FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Last year, I found myself inside one of the gastronomic landmarks of Iloilo and among the oldest bakeries in the Philippines. Established in 1896, Panaderia ni Pa-a (formerly Jaro Bakery) is very popular then and now with a singular item - pan de sal.  With it's signature French bread quality - crisp outside and soft inside, it has influenced the gastronomy of the Ilonggos especially those residing in Jaro. P Panaderia ni Pa-a was named in honor of Jose Uy's father, Uy Paa who was a native of the Southern China province of Fujian. Founded by Jose Uy's great grandfather, Chiquito Uy, the bakery has withstood the test and taste of time and lived up to more than a century of baking and maintaining the quality and taste of it products especially the famed pan de sal. R enovated a few years back, it is now house in a modern facade that hides the fact of its more than a century of existence except for the signboard that says "Established in 1896...

An article entitled Wheat Matters: Living the Legacy of Chinese Ascendancy appeared on a school based publication and it featured three of Iloilo City's nostalgic bakeries. Buho Bakery is among the most notable bakeries in Iloilo mainly because of it's "iconic" hole in the wall. Dainty though known mostly as a Chinese restaurant has quite a good range of baked goods. And Panaderia ni Pa-a , among the oldest bakeries in the Philippines (since 1896) and makers of an iconic pan de sal in Iloilo City . Enjoy these features courtesy of the The Augustinian Mirror Vol. 75 No.2 dated March 2009. Introduction Buho Bakery Dainty House Restaurant and Bakery Panaderia ni Pa-a

Courtesy of FOOD MAGAZINE March 2008 Issue Just a few hours ago, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featured some of the country's oldest bakeries. I was so sure that it will include Iloilo's iconic bakery named Panaderia ni Pa-a . And indeed it did! That's why I'm updating this blog entry. If solely based in the said feature, Panaderia ni Pa-a might as well be given a plaque of being the country's oldest being the only one among the four featured bakeries established in the 19th century, 1896 to be exact. Courtesy of Panoramio Courtesy of ExploreIloilo

Just a single mistake made my dinner "crashed like dominoes". But that will come later. Today’s gastronomy trip started in Deco’s La Salette with Lee and Marc for Lee’s batchoy survey. With super special batchoy and two kinds of pan de sal; pre war and that of Pa-a . Over these, we talked about almost anything under the sun. We then had a side trip to Deco’s pasalubong shop where, as I always say, you can find almost everything for your pasalubong box. Ever since this opened I have been very vocal about my “thumbs up” for this one stop shop. On our way to the Capitol, we met accidentally bumped into Rex, under the pedestrian overpass of all places. Having idle time at hand, he joined our adventure that afternoon. We decided to let our lunch settle down first before having our next batchoy meal, this time at Ted’s, by visiting the Capitol and going up the 6th floor for (almost) a birds eye view of the city of Iloilo and beyond. It was really a great first time for me and Lee...

Many first timers would get this side order at Deco's mainly because they are curious what a pre-war pan de sal would look and taste like. Then comes to your table a tiny yet compact pan de sal that looked like it has been squashed by hand then baked in the oven. It sells around 5pesos/3pcs. Check it out at any Deco's branch together with another famous bread, Pan de sal ni Pa-a. Deco's batchoy served with pre war pan de sal (left) and pan de sal ni Pa-a c/o FOOD Magazine March 2008

Is it the topping (chicharon, garlic, egg) that makes your taste buds crave for it after? Is it the bits of meat (pork, chicken,beef, seafood) that blends into a delicious concoction? Is it the soup (and it's secret ingredients) that makes your sense of smell go beyond its usual function? Or is it the noodle (meke, bihon, sotanghon, miswa) that you wanna go for a second bowl? Pork batchoy Beef batchoy Chicken batchoy Seafood batchoy feature Deco's Original La Paz batchoy since 1938 Deco's flagship branch at La Salette building started a buzz (not only because of its automatic door) but its entry to commercial batchoy scene monopolized by decades. Their newest branch is at Smallville. Deco's batchoy with pre-war pan de sal and pan de sal ni Pa-a Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy since 1945 Ted's Old Timer along Iznart street is the most "touristy" among all it's branches. Nice view of the hustle and bustle of the city through its glass walls plus it h...