Where Heritage Tastes Better
Iloilo isn’t just a city of heritage homes and Spanish-era churches, it’s a city best experienced through your senses, one bite at a time. The streets of Iloilo tell a story through food: of coastal abundance, age-old family recipes, and culinary traditions that survived colonization and modernization alike.
Here, every dish is a memory passed down on a plate. Welcome to the flavorful world of Iloilo, where even the simplest meal feels like a celebration of culture.
La Paz Batchoy, The Soul of Iloilo
You haven’t been to Iloilo if you haven’t slurped down a piping hot bowl of La Paz Batchoy. This rich noodle soup, born in the La Paz district, is made of miki noodles, pork organs, crushed chicharon, and a savory broth simmered to perfection. Go classic at Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy, tucked inside La Paz Public Market, loud, busy, and absolutely worth it.
Pancit Molo, Comfort in Every Spoon
Forget everything you know about pancit. Iloilo’s Pancit Molo is a dumpling soup, not a noodle dish. Made with hand-folded pork or chicken dumplings swimming in a garlic-infused broth, this heirloom dish is named after the historic district of Molo.
Kap Ising’s Pancit Molo has been serving bowls of nostalgia for decades and is still a go-to for Ilonggos craving warmth on rainy days.
KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka)
This sour-savory stew is as Ilonggo as it gets. Using kadyos (pigeon peas), baboy (pork), and langka (jackfruit), the flavor bomb comes from a native ingredient called batuan, a tangy fruit that gives KBL its unmistakable kick.
You’ll find an authentic version at Punot Iloilo, a modern Filipino restaurant by the river offering updated takes on local classics.
Fresh Seafood at Tatoy’s and Breakthrough
Ask any local where to eat in Iloilo, and you’ll get the same two names: Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafood and Breakthrough Restaurant. Located by the sea in Villa Beach, these iconic eateries serve everything from native lechon manok to freshly grilled diwal (angel wings clams), alimango, and talaba. Dining here means enjoying the sea breeze with a cold drink in hand and a plate full of the freshest catch.
The Sweet Side of Iloilo
End your food tour with Iloilo’s sweet traditions. Grab a box of Biscocho Haus’ toasted bread with sugar or garlic butter, or try Roberto’s Siopao—a cult favorite. For something icy, don’t skip the Butterscotch Bars from Original Biscocho Haus, or visit a local batchoyan for an impromptu halo-halo fix.
Iloilo’s food isn’t just delicious, it’s living history. It speaks of seafaring ancestors, Spanish kitchens, and mothers who taught their daughters the art of perfect broth. In this city, heritage isn’t hidden behind museum glass, it’s served daily, one plate at a time.
