Must-Try Ilonggo Delicacies
We have previously likened Iloilo to our dearest grandmother for the unique experiences it gives and the fond memories it leaves with us. That includes delicious dishes that make us feel at home in this unfamiliar city.
To fully understand what we mean, you must try these local delicacies that are iconic to Iloilo.
Pancit Molo
With Chinese influences during the Chinese occupation of the Philipines, Pancit Molo is very similar to China’s wonton soup but has been localized and adapted into Iloilo’s very own delicacy. Named after the Molo district in Iloilo, this wonton soup is made with molo or wonton-wrapped ground pork, shredded chicken, and minced green onions, topped with toasted garlic. Unlike the Chinese version, Pancit Molo doesn’t have noodles and has a thicker soup.
You can try this Ilonggo delicacy at some of the well-known local restaurants like the Molo Mansion Cafe and Camiña Balay nga Bato.
Empanara
Empanara is said to be an almost-forgotten Ilonggo delicacy. Before empanada became widely known in the country, there was empanara in Iloilo. It is similar in appearance to an empanada, which is a kind of fried pastry usually filled with ground meat. Empanara, however, is made with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp, and is eaten with garlic sauce.
You can have Empanara as an afternoon snack at the Molo Mansion Cafe in Iloilo.
Tsokolate (Native Hot Chocolate)
Another local specialty that Iloilo offers a different experience of is the tsokolate or hot chocolate made with local cocoa tablets. While you can easily make a nice cup of hot chocolate at home, Iloilo gives you a pleasurable tsokolate experience that’s thick, consistent, and chocolatey (rather than sugary), which feels like a fondle to one’s palate.
The experience is enhanced by the setting in which you drink this local delicacy—at Camiña Balay nga Bato, a heritage house which offers one of the best servings of tsokolate in Iloilo.
Batchoy
A soup that brings feelings of nativeness and rustic comfort, La Paz Batchoy is another kind of hot noodle soup that originated in Iloilo. It is made with miki (egg noodles), pork and beef innards, crushed chicharon (pork rind), and toasted garlic. It is slightly greasy, which is part of this dish’s charm.
This native delicacy is best enjoyed at La Paz Public Market, which also lets you immerse yourself in a truly local experience.
Biscocho
Biscocho is a delicious snack to go with your coffee or tsokolate! It is a crunchy and sweet buttered toast that is one of the most-loved and most sought-after pasalubong or souvenir item from Iloilo.
You can buy good-quality Biscocho from one of the well-established pasalubong shops in the city, Original Biscocho Haus.
Have you tried any other Ilonggo delicacy that’s not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
