When visiting Iloilo, your journey won’t be complete without indulging in its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Known for its unique flavors and traditional recipes, Iloilo offers a gastronomic adventure that will surely delight your taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes and delicacies that you shouldn’t miss:
La Paz Batchoy
Originating from La Paz, Iloilo City, La Paz Batchoy is a must-try dish for both Filipinos and tourists. With its rich chicken broth, rounded noodles, pork organs, beef loin, and shrimp stock, garnished with chicharrón, it’s the perfect comfort food for cold nights.
Pancit Molo
Pancit Molo, the local counterpart of Chinese wonton soup, hails from the district of Molo in Iloilo City. It features locally-made dumplings with shredded chicken or seafood flavors, wrapped in molo ball wrappers, making it a hearty and heartwarming dish.
Valenciana
Valenciana, Iloilo’s version of paella, is perfect for celebrations. Made with sticky rice, pork, chorizo, and garnished with eggs, peas, bell peppers, and raisins, it’s a fulfilling meal that embodies the festive spirit of Filipino gatherings.
KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, at Langka)
KBL is a unique Ilonggo dish made with pigeon peas, unripe jackfruit, pork, and the souring agent batuan. Its distinctive warm and sour flavors make it a memorable dish for those seeking something different.
Bitso-Bitso
For dessert, try Bitso-Bitso, Iloilo’s version of twisted donuts. Made of rice flour, twisted, deep-fried, and dipped in muscovado sugar syrup, it’s a sweet treat that perfectly rounds off a meal.
Ibos and Variants
Ibos, also known as suman, is made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, wrapped in coconut leaves, and served with sugar. Variants include Bot-ong (wrapped in banana leaves), Suman (mixed with muscovado sugar), Kalamay Hati (ground rice with coconut milk), and Suman Latik (topped with sweetened coconut strips).
Inday-Inday and Moasi
Inday-Inday is a flattened, sweetened rice cake topped with bukayo, while Moasi is a fusion of Inday-Inday and Suman Latik, topped with grated coconut and muscovado sugar.
Conclusion
Iloilo’s culinary scene offers a delightful array of dishes rich in history and flavor. From the comforting bowls of La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo to the festive Valenciana and the unique taste of KBL, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t forget to try the sweet treats like Bitso-Bitso and Kalamay Hati, which provide the perfect ending to a satisfying meal. Embark on a culinary journey in Iloilo and experience the best of Filipino cuisine.
