If it's arroz caldo in Iloilo City, there's no restaurant more popular than Luna's (Arroz Caldo). Established in 1967 (probably) from a small stall, like most homegrown restaurants, it now has three branches (which are open 24 hours) with in the city. I have no definite information about it's history but it is safe to say that among what it had to offer that time, their arroz caldo is is what made the people come back. Thus making the restaurant synonyomous with the localized congee. I had my snack at their newest branch at La Salete building along Valeria street and was surprised that for a day that hot, I wasn't alone in the restaurant. The place is quite small for a restaurant with only six tables and I guess competition from nearby restaurants made them diversify to serve fastfood fixes like spaghetti and burgers. And they have them in "combos" too. Of course I didn't go there for pasta and/or burgers, but for their specialty, that eluded me (and my blog) for the longest time-lol. So it was an easy decision for me to have their "extra special" arroz caldo - one having egg and chicken - I chose a drumstick! The puto came neatly wrapped in banana leaves and was a perfect side.
When my order finally came, I had to extract the egg and chicken underneath for they were easily submerged in the "caldo". It was very yellow and the rice grains almost disappeared (maybe they stayed long in that hot pot all day). It tasted ordinary (for me) and I had to add condiments to suit my taste. They used native chicken for their laman for it was very noticeable from the color, texture and taste. It was a curiosity satisfied bloglured visit that afternoon. This "extra special" order of arroz caldo cost PhP69 almost the same as a bowl of La Paz batchoy and PhP15 for the puto. They also have the same order in combo with a serving of soda for PhP85. Come to think of it, a bowl costs almost the same a a bowl of La Paz batchoy - which I will have next time!