Top 10 Iloilo Pasalubong Items: Must-Buy Treats for Every Traveler

When visiting Iloilo—the “Heart of the Philippines”—you’ll quickly discover its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and, most importantly, its mouthwatering delicacies. No trip to this province is complete without bringing home pasalubong (souvenir gifts) for loved ones. From crispy snacks to artisanal sweets, here are the Top 10 Iloilo Pasalubong Items that capture the soul of Ilonggo hospitality.

1. Barquillos: The Crispy Rolled Wafer

A legacy of Iloilo’s Spanish influence, barquillos are delicate, paper-thin wafers rolled into cylinders. Made from flour, eggs, and sugar, these golden treats are lightly sweetened and pair perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate. Locals often buy them in bamboo tubes for added charm. Popular brands like Primera Harvest and Merci offer fresh batches, while smaller bakeries in Sta. Barbara craft artisanal versions.

Why Buy? Their light, crunchy texture and nostalgic appeal make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

2. Biscocho: Buttered Toast Perfection

Biscocho is Iloilo’s answer to crunchy comfort food. This twice-baked bread is slathered with butter, sprinkled with sugar, and toasted until golden. The result? A caramelized snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside and slightly chewy inside. Roberto’s Siopao and Panaderia de Molo are iconic spots to grab a pack.

Why Buy? Its long shelf life and addictive flavor make it a practical yet delicious souvenir.

3. Piaya: Flatbread with a Molten Heart

Piaya is a flaky, unleavened flatbread stuffed with muscovado sugar. As you take a bite, the warm filling oozes out, offering a caramel-like richness. Modern twists include ube and pandan flavors, but the classic version remains a favorite. Look for Casa de Empanada or Biscocho Haus for premium quality.

Why Buy? It’s a portable, indulgent treat that embodies Iloilo’s love for sweet simplicity.

4. Butterscotch: A Sweet, Buttery Bite

Iloilo’s butterscotch is legendary—think buttery, melt-in-your-mouth candies with a hint of vanilla. The Deocampo brand has been a household name since 1959, using a closely guarded family recipe. Each piece is individually wrapped, making it easy to share.

Why Buy? Its creamy texture and nostalgic taste are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

5. Pinasugbo: Banana-Peanut Brittle

Pinasugbo combines thinly sliced saba bananas, caramelized sugar, and roasted peanuts. The bananas are deep-fried, coated in syrup, and sprinkled with sesame seeds, creating a sweet, nutty crunch. Vendors at Iloilo Central Market sell them in banana-leaf pouches.

Why Buy? It’s a unique blend of tropical flavors that showcases local ingredients.

6. Tultul Salt: The Artisanal Sea Salt

Tultul is a rare, hand-harvested salt from Anilao and Guimaras. Producers boil seawater in clay pots over coconut husk fires, forming smoky, mineral-rich blocks. Traditionally used to enhance dishes like kadyos baboy langka (pork stew), it is now a sought-after gourmet ingredient.

Why Buy? Foodies will appreciate its complex flavor and traditional preparation.

7. Baye-Baye: A Coconut-Rice Delight

Baye-baye is a humble yet flavorful snack made from glutinous rice, grated young coconut, and toasted sesame seeds. Vendors pound the mixture into a sticky cake, offering a subtly sweet, earthy taste. You can find it at local markets or street stalls, especially during festivals.

Why Buy? It’s a gluten-free, vegan-friendly treat that highlights Ilonggo resourcefulness.

8. Guimaras Dried Mangoes: Sunshine in a Pack

Though technically from neighboring Guimaras Island, these sun-dried mangoes are widely sold in Iloilo City. Bursting with natural sweetness and tang, they’re a healthier alternative to candy. Brands like Golden Sweet ensure premium quality with no added preservatives.

Why Buy? They’re a refreshing, vitamin-packed snack loved by kids and adults alike.

9. Dried Pusit (Squid): Savory Seafood Snack

Iloilo’s coastal waters provide an abundance of squid, which locals clean, season, and sun-dry to perfection. The result is a chewy, briny snack best enjoyed grilled or fried. Packaged dried pusit is available at Tabuan Market or supermarkets.

Why Buy? Seafood lovers will relish this umami-rich, protein-packed treat.

10. Tablea: Crafted Cacao from Balay Tablea Cabatuan

No Ilonggo pantry is complete without tablea—pure, artisanal cacao tablets used to make rich, velvety tsokolate (hot chocolate). Balay Tablea Cabatuan, a family-owned business in Iloilo, follows a traditional process: roasting, grinding, and hand-molding cacao beans into dense, aromatic tablets. Their stores, including a branch at Atria Iloilo, offer tablea in rustic packaging, making it an ideal gift.

Why Buy? More than just a drink, tablea provides a cultural experience. Its deep, bittersweet flavor pairs well with biscocho or pandesal and serves as a versatile ingredient for desserts like champorado (chocolate rice porridge).

Jocyl’s Food Products: Bringing Iloilo’s Flavors to Your Home

For travelers looking to bring home authentic Ilonggo flavors, Jocyl’s Food Products offers a range of premium meat products and delicacies that make perfect pasalubong items. Here are some top picks:

• Chorizo De Kalibo – Made from pure meat without preservatives, this signature chorizo delivers a savory and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for grilling or frying.
• Chicken Longganisa – A healthier twist on the classic longganisa, this variant features a well-balanced blend of spices.
• Footlong Longganisa – A longer version of the classic longganisa, offering more garlicky goodness in every bite.
• Banana Chips – Crispy and naturally sweet, these chips provide a healthier alternative to regular snacks.
• Camote Chips – Made from sweet potatoes, these chips deliver a satisfying crunch with a unique flavor.
• Crispy Shrimps – A delightful seafood snack, seasoned to perfection, offering a taste of the sea in every bite.

Jocyl’s Food Products remains committed to delivering 100% pure meat products without preservatives, ensuring delicious and high-quality offerings. You can find their products at their store along Tigayon Highway, Barangay Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan, or through their online shop at https://jocyls.com/shop/.

Whether you’re strolling through historic Calle Real or island-hopping in Gigantes, these pasalubong items are your edible souvenirs of Iloilo’s rich heritage. Don’t forget to pack an extra bag—these treats disappear faster than you think! 🧳✨