CILANTRO: FLAVORS OF VIETNAM

One of the signs that Iloilo is becoming a global city is that a variety of cuisine from different cultures are being introduced to the Ilonggos. The good part about it is that we Ilonggos are now ready for such things and that we are embracing and we are loving the taste of these different flavors.

Cilantro at night

Another new flavor that has been introduced to the Ilonggos is Vietnamese, courtesy of CILANTRO restaurant. By word of mouth and so we could also try this new taste, my friend and I decided to have a chat about career and life on this discreet restaurant along Brgy. Hipodromo, Jalandoni street in city proper (which is beside Fine Rock Hotel and across the Mormon Church). 

A good thing about this tiny Ilonggo Vietnamese restaurant is that their tables are so limited (no waiting area) that it does not get too crowded. So better call them for a reservation as it would be full during peak hours, or you have to come earlier to avoid mealtimes.

Gỏi cuốn

We asked the waiter of their specialty or their best sellers and he pointed to the pictures in the menu and explained, though I didn't get much because he talked fast. So we ordered Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), lobster, cucumber lemon cooler for drinks, and Vietnamese rice with garlic and ginger (I forgot the name :D). My favorites were Pad Thai, the lobster, the cucumber lemon drink (you got to try it!), and the rice (yummy! I thought I would not like it because of the ginger, but it was tasty and indeed a refreshing flavor of Vietnam).

Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), a popular Vietnamese street food.

Pad Thai. Listed #5 as world's 50 most delicious food by CNN in 2011

Lobster. Can't get over it!

Garlic and ginger rice. Looks simple yet tastes great!

Cucumber Lemon cooler. Great combination!
Click here to get recipe

For all these we only paid Php 600+ and I was pleased because I thought we would pay over Php 800. Cilantro is both easy on the tummy and on budget! And because we didn't ordered the Vietnamese Iced Coffee, we will surely be going back to have another experience, as my friend promised. Heheheh.

sample menu

Experience yet another gastronomical adventure in the heart of Iloilo City! Click here for Cilantro's facebook page.

CILANTRO: FLAVORS OF VIETNAM

Brgy. Hipodromo, Jalandoni St.

City Proper

(Landmarks: few meters away from San Agustin University, 

acroos the Mormon Church, and near Fine Rock Hotel)

Tel. No: (033) 337-1812

Open Monday - Thursday 11am - 8pm

     Friday - Saturday 11am - 9pm

     Sunday 1130am - 8pm

maps.google.com

ABOUT VIETNAMESE CUISINE

Vietnamese cuisine encompasses the foods and beverages of Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine features a combination of five fundamental taste elements in the overall meal: spicy (metal), sour (wood), bitter (fire), salty (water) and sweet (Earth). Each Vietnamese dish has a distinctive flavor which reflects one or more of these elements. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. Vietnamese recipes utilize lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime and basilleaves. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, Vietnamese food is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. (from http://en.wikipedia.org)