Exploring Filipino Cuisine in Iloilo

Introduction to Filipino Food Culture

• Love for exploration and getting lost in the Philippines.
• Diversity in Filipino food across provinces.
• Importance of exposure to different flavors for understanding cultural roots.
• Each dish tells a story about history.

Iloilo: A UNESCO City of Gastronomy

• Recently recognized for using indigenous ingredients and promoting local cuisine.
• Supports sustainable production practices.
• A dynamic city known for its food and livability.
• Rich in history with influences from Spanish and Chinese cultures.
• Cuisine focuses on simplicity and highlighting the ingredients.

Food Tour Highlights

Local Produce and Market Tour

• Guided by Chef Tibong, an advocate for Ilonggo cuisine.
• Introduction to local snacks and ingredients, e.g. Bukaka (sweet red fruit), Batwan (souring ingredient), native chicken.

Nora's Eatery

• Established in 1969, popular among locals for breakfast/brunch.
• Notable dishes: Inadobadong catfish, inihaw na baboy (grilled pork).
• Cooking style emphasizes natural flavors without overwhelming marinades.

Pinamalhan and Other Dishes

• Sinabawan: Simple soup with Batwan and tomatoes.
• Pinamalhan: Fermented fish dish with ginger and tuba vinegar.
• Ensalada Nga Puso Sang Saging: Banana heart salad, refreshing appetizer.
• Chicken adobo with atsuete oil showcases the flavor of native chicken.
• Paklay: Coconut pith cooked with kamias (sour ingredient).

Cyril's Eatery

• Family-owned since 1969, famous for pork chop and Arroz Valenciana.
• Traditional cooking techniques focusing on maintaining flavor integrity.

Beige Eatery

• Casual dining established by a former OFW.
• Focus on fresh seafood and consistency in dishes.

Seafood in Iloilo

• Roxas City known as the seafood capital of the Philippines, abundant in fresh seafood.
• Linutik: A dish made with squash, shrimp, and local greens.
• Scallops: Sautéed, showcasing local seafood flavors.

Dessert and Sweet Treats

• Maridel's: Famous for duck pao and various pies, including snicker's pie.
• Breakthrough: Renowned for seafood dishes.

Batchoy: A Local Specialty

• Batchoy: Soup dish with pork offal, broth, and noodles.
• Various versions tasted, including those from Deco's and Netong's, emphasizing balance of flavors.

Unique Culinary Experiences

• Encountered various traditional and modern dishes throughout the tour.
• Pancit Molo: A comforting soup with handmade dumplings, essential to Iloilo's cuisine.

Salt-Making Tradition in Miagao

• Budbud Salt: Unique salt-making tradition discussed with Lorlie, the last salt farmer.
• Importance of preserving and reviving local practices, along with challenges faced by the industry.

Conclusion

• Iloilo showcases a rich tapestry of flavors, cultural heritage, and culinary traditions.
• A deeper understanding of Filipino cuisine can be gained through exploration of local dishes and history.
• Recommendations for a longer stay to fully experience the diverse offerings.
• Encouragement to explore beyond popular spots for a true taste of local cuisine.