BY SHANNON JUADA
Aside from the Iloilo’s history and amazing tourist spots, people come back to this the City of Love for its food!
Take this from an Ilongga, we love food! We would rather spend our money on food than on clothes. No matter how full we are, we always always have extra space inside our stomachs for food that reminds us of home — Iloilo.
1. Madge Coffee
Madge is not like any other coffee shop because this one’s located at the center of a public market. However, don’t be discouraged because ever since its opening in the mid-1950’s, people have been coming back to the very familiar taste of Madge’s coffee. They wouldn’t last this long if they don’t offer the best city in the city, right?
On a hurry? You can grab your coffee to-go and the baristas will serve it in a milk tin can. Something that Madge is also famous for.
The coffee shop’s daily customers range from early morning joggers to students and even to big businessmen and politicians. On lucky days, celebrities even drop by Madge to see what the fuss is all about.
2. Batchoy
No, this is not you’re instant batchoy because you can opt to order it in three special ways — special, super special, and extra special! After grabbing a cup of coffee at Madge, you can head to Netong’s to grab a bowl of batchoy.
Here, you will see how they prepare your batchoy right before your very eyes.
Batchoy is already perfect on its own, but you can also choose to pair it with puto or pandesal.
Don’t be shy to ask for extra caldo (soup), chicharon, and garlic. You’ll get more of your money’s worth if you do.
3. Roberto’s Siopao
King and Queen! Something not just for the royalty, but something for your stomachs as well.
The words “Roberto’s” and “siopao” come hand-in-hand. Say “siopao” and people will immediately think of Roberto’s. And for a good reason.
For just roughly Php 70, you can already get a siopao that is slightly smaller than a saucer. Not only will you be amazed by the size of it, but they don’t skimp on the filling as well!
Visit on a Thursday and you might be able to buy their Queen Sioapao filled with bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken-pork adobo, and egg. That is, if you’re lucky enough because supply doesn’t last very fast.
4. Pancit Molo
Named after one of Iloilo’s districts, Molo, pancit molo is not like any other pancit dishes. If it’s your first time to eat pancit molo, don’t be surprised if you don’t see any noodles because the pancit in this dish are the molo balls.
There are restaurants around the city that offer this dish, but households have their own twists to this famous dish.
5. Seafood and Native Chicken
Iloilo may not be the country’s seafood capital, but it also boasts delicious seafood! Head over to Villa Baybay and you will see restaurants lining up, however one of the more famous is Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood.
What used to be just a nipa hut with three tables is now a well-known establishment in Iloilo with function halls and even a branch near the Iloilo International Airport.
They serve the cheesiest and the best baked oysters! One could finish one whole plate on an empty stomach.
It is also known for its Bisaya nga manok or native chicken. Although a bit pricey for roasted chicken, many people have been coming back to Tatoy’s just for it.
Pro tip: If on a budget, you could ask your waiter nicely for soup and they’ll be more than willing to give you one.
On your next trip to Iloilo, make sure to prepare your stomach and your travel necessities as well!