Iloilo City made its mark in the country’s culinary map.
This, after the Department of Tourism (DOT) brought Filipino-American (FilAm) Chefs Tom Cunanan, Grant “Lanai” Tabura and Charles Olalia to Iloilo , one of the most exciting foodie havens in Western Visayas on Nov. 13.
Chef Rafael Jardeleza Jr. toured them around Jaro Huebesan or Thursday market.
They also found their way in a food crawl to sample Ilonggo specialties like Deco’s La Paz Batchoy, Tatoy’s native chicken in Arevalo district, and pasalubong favorites including original barquillos of De Ocampo’s, and famed Roberto’s siopao in City Proper.
They likewise visited Farm to Table restaurant in Mandurriao district for a special Ilonggo merienda cena or snacks, and Camiña Balay nga Bato in Molo district to try a cup of hot tablea or native chocolate.
The DOT embarked on gastronomic journey dubbed as Chefs’ Food Trip to the Philippines, a two-week tour around the country’s most-popular culinary destinations.
They met with seasoned Filipino chefs and learned about the richness of Philippine culinary scene.
Cunanan of Bad Saint in Washington D.C.; Tabura, winner of the Great Food Truck Race; and Olalia of Ma’am Sir restaurant in Los Angeles, aim to inspire food enthusiasts.Iloilo City PIO
