The Tourist Gaze

Iloilo City was honored as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023, a recognition that celebrates its rich culinary heritage and innovative gastronomic scene. Iconic dishes like La Paz batchoy and pancit molo highlight the city’s commitment to preserving its culinary traditions while newer restaurants giving their spin on these dishes show how it also embraces modern culinary trends. The UNESCO designation not only places Iloilo City on the global culinary map but also underscores its role as a cultural and gastronomic hub in the Philippines.

On a visit to Iloilo, trying an authentic bowl of La Paz Batchoy is a must. This beloved Ilonggo dish has deep roots in the city’s culinary tradition, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than at a local institution like Netong’s.

Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy is an iconic eatery in Iloilo City, renowned for serving one of the best La Paz Batchoy dishes in the region. Established in 1948 by Teodorico “Netong” Guillergan Sr., this family-owned business has become a beloved institution, preserving the traditional flavors and culinary techniques of this famous Filipino noodle soup.

For an authentic experience, savor your meal at the original branch in the bustling La Paz Market, where the busy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly cooked batchoy create an immersive dining experience. The market is currently undergoing construction, though.

Netong’s batchoy features a rich, savory broth made from pork bones, beef, and chicken, simmered for hours to achieve a deep, hearty flavor. The soup is filled with fresh egg noodles, tender slices of pork, pork liver, and crunchy chicharrón (pork cracklings), topped with green onions and a raw egg. Each bowl is a comforting and satisfying meal, offering a taste of Iloilo’s culinary heritage that continues to attract locals and tourists alike.

At Netong’s, you can choose from different serving sizes based on your appetite. The Mega Batchoy (PHP 130) is the largest and most filling, perfect for those who want to go all in on their La Paz Batchoy Iloilo experience. It includes a generous portion of the broth and noodles, plus a substantial amount of toppings. The Super Batchoy is a step down in size from the Mega, making it ideal for those who want a satisfying meal without the challenge of finishing the largest portion. The Extra Batchoy is the smallest, perfect for those with a more moderate appetite.

Whichever size you go for, a traditional way to enjoy this hearty soup is by pairing it with puto, a soft, fluffy steamed rice cake that balances the rich and savory flavors of the batchoy. This combination of the warm, flavorful broth and the light, slightly sweet puto, enjoyed amidst the lively market setting, perfectly encapsulates the renowned food culture of Iloilo City.

Locals recommend eating La Paz batchoy in the morning or late afternoon, when the market is bustling and the soup’s warmth is extra comforting.

Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy
Public Market, Rizal St, La Paz, Iloilo City, Iloilo
(033) 396 2189
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