Home to two of our country’s most loved hot noods, Iloilo is truly an ideal stop for a gastronomic adventure! My recent visit was a flavorful trip as I did not miss my chance to pig out on bowls of the classic La Paz Batchoy and the well-loved Pancit Molo, right at the Courtyard!
Food at The Courtyard: “Aroy Mai! ” Namit!
A bento box of delicious Thai samplers along with sweet treats welcomed my roomie and I as we settled in our quarters and home for 3 nights in Iloilo. Aroy mak! Arriving in the afternoon, it gave us a window to take a quick snack and a short stroll along Iloilo Business Park before heading down for dinner!
The dinner buffet was set by the hotel pool, featuring local offerings and specialties! My personal favorites- La Paz Batchoy and Guimaras Mango Brazo de Mercedes!
Breakfast was EXTRA, not to mention BIG, at The Runway Kitchen, serving international cuisine, along with local and Thai favorites! Pancit Molo was for sure the star of the buffet, alongside the Thai spread.
Iloilo Eats & Etc
Touring historical sites, learning fascinating stories behind each of ’em and knowing inside out why Iloilo is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the country, also made me wonder how’s the culinary game in the city would score!
During our short stay in Iloilo, we got to try some offerings at Balay sa Bato, a local coffee shop in Molo called Kuru Kape, a bar along Festive Walk called Mamusa and The Emperador Museum. Not much to put a valid personal mark on the local cuisine but from what I had a taste of, made me more intrigued to try more! Maybe on my next trip back!
Here’s my personal pick and recommendations.
1. Balay sa Bato – the empanada and the sikwate combo is a must try!
2. Kuru Kape – Iced Latte
3. Mamusa – the cocktails are superb! Ahhh!
4. Emperador Museum – not much of an drinker, but tried the coffee liquor and it was for sure, smooth!
Carving for more of Iloilo
Iloilo left me hankering for more of its taste and flavors! Gladly, it’s convenient to fly to Iloilo from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Air, having flights thrice weekly to the City of Love! Tara, balik ta sa Iloilo!
For a wonderful home in Iloilo, read more about The Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo. And for flights, check out Cebu Pacific Air!
