Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Iloilo, Iloilo, Philippines
1. Kansi (Iloilo's Version of Bulalo)
Slow-cooked beef shank soup from Iloilo, famous for its unique herbal flavor and tender meat. A must-try during cool weather.
- Authenticity: Prepared traditionally with local ingredients and cooking methods.
- Seasonal Availability: Best enjoyed during the cooler months from October to February.
- Social Experience: Shared with family and friends, enhancing the bonding experience.
2. Pancit Molo
Delicate shrimp dumplings swimming in a comforting chicken broth and topped with crispy fried wanton skins. A signature dish of Iloilo.
- Local Ingredients: Includes local shrimps and freshly-made egg noodles.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer before a big meal.
- Versatility: Can be served in different ways, such as dry or with soup.
3. La Paz Batchoy
A hearty noodle dish made with beef broth, miki noodles, and topped with various ingredients like chicharon (pork rinds), beef loin, and a poached egg. Originating from La Paz Market.
- Iconic Iloilo Dish: Considered one of the most famous dishes of Iloilo.
- Quick and Affordable: Ideal for quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meals.
- Versatile Flavors: Flavors can be adjusted to personal preference with condiments like soy sauce, chili oil, or calamansi juice.
4. Guinamos (Bagoong Isda)
Fermented salted fish paste originating from Iloilo. Served as a condiment for various dishes or as a dip with fresh vegetables.
- Unique Taste: A pungent, salty, and umami flavor that adds depth to dishes.
- Traditional Production: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Versatility: Can be used as a condiment or dip, and paired with various dishes.
5. Chicken Inasal (Iloilo Style)
Charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of calamansi juice, annatto seeds, and various spices. Served with rice and sautéed vegetables.
- Distinctive Taste: The unique flavor comes from the combination of local ingredients.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the rich cultural heritage of Iloilo.
- Popular Destination: Can be found in tourist destinations such as the Atria Park Place or Smoky Mountain.
6. Silog Meals
Comfort food staple consisting of sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg), with a protein option like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (beef jerky).
- Easy and Quick: Ideal for a quick meal, especially during breakfast.
- Variety of Proteins: Different protein options cater to various preferences.
- Value-for-Money: Offers a complete meal at an affordable price.
7. Ilonggo Empanada
Deep-fried pastry filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Known for its crispy crust and juicy filling.
- Iconic Street Food: Found in numerous street food stalls across Iloilo.
- Versatile Filling: Filling can be customized with various ingredients like cheese, longganisa, or sukang Ilonggo (Ilonggo vinegar).
- Portable and Affordable: Perfect for a quick snack on-the-go.
8. Ilonggo Pork Sisig
Minced pork cheeks, liver, and ears cooked with a variety of spices and topped with chicharon, egg, and calamansi. A popular dish in Iloilo.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses less common pork parts that are rich in flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Can be served as a main dish or an appetizer.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the local culinary tradition and creativity.
9. Ilonggo Chicken Afritada
A comforting chicken stew made with tomato sauce, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and peas. Served with rice.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for a hearty and filling meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Ingredients can be adjusted to suit personal preferences or availability.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the local culinary tradition and creativity.
10. Bakbakes
Steamed rice cakes made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Often served as a side dish or dessert.
- Authentic Snack: Traditional snack from Iloilo.
- Versatile Serving: Can be served as a side dish or dessert, and paired with various sauces.
- Affordable and Filling: A budget-friendly option that is filling and satisfying.
11. Sinamak (Ilonggo Spiced Vinegar)
Spicy vinegar made with local sugarcane vinegar infused with a variety of spices like chilies, ginger, and black peppercorns. Used as a condiment or dipping sauce.
- Authentic Condiment: Traditional Iloilo condiment used in various dishes.
- Versatile Flavor: Can be adjusted to preferred level of spiciness and flavor.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the local culinary tradition and creativity.
12. Ilonggo Ginamos na Isda (Fried Fish with Bagoong)
Deep-fried fish coated in guinamos (bagoong) and served with steamed rice. A flavorful and aromatic dish.
- Unique Taste: The combination of fried fish and bagoong creates a unique, savory flavor.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the local culinary tradition and creativity.
13. Ilonggo Torta (Sweet Rice Cake)
A sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Often topped with grated cheese and margarine.
- Traditional Sweet Treat: A traditional Ilonggo dessert.
- Versatile Toppings: Topped with various ingredients like cheese, margarine, or ube halaya (purple yam jam).
- Portable and Affordable: Perfect for a quick snack on-the-go.
14. Ilonggo Puto (Steamed Rice Cake)
Soft and fluffy rice cakes made with glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. Often served as a snack or dessert.
- Traditional Snack: A traditional Ilonggo snack.
- Versatile Serving: Can be served plain or with various toppings like grated cheese, margarine, or muscovado sugar.
- Portable and Affordable: Perfect for a quick snack on-the-go.
15. Ilonggo Lumpia (Spring Roll)
Thin and delicate spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and bean sprouts. Served with peanut sauce or vinegar dipping sauce.
- Iconic Street Food: Found in numerous street food stalls across Iloilo.
- Versatile Filling: Filling can be customized with various ingredients like cheese, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Portable and Affordable: Perfect for a quick snack on-the-go.