Mention Iloilo and the first thing that comes to mind is food. Be it La Paz bachoy, pansit Molo, kansi, inasal or KBL. Not to mention biscocho, banadas, piaya, butterscotch bars and other unique biscuits. Known as a food haven for Pinoys and foreign visitors, the city was cited as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023. This was in recognition of the city’s “long-standing gastronomic tradition rooted in its inhabitants’ way of life and in the local culture of the “fiesta” and its festive banquets.”  This citation also pays tribute to the thousands of people involved in the gastronomy sector, working in the over 300 restaurants in the city. It is the first city in the Philippines to be cited, putting Iloilo and the Ilonggos proud food history on the global culinary map. When you visit Iloilo, eat your way through the city then don’t forget to fill a huge bag of food pasalubongs to bring home.