Must-Try Foods In Jaro Cathedral (Iloilo) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo, Philippines

The Jaro Cathedral, also known as the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, doesn't have a particular food history of its own. However, it stands in a district that is steeped in rich culinary tradition. Iloilo, as a province, is renowned for its diverse and savory cuisine which is part of the broader Filipino culinary landscape, influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and Malay flavors. The area surrounding Jaro Cathedral serves as a testament to this, with various eateries and food markets offering traditional Ilonggo dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo, Philippines for Tourist

1. Pancit Molo - A comforting soup with wonton-like dumplings filled with seasoned pork or chicken (Non-Veg).
2. La Paz Batchoy - A noodle soup made with a hearty broth, noodles, and topped with pork organs, crushed pork cracklings, and egg (Non-Veg).
3. Ib-os nga Manok - Native chicken cooked in a blend of lemongrass and spices, usually wrapped and cooked in banana leaves (Non-Veg).
4. Binakol - A chicken soup that is sweetened with coconut water and contains young coconut meat (Non-Veg).
5. KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka) - A sour and savory stew with pigeon peas, pork, and jackfruit (Non-Veg).
6. Kinilaw - A Filipino-style ceviche made with raw fish marinated in vinegar or calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chilies (Non-Veg).
7. Utan Iloilo - A vegetable stew consisting of whatever fresh vegetables are available, often including okra, malunggay leaves, and eggplant (Veg).
8. Valenciana - Iloilo's version of paella, loaded with seafood, meat, and glutinous rice (Non-Veg).
9. Biscocho - A twice-baked bread that is crunchy and sweet, perfect for snacking or as a pasalubong (Veg).
10. Barquillos - Thin, rolled wafer sticks that are light and crispy, often paired with ice cream or eaten on their own (Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo, Philippines

Breakthrough Restaurant

Address: Diversion Road, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Ilonggo seafood dishes like Grilled Fish and Sinugba (Non-Veg)

Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy

Address: La Paz Public Market, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Original La Paz Batchoy (Non-Veg)

Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods

Address: Villa Beach, West Diversion Road, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Inasal na Manok (Grilled Chicken) and Seafood (Non-Veg)

Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy

Address: Valeria St., Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: La Paz Batchoy (Non-Veg)

Madge Café

Address: Inside La Paz Public Market, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Traditional Ilonggo Coffee and local snacks (Veg)

Roberto's

Address: JM Basa St., Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Queen Siopao (Non-Veg)

Bavaria German Restaurant

Address: 22 Guzman St., Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Authentic German cuisine with various vegeterian options (Veg/Non-Veg)

Kap Ising Pancit Molo

Address: Guanco Street, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Pancit Molo (Non-Veg)

Camina Balay Nga Bato

Address: Villa de Arevalo District, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Tsokolate, Pancit Molo, and traditional Ilonggo cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)

The Summer House

Address: Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Famous for: Contemporary dishes with local twists (Veg/Non-Veg)

When visiting any of the listed restaurants or sampling the mentioned dishes, it's advisable to check the food type (vegetarian or non-vegetarian) as some eateries might offer variations of these iconic dishes that could cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions.