La Paz Public Market
The birthplace of the iconic La Paz Batchoy, this bustling market offers a true taste of Iloilo's culinary heritage and local life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the freshest produce
La Paz Public Market
Best Time
Experience the freshest produce
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The birthplace of the iconic La Paz Batchoy, this bustling market offers a true taste of Iloilo's culinary heritage and local life.
"Came for the history and left with a full belly. What a great place to walk around and interact with the people."
🎯 Must-Try Batchoy Spots
Don't miss Netong's or Deco's for the authentic La Paz Batchoy experience!
💰 Affordable Local Finds
Expect reasonable prices for fresh goods and local delicacies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy
Inside the market
Savor the authentic, flavorful broth and fresh miki noodles of the legendary La Paz Batchoy.
Deco's La Paz Batchoy
Inside the market
Experience another historic batchoy house, serving up this beloved Ilonggo noodle soup since 1938.
Local Produce and Native Products
Market stalls
Discover fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, and unique local ingredients like Batuan fruit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Batchoy Buzz
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Must-Try Batchoy Spots
Don't miss Netong's or Deco's for the authentic La Paz Batchoy experience! 
💰 Affordable Local Finds
Expect reasonable prices for fresh goods and local delicacies.
🚶♀️ Navigate the Crowds
The market gets busy; be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere.
🌶️ Taste Local Flavors
Look for unique ingredients like Batuan fruit for authentic Ilonggo cooking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Must-Try Batchoy Spots
Don't miss Netong's or Deco's for the authentic La Paz Batchoy experience!
💰 Affordable Local Finds
Expect reasonable prices for fresh goods and local delicacies.
🚶♀️ Navigate the Crowds
The market gets busy; be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere.
🌶️ Taste Local Flavors
Look for unique ingredients like Batuan fruit for authentic Ilonggo cooking.
📸 Capture the Vibe
The market offers a vibrant scene for photography enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Paz Public Market is a vibrant hub for authentic Ilonggo cuisine, especially its legendary batchoy. While some visitors note cleanliness issues and a strong market smell, many praise its affordability, the friendliness of locals, and the rich culinary experience it offers. It's a must-visit for foodies seeking genuine local flavors.
"This place is disgusting. There are sections in the market where the air is so bad that it’s like a mix of dead animals, garbage, feces and urine.
The market is cramped and I seriously question if there are any health and safety standards being applied.
Come at your own risk"
Tony Louie
"Came for the history and left with a full belly 😋. What a great place to walk around and interact with the people of this community. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Although the place is busy and can get filled with people shopping, it was a great experience. Great food, fun, and people mixed into this area, I loved walking through here. Wife gathered other things to cook for dinner and went home a few hours later. Mabuhay 💛 💚"
Booyaka Stubbs (ExplorewithStubbs.com)
"If you want to try the original batchoy and find many other native products, visit this market. We tried the Batchoy at Netong's and we bought the local fruit Batuan/Batwan used as a flavoring (sour)."
Joy Lagac
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Paz Public Market is accessible by various modes of transportation in Iloilo City. Tricycles and jeepneys are common options from different parts of the city. If you're coming from SM City Iloilo, it's a relatively short ride.
Parking can be challenging due to the market's popularity and busy nature. It's often best to rely on public transport or ride-sharing services if possible.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Grab are available in Iloilo City and can be a convenient way to reach La Paz Public Market, especially if you have luggage.
Walking is the best way to immerse yourself in the market's atmosphere and discover its hidden gems. Wear comfortable shoes!
The market is located within Iloilo City, so it's a considerable drive from the airport. Consider transportation options beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, La Paz Public Market is a public market and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore its various sections.
The market typically operates from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. However, specific stall hours may vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
While the market itself doesn't sell tour tickets, you might find local guides or information about tours in the vicinity. Online platforms like Klook may offer tours that include the market.
There is no formal dress code, but it's advisable to wear comfortable, casual clothing and footwear suitable for walking in a busy market environment.
While efforts are made to organize the market, accessibility can be a challenge due to its nature. Some areas might be cramped.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The absolute must-try is La Paz Batchoy, a hearty noodle soup. Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy and Deco's La Paz Batchoy are the most famous spots.
Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy and Deco's La Paz Batchoy are considered the pioneers and are highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
Beyond batchoy, you can find a variety of local delicacies, fresh seafood, grilled meats, fruits, and other Filipino street food.
Vegetarian options might be limited, as many local dishes are meat-based. However, you can find fresh fruits and some vegetable dishes.
Prices for a bowl of La Paz Batchoy are generally affordable, often ranging from PHP 50 to PHP 150, depending on the establishment and size.
📸 📸 Photography
The market offers vibrant scenes of daily life, colorful produce, bustling vendors, and of course, the iconic batchoy being prepared.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls. Many are happy to oblige if asked respectfully.
Mornings offer the freshest produce and lively activity, while late afternoons can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
The entrances to the batchoy houses like Netong's and Deco's, along with the general market aisles filled with goods, make for great shots.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens for low light would be useful. A wide-angle lens can capture the market's expanse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the crowds and keep a close eye on your children. It's a good idea to have them wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Consider visiting during less crowded hours if possible, or focus on specific food stalls to minimize exposure to the more intense market areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond food, you can find local snacks and souvenirs at competitive prices. It's a great place to experience local life and taste authentic Ilonggo flavors on a shoestring budget. Just be prepared to haggle politely for some items if you venture beyond the food stalls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of La Paz Batchoy
+1Many visitors come specifically to Iloilo to experience the authentic batchoy in its birthplace. The market provides a raw, unpretentious setting to savor this dish, allowing you to truly connect with its history and cultural significance. The experience is often described as a 'food trip' where the market itself is the destination.
+1When trying batchoy, don't be afraid to ask for additions or customizations if available. Some enjoy adding a dash of soy sauce or vinegar to enhance the flavors. The communal atmosphere of the market, with vendors and patrons sharing the same space, adds to the overall charm of enjoying a steaming bowl of this beloved Ilonggo specialty.
Navigating the Market's Atmosphere
The market is divided into sections for dry goods, wet goods (seafood, meat, poultry), and produce. You'll find a wide array of fresh ingredients, from glistening fish and cuts of meat to colorful vegetables and exotic fruits. This is an excellent place to witness the local culinary scene firsthand and perhaps pick up some unique ingredients to try cooking with.
Despite some negative comments about cleanliness, many visitors find the experience rewarding due to the friendly locals and the sheer variety of goods available. The key is to focus on the culinary highlights, particularly the batchoy stalls, and to embrace the lively, bustling environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit