FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

I missed my chance a few weeks ago to have a food trip somewhere in Brgy. Ingore, Lapaz.  It would have been filled with these mouth-watering native Ilonggo delicacies as that trip would be in a compound that makes these native goodies and sells them throughout Iloilo City. Why in Lapaz did the native-delicacy maker set their compound at? It seems to have started a long time ago when the Panay Railways (connecting Iloilo City and Roxas City in Capiz) was operational. Along with Lapaz's most famous gastronomic contribution - batchoy, the train served a vital role in the thriving business. The demand was there - imagine the throngs of people using the train, buying these for snacks or even something to bring home. Then there's also the supply - raw products coming from the towns can be easily transported to be made into these native delicacies. So the cottage industry has thrived even after the train stopped operations and is still making god business. ...

It’s been a while since I featured (read gorged on) Iloilo's most popular Chinese bun - Roberto’s Queen sio pao . Aside from being unavailable most of the time (I think it’s now every two weeks rather than monthly), the restaurant is out of my usual way.  Priced at PhP105 and though the size isn’t that overwhelming as before yet still big compared to other sio paos in the city.  It was still hot when I got it from “Roberta” before (he's Clauds by the way, RIP 🕯) and around two hours later with some rainy escapade, I was surprised to sense it warmth when I got home. Aside from what’s inside, I really like the bun of Roberto’s sio pao. With a hint of gumminess yet soft to each bite, it greatly complements the filling.  Though I got a rather one sides sio pao with the filling almost bursting out the bottom part while the top was all bun.  But it’s one of the more photogenic ones I had so far – I halved it perfectly with without much damage to the...

A bibingka so filled with coconut strips that I call the bingka from Mohon -  bingkang bukayo. It is always a treat to savor every bite of this famous bingka from Mohon. Each mouthful is teeming with strips of coconut that would put other bingkas to “shame” in terms of coconut meat filling.  They sell bingka by the box (PhP50) and by the paper bag (PhP20/8pcs) and both have the same delectable goodness of the famed bingka from Arevalo. The only downside is that they only make their bingka on Fridays until Mondays. And if you’re not fortunate enough, you’ll find yourself with none for most are already out by noon time – they don’t usually make a very big batch. But you can make reservations for pick-up; just contact them through 0919-572-2581. Yet be really sure of your reservations because sometimes, even those can be “sold out”. Read more about Bingka from Mohon .

It's been a while since I visited my hometown's most popular batchoyan, the viral Batchoyan ni Jasmin Sobredo in Ilawod, Santa Barbara, Iloilo. Though I got to enjoy this semi-regularly, it's always on delivery/take-out. So out of nowhere, I just have to satisfy my cravings of having a hot and delicious bowl of La Paz batchoy…. inside a not so typical batchoyan. If you haven't been here for a long time, you'd be glad they now have a bigger parking space and a much more welcoming main entance. It's a testament of its success after it went viral over socmed a few years ago as they were always flooded with hungry guests - locals and tourists alike. With a collection of plants ( borne out of the pandemic, hello plantitos and plantitas) flanking the passageway, its a respite from the hustle and bustle of regular batchoyans located inside wet markets. Not typical but Tropical batchoyan, I may add. Upon entry, you'll already smell th...

Googling for Pancit Efuven showed only a handful of pages and most links were actually some of my own forum posts and pictures.  PCIJ’s online article said this noodle was actually named from the maker but it had no supporting information actually also made me hunger for more, info that is. My familiarity with this noodle started on the fact that it had become one of the staple noodle dish prepared at home, whether on special occasion or just any given Sunday lunch.  I can only assume that we (family members) got curious about this noodle variety that we tried to use it instead of the usual pancit canton, bihon or sotanghon. Or we might also have heard others talked about it or ate in some restaurants serving this pancit. It has no special ingredients, just plain and simple noodle. Some say it’s the local version of linguine, others a much cleaner pancit canton.  It doesn’t really matter but for me it does taste like a cross between a panc...

I have always loved the al fresco ambiance of Buto't Balat Restaurant and no matter which branch, it still has the signature "oasis" in the city feel. But if there's something more I love about this restaurant, it it their Sizzling Pork Sisig.  This particular one, from the branch near Jaro Plaza, reminds of the original sisig concocted by Aling Lucing's in Angeles, Pampanga With almost finely chopped maskara (pig's face) and ears mixed with other meats plus onions, chili and spices, it's one sizzling plate of cholesterol-laden delicious treat.It's my choice for the best pork sisig in town! Buto't Balat near Jaro Plaza is the newest branch among the three existing restaurants (one is located beside Plazuela de Iloilo and another at the Amigo Plaza Hotel carpark), but it's actually the original branch that was just transferred a few months ago. It exudes a leisure gastronomic experience perfect any...

Runway Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, is excited to announce its newest offering: Buy One, Get One Free Lunch Buffet for ₱ 1,500ftom September 3 to 26 & November 6 to 28 2025, every Wednesdays to Fridays.  The lunch buffet features a wide variety of freshly prepared dishes, from savory mains to decadent desserts, all designed to delight food lovers and casual diners alike. Guests can enjoy an abundant dining experience while making the most out of this special promotion.  Highlights of the Offer: 😋😋Buy One, Get One deal on the lunch buffet 🍣🍗An extensive menu featuring seasonal specialties and international cuisines  🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒👫Perfect for families, friends, and food enthusiasts who love discovering new flavors  For Reservations and In7quiries you may email atyourservice.ilocy@courtyard.com or (033) 330-7600  Also visit www.courtyardiloilo.com and follow @Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo on Facebook and Instagram fo...