I never tried Deco's Lapaz Batchoy before for I find it a bit troublesome to find my way to Tinda Lapaz when there are so many batchoyan in the mall's comfort zones. I was then greatly thankful when Deco's was franchised under the Mang Inasal group (prior it's acquisition by Jollibee) for Deco's was just within reach. So I had my first taste of Deco's and I certainly wasn't gastronomically ecstatic about it.
Now fast forward a few years later and after becoming an Iloilo food blogger, eating for me now comes with an adventure as I seek places where they say good food abound. Whether its located in a posh hotel or restaurant or just a hole in the wall or even along the streets. And that's when I truly discovered that what I tasted in Deco's the convenient way wasn't the batchoy that made Deco's among the batchoy institutions in Iloilo City.
Despite seeing a Deco's branch at Gaisano City mall a few days ago, I braved the heat and light rainshower to have my batchoy fill at Deco's at the Lapaz market, which was just a block away crossing traffic congested streets. But one block makes a world of difference as everything seemed to be back in time - the ambiance, the setting, the aroma and the taste.
This extra super bowl costs PhP65 only and when it came right on the table, the very familiar and the batchoy aroma I grew up with rushed in bringing back the batchoy memories of yesteryears (Oak Barrel, Nat's among others). Compared to the few times I had my bowl of Deco's in the franchised branches, there's really a big difference in the taste, presentation and aroma.(Check it out here).
Anyway, I'm glad I ate at the original Deco's branch for its the way batchoy should be - in my opinion; deliciously not healthy. Ofcourse batchoy is not for the health conscious and if there are fusion batchoy like seafood (by the franchised Deco's branches and that trying hard restaurant in Jaro LOL ), then you'll loose the real taste and meaning of what batchoy is about. So the next time you and I crave for Deco's Lapaz batchoy, make sure its the one at Tinda Lapaz or nothing at all - for me.