FOOD TRIP ILOILO: Coz it's raining and I'm craving

I was about to do my errands when the heavy rain poured and dragged me to my bed...

While lying down, my mind was flooded with flashes of food like tablea native chocolate from Miagao, Iloilo paired with creamy bibingka from Villa plaza to sweet and mouthwatering cakes of Dulgies or Calea and gelato by Gelatissimo .

Gelato by Gelatissimo
credits to ramonc1to.blogspot.com

Tablea native chocolate

Japanese Cheesecake
credits to foodspotting.com

Then comes the images of savory and appetizing gourmet dinner like the steaks of Casa verde, native chicken Binakol from Guimaras and my mama's karne prita.

baby back ribs by Casa Verde
photo credits to choosephilippines.com

So I grabbed my mobile phone to search for a good place to eat near my place.
I looked for something new. I live in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City. I read some food trip sites. Good sites.
I got up, opened my laptop and decided to contribute my share to the database of great-find food places here in Iloilo. Most of the sites already mentioned the famous Batchoy houses in Iloilo like Ted's, Deco's, Lapaz market batchoy and native coffee, Tatoy's inasalan (now they have a cool boutique resort), Breakthrough seafood restaurant (walking distance from where I live), Smallville restaus and bars, Afrique's, Roberto's siopao and Guimaras' mangoes. I bet you already know those food stops and associate them when you hear Iloilo.

Below are my list of favorite and accessible food stops in my beloved Iloilo which are not often listed in food blogging websites.


1. The Box restau

Newly renovated. Cool place. Nice ambiance. Perfect "below-zero" beer! And just across my place.

How to get there?

Driving: You'll pass it by if you are from Iloilo City going to Breakthrough seafood restaurant via Iloilo Supermart, Villa Branch.

Commuting: From Iloilo City, take Villa Arevalo Bay-bay Sto. Nino jeep. If the jeep is via Bonifacio, stop at Villa Supermart and ride a pedicab a.k.a trisikad and tell the driver to bring you to "Christian". You'll see the signage along the way. You can also ride a cab.


2. The Oyster House

Little restaurant along the highway which serves seafood and native Filipino dishes. Affordable and serves well. Just across Villa plaza. They serve sumptuous Sinigang na tangigue and they have cold fresh buko juice. Take note, the buko juice is still on its shell!

How to get there?

Driving: If from Iloilo City, drive through the national highway going to Antique. Opps! Don't drive too long. Remember, the place is just in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Commuting: From Iloilo City, you can ride jeepneys going to Villa Arevalo, Villa - Mohon, Miagao, Tigbauan, Oton, Guimbal or any jeep going to the south. You can also ride a cab. Drop down, Plaza Villa.


3. Federico

Photo credits to article.wn.com

One of my favorite places to dine before going to school.
They serve delicious pasta, fried chicken, steamed fish, yummy mixed vegetables, steaming hot soup and many more!
They serve giant square burger and their special iced tea is really special.
Very affordable if you consider the location and the place. Plus, their customer service is great. They also serve buffet lunch & dinner.

How to get there?

It is beside the Camella office across the University of San Agustin, Jalandoni St., Iloilo City.


4. Cilantro

A Vietnamese restaurant. They serve the best "ginger" rice in Western Visayas! Belos is the picture of my favorite Hainan rice with fried chicken. They is also best paired with Hainan steamed chicken.

Photo credits to Cilantro

Their fresh lumpia is extraordinary. Visit and you can't stop yourself from trying all their dishes. "Babalik-balikan". Plus the refreshing lemon juice plunge.. ahh!

How to get there?

It is at the back side of the University of San Agustin, Jalandoni St., Iloilo City. Near Don William's. :-D


5. The Lighthouse bar and restaurant

photo credits to C&C Academy

photo credits to Gary S.

Very nice interior. You can't help but order food and drinks once you're inside. I like their Mint shake and their house specialty, Lighthouse buffalo wings. There are a lot of menus to choose from. You should not miss their lava cake, too. The food presentation is appetizing and the taste - delicious. Not so affordable, though.

How to get there?

It is located along General Luna st., Iloilo City. Across Insular Life. Near Tijuana bar.


6. Nam Phrik Thai kitchen

Taste what the Thai royalty eat.
Delicious and original Thai kitchen in Iloilo. The flavours - awesome. Spicy? Hot! The blend of herbs and spices are so Thai. You'll forget you are still in the Philippines.
The founder of Nam Phrik Thai kitchen was previously a royal cook in the Kingdom of Thailand. No wonder.

photo credits to flavoursofiloilo.com and nam phrik page

How to get there?

Located in Sambag, Jaro. Along the highway. If you are from the University of San Agustin, ride jeeps going to Jaro. It's along the way.


7. JD's Bakeshop

photo credits to flavoursofiloilo.blogspot.com

Me and my classmates' favorite dining place after class. Why? There is one branch in Emilion Roadhouse just across the USA. What is better than a place that can cater your hungry stomach after a brain-swelling law class? They got affordable meals and sweet desserts. Their brownies has various flavors which are great for pasalubong.

How to get there?

This branch (Emilion roadhouse) is located along Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City. Across Unionbank. Near the USA.

8. Passad

photo credits to lamonpalooza.wordpress.com

Iloilo does not only have the best tasting Lapaz batchoy. It also have Passad noodles. Also known as Pancit Pancit, this Chinese/Japanese noodle stall is only open in the evening. It serves the best tasting, freshly cooked beef mami in Western Visayas!

How to get there?

Go there after 6pm. It is located along Quezon st., Iloilo City.

Commuter? Take Villa jeep going to Robinsons Place Iloilo.