Where to Find the Best Pasalubong in Iloilo

Where to Find the Best Pasalubong in Iloilo

Pasalubong are traditional gifts brought back for family and friends after a trip, and Iloilo has no shortage of options. Whether you’re catching a flight out of the new airport in Cabatuan, passing through the newly redeveloped Central and Terminal Markets, or just looking for a reliable bakeshop on your way out of the city, here’s an updated guide to the best places to find pasalubong in Iloilo.

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SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo remains one of the most convenient one-stop destinations for pasalubong shopping. The mall hosts several Original Biscocho Haus kiosks, including one near the food court and a dedicated counter at the Travellers’ Lounge for last-minute shoppers. Bong Bong’s also has a presence here, along with stalls selling Guimaras mangoes and produce from nearby towns when in season. A standalone pasalubong center remains located just outside the mall near the PUJ terminal.

Iloilo Central Market and Terminal Market (Newly Redeveloped)

This entry looks very different than it did a few years ago. After breaking ground in September 2023, the Iloilo Central Market (“Tienda Mayor”) and Iloilo Terminal Market (“Super”) reopened in their fully redeveloped form, following a roughly ₱3-billion public-private partnership between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime. Both markets are now modern, multi-level facilities with elevators, ramps, roof deck parking, and retail and food hall components alongside the traditional wet market stalls.

The Central Market sits within the Calle Real Heritage Zone, and its historic Art Deco façade was reconstructed as part of the redevelopment. Together, the two markets now host close to 2,000 vendor stalls, many of them homegrown Ilonggo food and pasalubong brands that have been given upgraded retail space. It’s still a great place to browse handwoven hablon textiles, abaca-woven mats and baskets, wood carvings, and other local handicrafts, alongside food stalls selling biscocho, butterscotch, piaya, and barquillos. The Central Market is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the Terminal Market from 1:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

La Paz Batchoy Shops

La Paz Batchoy is a popular local dish in Iloilo that makes for a unique and tasty pasalubong item, especially in vacuum-packed or takeout form. Made with noodles, pork, and broth, it’s a specialty of the city and can be found at several branches of three well-known shops: Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy, Deco’s, and Netong’s. If you’re looking for something different to bring home, these are still the standards to beat.

Festive Walk Mall

This Megaworld township in Mandurriao has grown considerably since this list was first written. Festive Walk Mall and its newer Annex building now host several pasalubong-friendly stops, including a branch of Original Biscocho Haus at Festive Walk Parade, along with bakeshops like Suisse Cakery and Sari-Sari Breadstore. It remains a good combined stop if you’re already in the area for dining, shopping, or a visit to the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA).

Molo Church

Molo Church remains a popular tourist destination known for its striking Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Its small souvenir shop still carries a modest but worthwhile selection of pasalubong items, including books, religious items, and other keepsakes.

Jaro Cathedral

Jaro Cathedral is another well-known heritage stop in the city, and its gift shop continues to offer religious items, books, and other small souvenirs for visitors passing through.

Original Biscocho Haus

Image courtesy of Original Biscocho Haus' Facebook page.

Original Biscocho Haus celebrated 50 years in business in 2025, having grown from a home-based sideline started by Teresa Guadarrama in Jaro in 1975 into one of the most recognized pasalubong brands in Western Visayas. The company now operates around 25 branches and kiosks across the region, with new locations added at the redeveloped Terminal and Central Markets as part of its continued expansion.

Their main branch remains at 8 Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro, and they continue to have a strong presence at SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place Iloilo, Festive Walk Parade, and now the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan. Beyond their signature biscocho, look out for their butterscotch, barquillos, piaya, and pinasugbo. Whether you’re after a traditional treat or something sweet for the people back home, Original Biscocho Haus is still hard to beat for sheer convenience and selection.

Wewins Pasalubong Center

Wewin’s has been part of Iloilo’s food scene since 1976, and it remains a reliable stop for both pasalubong and a quick meal. Its long-running branch on Iznart Street (now also associated with locations on Osmeña and Guanco Streets in the city proper) continues to serve baked goods like piaya, pandesal, and pan de leche alongside short-order meals. Wewin’s also has a presence at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, making it a convenient last stop before a flight out.

Merzci Bakeshop

Merzci continues to be one of the most widely distributed bakeshop chains in the city, with branches at JM Basa Street, Mary Mart Mall, Ledesma Street, and the Pavia transport terminal. Notably, Merzci now also has a dedicated pasalubong counter on the 3rd floor of the passenger terminal building at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, making it one of the easiest places to grab last-minute treats before departure.

Sari Sari Breadstore

Sari-Sari Breadstore remains a solid choice for mess-free, bite-sized biscocho, ugoy-ugoy, soft cakes and pastries, and breads baked and packed the same day. It maintains a wide retail footprint across the city’s malls, including SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place Iloilo, Festive Walk Mall, and Vista Mall.

Roberto's Siopao

Roberto’s Siopao at #61 J.M. Basa Street remains a go-to pasalubong stop for locals and visitors alike. Their siopao is made fresh daily in flavors like asado, bola-bola, and chicken, and they continue to offer other local favorites such as butterscotch, otap, and barquillos, all packed with freshness in mind for the trip home.

What sets Roberto’s Siopao apart from other pasalubong spots is their commitment to using only high-quality ingredients in all their products. Their siopao is freshly made every day, and comes in different flavors such as asado, bola-bola, and chicken. Aside from siopao, they also offer other local favorites such as butterscotch, otap, and barquillos, all packed to ensure freshness and perfect for pasalubong.

Roberto’s Siopao takes pride in their excellent customer service and ensuring that every customer is satisfied with their purchase. If you’re looking for a unique pasalubong to bring home to your family and friends, don’t miss out on Roberto’s Siopao. Their siopao is a crowd favorite, and their other local delicacies are definitely worth a try. Make sure to visit their shop at #61 J.M. Basa Street, Iloilo City, and savor the goodness of authentic Ilonggo delicacies.

Sabor Ilonggo

Sabor Ilonggo, located at the Lower Ground Floor of SM City Iloilo, continues to specialize in Ilonggo delicacies and souvenirs that highlight the region’s culture. Their barquillos come in flavors like chocolate, ube, and cheese, alongside other treats such as biscocho, piaya, and butterscotch. They also carry handwoven bags, wooden figurines, and locally made accessories, making them a good one-stop option for both food and craft pasalubong.

RGies Delicacies

RGies remains best known for its butterscotch, with its main location at Kamantigue Street, Gran Plains Subdivision in Jaro, plus several mall branches across the city. Beyond their signature flavor, they continue to offer chocolate, peanut butter, and ube variants, along with polvoron, barquillos, and savory snacks like dried fish and squid. Their customizable gift packaging, from small boxes to large gift baskets, still makes them a popular choice for group pasalubong orders.

Nang Palang's Buko Pie

Nang Palang’s Buko Pie, located along the national highway in Oton just outside Iloilo City, remains a go-to for travelers wanting something distinct from the usual biscocho-and-butterscotch lineup. Made with fresh coconut and custard filling, their buko pie continues to draw praise from locals and tourists, alongside other baked goods like otap, butterscotch, tablea, and binagol.

New: Iloilo International Airport (Cabatuan)

If you’re flying out and didn’t get a chance to shop earlier, the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan itself has become a legitimate pasalubong destination in its own right. Inside the passenger terminal, you’ll find kiosks for Original Biscocho Haus and Bong Bong’s, a dedicated Merzci pasalubong counter on the 3rd floor, and a Wewin’s branch as well. It’s a practical last stop if you’re running low on time, though it’s worth comparing prices with shops in the city proper if you’re not in a rush.

When it comes to finding the perfect pasalubong in Iloilo, there’s no shortage of great options, from century-old bakeshops to a newly modernized public market. Whether you’re looking for food, handicrafts, or other souvenirs, there’s something here for everyone on your list. Next time you’re in Iloilo, make time to visit a few of these spots and bring home some local goodies of your own.

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