Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Iligan City: A Local’s Food Map to Flavor and Soul

If Iligan were a person, she’d be that friend who always says, “Kain muna tayo!” — because here, food isn’t just a meal, it’s a way of life. From crispy lechon to creamy halo-halo, Iligan’s food scene is a delicious reflection of its people: warm, creative, and proudly local.

So whether you’re wandering through the public market at dawn or dining beside Timoga’s cold springs, here are the 10 best things to eat in Iligan City — each one a story of flavor, heritage, and home.

1. Lechon — Gloria’s, Jaime’s, and Dodong’s: The Holy Trinity of Iligan Roast Pork

In Iligan, lechon isn’t just food — it’s the heart of every celebration. The locals swear by three names:

• Gloria’s Ihaw-Ihaw in Brgy. Suarez — famous for its golden, crisp skin and clean, savory flavor.
• Jaime’s Lechon, loved for its juicy meat and herb-infused taste that keeps people coming back during fiestas.
• Dodong’s Lechon, a classic Iligan favorite, offering that smoky, old-school style that feels like home.

Each one has its loyal following — and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any. Just be sure to call ahead during fiesta season — these shops sell out fast!

2. Cheding’s Peanuts — The OG Iligan Snack

No pasalubong list is complete without Cheding’s Peanuts, a true Iligan icon since the 1960s. But it’s not just about plain roasted nuts anymore — their store near the port offers a whole line-up of local favorites:

• Plain roasted peanuts — smoky, simple, satisfying.
• Sugar-coated peanuts — sticky-sweet nostalgia in every handful.
• Salted and spicy peanuts — for those who like their snacks with a kick.
• Banana chips with salted peanuts — an addictive sweet-salty combo that perfectly captures Iligan’s playful side.

Each pack is a taste of home — perfect for sharing, snacking, or keeping your bus ride interesting.

3. Halang-Halang — Comfort Food with a Kick

Literally translating to “spicy-spicy”, Halang-Halang is Iligan’s version of a hug in a bowl. Chicken or beef is simmered in coconut milk with chili, lemongrass, and ginger — a perfect rainy-day dish.

Try it at Pop Snack Hauz or local carinderias around the market. It’s rich, creamy, and hits all the right notes of heat and comfort.

4. Tiyula Itum — Maranao Heritage in Every Sip

Born from Maranao culinary tradition, Tiyula Itum (Black Soup) gets its dark color from burnt coconut and its deep flavor from slow-cooked beef and local spices. It’s more than a dish — it’s history in a bowl.

Find it in stalls near the public market or during cultural events — especially around Ramadan or local food fairs.

5. Puto Maya & Sikwate — Iligan’s Classic Breakfast Pair

There’s magic in early mornings at the Iligan Public Market — the steam rising from pots of sticky rice and the rich aroma of tablea chocolate filling the air.

Puto Maya and Sikwate is the city’s classic breakfast combo: sweet, sticky coconut rice paired with a cup of thick, native hot chocolate. It’s simple, soulful, and best enjoyed while watching the city wake up.

6. Satti — The Sweet-Spicy Wake-Up Call

A Muslim-style breakfast favorite, Satti features grilled meat skewers soaked in a sweet-spicy sauce and served with rice drenched in the same.

You’ll find the best ones at stalls in Hinaplanon, near the mosque — bold, messy, and perfectly balanced. The kind of breakfast that kicks off your day with fire and flavor.

7. Paklay — The Adventurer’s Dish

For the brave and the curious, Paklay is a tangy, gingery stew of sautéed goat innards — chewy, flavorful, and oddly satisfying.

It’s a common post-fiesta or post-drinking comfort dish — best eaten with puso (hanging rice) and a cold beer. Try it at local eateries around Tubod or Tambacan for the real deal.

8. Law-Uy — The Taste of Everyday Iligan

Amid all the spice and smoke, Law-uy is Iligan’s quiet hero — a light vegetable soup made from okra, malunggay, eggplant, and squash simmered in fish broth.

It’s the taste of home kitchens and weekday lunches. Nourishing, humble, and comforting — the kind of food Iliganons grow up with and never outgrow.

9. Iligan Halo-Halo (Timoga Version) — Coolest Treat by the Springs

After a refreshing dip at Timoga Cold Springs in Brgy. Buru-un, nothing beats a glass of halo-halo served extra cold — sometimes even made with ice shaved from natural spring water.

You’ll find several snack stalls and eateries along the road outside the resort, selling halo-halo topped with ube, leche flan, and local fruits. Ask around; the best ones are often unlisted but unforgettable.

Landmark: Timoga-Buru-un, near the pool resorts
Best time: Late morning, before the crowds
Pro tip: Pair your halo-halo with freshly grilled fish or lechon from nearby stalls for a full Timoga food trip.

10. Fontina — Tradition Meets Creativity

Located along Andres Bonifacio Avenue beside Kingsway Inn, Fontina is where Iligan’s comfort food meets international flair.

This cozy restaurant serves Filipino favorites with global twists — think baby back ribs, spinach pizza, and mango cheesecake. The vibe is casual yet elegant, perfect for dinner with family or a quiet night out with friends.

Locals love its creative yet familiar menu — proof that Iligan’s dining scene can be both traditional and forward-thinking.

Location: Fontina Coffee • Restaurant • Gallery, Andres Bonifacio Ave., Iligan City
Must-try: Fruit drinks, mango cake, blueberry cheesecake

Taste Iligan, Live Iligan

Food in Iligan isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about connection. It’s the laughter shared at a carinderia table, the proud “tikman mo” from a friend, the stories told over sikwate and puto maya.

So when you’re here, don’t just eat — experience. Because in Iligan, every bite tells a story, and every flavor feels like home.