FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

My usual order of extra special La Paz batchoy and pre war pan de sal at Deco's La salette branch. I had two extra bowls of caldo for I had a black pepper "overdose" that time. I decided to have snack because I wanted to update my batchoy photos.

Pan de coco from Sari- sari breadstore Pre-war pan de sal from Deco's "Panimals" from Sari sari Breadstore

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...