Ihaw-Ihaw Thursdays - Asian Odyssey Lunch Buffet at Days Hotel Iloilo

Ilonggo and Filipino cuisine take centerstage as The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo presents IHAW-IHAW Thursdays. The highlight was the ihaw-ihaw (sugba) station which had pork, chicken wings, pork liver, chicken liver, and chicken baticulon (gizzard), among others. Part of the recently launched Asian Odyssey Lunch Buffet series, this Thursday buffet promises a gastronomic journey of familiar and well-loved Filipino cuisine with an Ilonggo touch.

Take for example the soup we had last time, it is a signature Ilonggo soup - Manok sa Monggo, Ubad kag Malunggay. It is only in Iloilo (and some parts of Western Visayas) where ubad (the pith of the banana trunk) is common in vernacular cuisine. And its a good thing that Days Hotel Iloilo included this local cuisine in their line up so as to promote local and heritage Ilonggo dishes.

One of the best-sellers last Thursday was Chicken Skin Chicharon. How can you refuse this freshly made chicharon that packs a big crunch in every bite?! Good thing the refill kept coming...

Appetizers also include Kinilaw nga Gurayan (Anchovies Ceviche-Ilonggo style) and Gulaman Salad (below). Both represent the bounty of the sea and among the famous specialties here in Iloilo.

Apan-apan is actually like adobong kangkong but with a twist. It is sauteed with guinamos before simmered into the vinegar concoction to give it a kick and more Ilonggo flavour.

Comes another healthy treat - Sinugba nga Bangrus (grilled milkfish). A dip in toyo-mansi gives it a real taste of home. And I could have made Linagpang out of this since there are also tomatoes and onions around. All I need was hot water - maybe next time!

The Lechon Manok was waiting on the next tray, almost ready to "fly" into our plate. But I saved it from the ordeal by picking it myself. And some sauce too.

Pork Binagoongan ... what more can I say but extra rice please!

But wait, this is a buffet so I can have all the rice I want. Not just any plain rice but this Longganisa Rice. At first I asked, "Where's the longganisa?" but when I "delved" the spoon into it, out came a burst of longganisa that seemed to be camera shy.

Now unto the desserts, still with some Filipino touch was the enticing plate of Banana Turon - crunchilicious!

How some royal, NO, "Imperial Bibingka"?

Of course, the staples were still there like the yummy assorted cookies, delectable bars and those eye catching dessert cups - all screaming "Pick me up!, Pick me up!"

And as always, the Halo-Halo station is always a fun way to end the food trip. You make your own halo-halo with all the ingredients you like. I have this simple yet delicious "recipe" which just consists of leche flan and buko strips with ice and milk - no sugar please. Have it your own way as they say ...

So another food trip has come and gone but everyday there's a buffet line up waiting to satisfy your own taste. And as always it's always worth it ..

See more photos on Flavours of Iloilo on Facebook.

Check this Days Hotel Buffet Schedule and Price Guide..

Asian Odyssey

Mondays-Fridays 11am to 2pm

The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo

4th Level The Atrium

Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City

Tel. 337-3297 / 336-8801 to 10 / 0917-700-3297

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FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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