9 Ilonggo Food Tourists in Iloilo Must Try

Sometimes, we want to unwind or treat ourselves for surviving the stress everyday life gives us. Many people go shopping and eat at a nice restaurant, watch movie, go to a salon and get their nails and hair fixed. There are some, specifically adventurous (and wealthy) people, who’d go out of town or the country just to visit different places and see how beautiful our world is.

Food is part of a place’s culture. Wherever you travel to, in order to experience and immerse yourself with local culture you have to taste the local food.


This is true when you visit the Philippines. Aside from being a naturally beautiful country, Philippines is known for its delicious and tasty food. What’s more interesting is that every town or city in the Philippines has its own signature dish, food or delicacy. Some of the must-try foods can be tasted in Iloilo.

Iloilo is located in Panay Island in the Visayas Region. It is a tourist destination because of its Dinagyang festival and Paraw Regatta. But what attracts and catches tourists’ attention and piques their curiosity are the foods that can be seen and eaten around.

Here are some of the mouth-watering foods that will surely make you hungry.

1) Lapaz Batchoy

Iloilo is the home of Batchoy, and there is a never-ending debate on who offers the best version --- Ted’s or Deco’s. This contains fresh egg noodles called ‘miki’ and is very delicious with its different ingredients. 

2) Ginat-an

Ginataan is a stew of ingredients cooked in coconut milk. A popular version is sweet with fruits and root crops such as jackfruit, sweet potato, cooking bananas and taro root.

3) Siopao from Tinapayan

Tinapayan has its flagship branch inside the Atrium mall near Iloilo Capitol. They have different kinds of siopao that you could choose from --- chicken, asado or bola-bola for only 20php each!

4) Margec’s Cream Horn

With the newly opened Margec's Deli along E. Lopez Street in Jaro, these delicious dessert treats are now more accessible and convenient to the Ilonggos and to all the people who visit Iloilo. It is very affordable for the price of 15php each.

5) Bandi

The municipality of San Joaquin in Iloilo is known as the “Bandi Capital” of Western Visayas. They even had a Bandi Festival before in order to promote the product. Satisfy your sweet tooth by tasting this native delicacy. 

6) Pancit Molo

Said to have originated from the town of Molo in Iloilo City and influenced by the wonton soups brought in by the large community of Chinese settlers in the area, it is a soup dish made of meat-filled dumplings, shredded chicken and a robust broth. The piping-hot soup is ladled into serving bowls, and garnished with green onions and fried garlic bits for another layer of flavor. And believe me, this is really satisfying.

7) Biscocho and Barquillos from Biscocho Haus

It is a baked bread topped with butter and sugar, or garlic, in some cases. They are a popular specialty of Iloilo.Its crunchiness will surely satisfy your cravings.

8) Pinasugbo

A Saba or plantain bananas are thinly sliced, deep fried to a crisp, and coated in thick cane sugar and lightly coated or sprinkled with sesame seeds.

9) Dried Squid

Have you tried Dried Squid? It is salty and chewy, finger-licking delicious. Slightly crispy when cooked on grilled or deep fried. And yes, Iloilo have it! It is perfect with vinegar 

Fact is, the world we live in today has lots to offer. You just have to be wise and have an eye open to all the great opportunities that come. So if you want to go to a place wherein you can find a perfect relaxation spot and eat delicious food as much as you want without having to worry of messing up your budget, Iloilo is the perfect place for you. 

As they say, Filipinos are great cooks and if you have the opportunity to taste their specialties, you are one lucky person!. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines and Iloilo City is a stomach-friendly place for everyone.