Iloilo City is often referred to as the “City of Love” in terms of food spots because it is renowned for its delicious and diverse culinary offerings. While the nickname “City of Love” is more commonly associated with the city’s cultural and romantic aspects, it can also be extended to the love and passion that the people of Iloilo put into their cooking and the love that visitors have for the city’s food.

Here are some reasons why Iloilo City is considered a culinary haven:

Rich Culinary Heritage: Iloilo City has a rich culinary heritage influenced by a mix of Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese cuisines. This fusion of flavors has resulted in a unique and diverse array of dishes that are loved by locals and visitors alike.

Seafood Delicacies: Being located on the coast, Iloilo City is famous for its fresh seafood. You can savor a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, scallops, shrimp, and crab prepared in various ways, including the popular “sinigang na hipon” (shrimp sour soup) and “talaba” (oysters).

La Paz Batchoy: One of the most iconic dishes of Iloilo is “La Paz Batchoy.” This noodle soup is made with savory pork broth, egg noodles, and pork offal, and garnished with crushed pork cracklings, green onions, and sometimes, a slice of boiled egg. It’s a comfort food loved by locals and visitors alike.

Fresh and Exotic Fruits: Iloilo is known for its sweet and exotic fruits like mangoes, pomelos, and lanzones. The surrounding towns of the city have fertile soil and favorable climate contribute to the production of high-quality fruits.

Food Markets and Festivals: Iloilo City is home to bustling food markets and food festivals. The markets, such as the Iloilo Central Market, offer a wide variety of fresh produce, street food, and local delicacies. The city also hosts food festivals like the “Dinagyang Festival” and “Batchoy Festival” where you can sample an array of local dishes.

Local Bakeries and Sweets: Iloilo City has a thriving bakery scene, offering a wide range of bread, pastries, and sweets. Try “pan de sal” (Filipino bread roll), “biscocho” (sweet toasted bread), and “piaya” (a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar and sesame seeds).

Passionate Cooks and Chefs: The people of Iloilo are passionate about their food, and many talented cooks and chefs take pride in creating delicious and innovative dishes. This passion for cooking contributes to the city’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise.

Warm Hospitality: Just like their warm hospitality in general, Ilonggos take great care in serving their food. Visitors often feel welcomed and appreciated when dining in Iloilo City.

In summary, Iloilo City’s nickname as the “City of Love” in terms of food spot reflects its rich culinary heritage, delicious local dishes, and the passion and love that the people put into their cooking. It’s a place where you can experience the warmth of both the food and the people who prepare it.

I always check out the new posts from the group Kaon Ta Iloilo or KTI especially those that interest me. Well, it is almost all of them but I am particularly at looking at new places that serve noodles soup, Ramen or any other dish related to that. Recently, I have noticed the sequence of the post of a newly opened place which got me curious about their dish called Chao Long. It is of Vietnamese origin but they say that it is a popular menu in Palawan particularly in Puerto Princesa City.

The pictures they posted were very enticing, so is the price and so I decided to schedule my visit to the place named Alli’s Viet’s Chao Long and Café. It is located near the corner end just before the NEDA Regional Office in General Hughes Street. I went to the place right after my office hours and the good thing is it was just a jeepney ride (Jaro CPU) away. It was nearing dusk when I arrived and two to three persons were eating. The area is somewhat below the average eatery but it is not that small. I ordered one bowl of Chao Long, extra boiled egg and Garlic Bread. Minutes later, my order was served and I immediately took a picture (as per the Millenials’ routine).

I can immediately smell the therapeutic aroma of the hot soup with a spicy kick. The broth is just right to my liking and I can also spice it more with the chili paste. The Udon noodles were firm though the beef meat is slightly chewy. It was a smaller bowl for a serving but the full flavor is there. I even dipped the garlic bread just like how I eat Batchoy and asked for extra soup.

Total bill: 85 pesos. You can check the rest of their menu below.

Alli’s Viet’s Chao Long and Café is open every day, from 8am to 8pm and their Google Map location is placed below. From the downtown area, you can reach the place by riding a Jaro CPU or Lapaz jeepney.

*banner image from Journeying James.

Last Friday, my officemates decided to lunch out at a nearby Carinderia and I decided to join them since I haven’t visited that place yet. This is one way for me to promote the local food spots along with what delicious recipes they can offer for the tourists. I have not yet blog posted about it on my recent food trips which I only done on Facebook but this time I will try to post in detail along of course with the pictures.

Going back to that Carinderia spot, the name is Beige Eatery and it is located just across the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 6 and within the road going to Fort San Pedro. It was jam-packed when we arrived since it was nearing 12noon and we had to wait a few minutes for a vacant table. There was a variety of pork, chicken and fish dishes served at their front display rack and they also have steamed talaba being prepared beside it.

After ordering, I then noticed the lady hauling the sliced chunks of beef that were boiled for their Nilaga dish along with the diced jackfruit. I should have waited for it before we had our orders but knowing that my officemates won’t eat pork or beef, I will just reserve it for the next visit. I took this pic below.

We ordered biga-biga, grilled Bangus and kinilaw tangigue and rice and the total cost was around 500+ for the five persons. It was quite cheap given the quantity and quality of food.

Come Saturday, I went to SM Delgado to check on a semi-Barong Tagalog outfit which we needed to wear for the University of San Agustin event that night. After buying the suit, I walked past the Valeria Street side of the mall and noticed a small Thai Resto across the road. I was thinking of getting a cup of coffee that time but since it was nearing lunch time, I decided to just check the place and the menu.

Sen Lek Thai’s menu was mostly composed of different style of Thai Noodles with side dish of Thai Spring Rolls, meatballs and siomai. See it below for the individual prizes.

I ordered the Mix Thai Noodles (costs P120) for an initial taste and it did not disappoint. The noodles ain’t that firm and soup mostly tasted like an ordinary beef but the added mix of legumes and herbs made the flavor more interesting. I just wished I also ordered a side dish for an added appetizer.

I might come back there by next week if given the time and try their other dishes. The location is across SM Delgado Valeria Street and is situated between the BPI bank and the Dapli food house which is currently being renovated.

That is a wrap for now. I promise to post more food trip content to promote local Iloilo food and related events so just stay tuned for those. Until the next blog post.