A quick tour around Iloilo City gave the Sooo Pinoy foodie team a breather from all the Ilonggo dishes that welcomed us all with gusto. It was just the first day of Unilever Food Solutions Food Trip na, Pilipinas as it travels around the country in 10 cities dining in more than 100 restaurants trying to discover what makes Filipino, truly our own.
Passing by the Iloilo Central Market then unto Fort San Pedro to have a glimpse of Guimaras Island. A quick stopover at San Jose Church and Plaza Libertad for a bingka break and a courtesy call at the Iloilo City Tourism offices at the new Iloilo City hall and at the Freedom Grandstand.
Then it was off to Green Mango Fastfood along Valeria Street where Chef Mandy Hisuan Jr. welcomed us with the Filipino fastfood best seller – Lechon Kawali. It was so invitingly appetizing that we didn’t waste time finishing them off our plates.
The Sooo Pinoy event had the participating restaurants prepare their best seller at the same time concoct special recipes for the foodie team to assess – taste, presentation and price.
And it was the Pepper-crusted Sibingan with Carrot and Mango Slaw served with Balsamic Vinegar that made us gave a thumbs up. For a blue marlin dish to cost (if ever) around PhP125 is already a steal aside from being perfectly cooked like the lechon kawali.
Green Mango Fastfood started almost 5 years ago as Iloilo City’s answer to the demand of a fastfood restaurant that serves Filipino dishes. It has combo meals like the Pork Adobo and Beef Caldereta plus Pinoy soups like Sinigang na Baboy or Bangus to assorted Pancit dishes like Pancit Canton, which was voted among the country’s Top 10 during the Sooo Pinoy Campaign in 2010.