ILOILO: Food Trip and Pasalubong

Iloilo was originally inhabited by old Spanish families and migrants who brought sugarcane farming techniques in Visayas region. Because of this, locals produced some of the famous saccharine treats they're known for. Other food items below where heirloom recipes and old-time favorites, patronized by locals and tourists alike. Here are some delicacies I tasted from the province:

1. La Paz Batchoy

Batchoy is a noodle soup made with pork organs, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin and round noodles. It was believed to be invented out of leftover noodles and chopped pork innards. This delectable soup is famous in Iloilo's La Paz district where it was born in the local public market. Many claim they were the pioneers of concocting this dish such as Netong's, Ted's and Deco's, and they still flourish around the city. You're sure you'll be served with authentic batchoy available. For a local market feel, try Netong's, as Ted's and Deco's already have branches in Metro Manila.


2. Native brewed coffee and rice cake

Madge Cafe is popular for locals for serving brewed coffee the traditional way. Native coffee beans from highlands of Iloilo province were brewed and strained by stocking-like strainer direct to tin cans, personalized mugs and glasses for non-regular customers. I chose Coffee with Milk (Mild). You can taste the strong coffee yet made subtle with added milk. You can adjust taste by adding brown sugar at your table. Best accompaniment is a slab of rice cake.


3. Biscocho

A slab of toasted buttered bread as a favorite snack that originated in bakery at old Jaro district of Iloilo city. Best paired with hot chocolate drink and a famous pasalubong item. What I heard before is that it was invented to save extra slices of chiffon cake from being disposed. We do know that we Filipinos love to save any leftovers and turn them to new things.


4. Butterscotch

A soft chewable confectionery made of brown sugar and butter with added nuts and fruits such as mango and pineapples.


5. Pinasugbo

A sugary treat of sliced bananas in paper cones. The bananas are crunchy yet gooey due to caramelized sugar and can be messy when eaten.

6. Baye-baye

Baye-baye is another sweet treat made from pound glutinous rice and cooked with sticky consistency.  It is a specialty of Pavia, Iloilo. Similar to espasol but without flour coating.

7. Grilled Native Chicken

I'm a fan of chicken dishes whether grilled, fried, roasted, stewed or by other means. When I researched for a famous grilled chicken in Iloilo, blogs led me to this establishment. After a long trip from San Joaquin and Miagao towns, I alighted at Villa Arevalo district then under the sun's heat, I walked my way to the seaside road until I reached the manokan. I ordered a whole chicken instead because they don't have quarter nor half order of it. Since I'm famished, I already dig in. The native chicken was chewy and this charcoal-roasted wonder has infused flavors of tamarind leaves and some spices I can't determine. This kind of grilled chicken was new to me, and I loved it.


8. Pancit Efuven

At Jaro main branch of Original Biscocho Haus, they do have a restaurant serving local dishes and short orders. One of them is the locally known Pancit Efuven. The white flat noodles were sauteed with pork bits and garnished with sayote, cabbage and carrots. The sauce is similar to chopsuey. Hence, the taste is light and vegetables - crunchy.


9. Queen Siopao

At the historic commercial district of Iloilo city, there stands a restaurant serving Chinese dishes and one their bestsellers is their Queen Siopao. You really don't need a sauce for this as it is packed with bacon-sausage combo, eggs and adobo. It's a meal in one big bite! No wonder, people line for this siopao as they always run out of stock.


10. Snicker's Pie

If Bacolod has Calea, then Iloilo has Maridel's, serving its patrons sweet pies and luscious cakes at affordable prices. I took a slice of their Snicker's pie and it was decadent. They didn't scrimp on ingredients and the caramel sauce enhances the nutty interior. I would love to go back the next time I visit Iloilo.