars), Mangga (Mangoes) from Guimaras, Bayi-Bayi (ground toasted pinipig mixed with coconut milk and sugar).
Upscale restaurants in luxury hotels and independent establishments focusing on modern Filipino or international cuisine.
Numerous options Filipino, Ilonggo, and foreign foods. Malls host a wide array of chain and local restaurants.
Local eateries, public markets, and street food stalls for authentic tastes at affordable prices.
Increasingly available in current restaurants, especially in malls or Iloilo Business Park. Traditional Ilonggo cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetable dishes ("utan") exist.
Request "walang karne" (no meat) or "gulay lang" (vegetables only). For strict vegans, options limited outside specialized eateries.
General awareness of gluten-free requirements is low. Specify "walang trigo" (no wheat) or "walang harina" (no flour). Rice is a staple, many rice-based dishes naturally gluten-free.
Allergen information not commonly listed; direct communication with staff necessary.
Limited, mainly in Muslim-owned establishments. Verify certification.
Very limited to non-existent. Travelers with strict kosher requirements plan to self-cater or bring food.
Online forums, Facebook groups for vegetarians/vegans in the Philippines.
Directly calling restaurants in advance for specific needs.
While a religious festival, it numerous food stalls and food events.
A time for street food exploration.
This festival marks the island's famous mangoes with abundant mango-themed food.
A sweet experience for fruit lovers.
Public markets such As la Paz, Central, and Jaro are excellent places for fresh food and local eats.
Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, and Of american origin fast food chains are widely available in plazas and commercial areas.
These options increasingly available in modern restaurants, especially in malls or Iloilo Business Park.
Traditional Ilonggo cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetable dishes ("utan") exist.
Online forums and Facebook groups for vegetarians or vegans in the Philippines useful information.
Limited options, mainly found in some Muslim-owned establishments or specific restaurants catering to Muslim communities.
Verify certification when dining.
Very limited to non-existent.
Travelers with strict kosher requirements plan to self-cater or bring their own food.
Some local tour operators or culinary schools Ilonggo cooking classes. Inquire at the local tourism office or with GetYourGuide.
Guimaras Island for mango plantations; some farm tours during mango season. Rural areas in Iloilo province small-scale farms open for visits. Check GetYourGuide for agriheritage tours.
Explore local bars for "pulutan" (bar snacks) which often alcoholic beverages in the evening, an unique social experience.
Ilonggo cuisine is a journey of subtle, balanced flavors. Do not miss the local markets for authentic experiences.
