If there is one thing travelers remember after visiting Carles, Iloilo — aside from the turquoise waters and postcard-perfect Cabugao Gamay viewpoint — it’s the seafood. Sweet, ocean-fresh, and unbelievably affordable, the flavors of Carles stay with you long after you’ve left the shore.
This coastal town in northern Iloilo has earned a quiet reputation among food lovers and backpackers alike: Carles is a seafood paradise. The fishing boats unload their catch in the early morning, and families, fishermen, and travelers gather around pails of scallops, oysters, crabs, and fish so fresh they glisten under the sunrise.
Whether you're hopping between the islands of Islas de Gigantes or relaxing along the Carles mainland, one thing is guaranteed — your meals here will be unforgettable.
Let’s explore why Carles is one of the Philippines’ best seafood destinations, what to eat, where to find it, and how to savor the flavors like a true local.
Why Carles Is a Seafood Lover’s Dream
Carles sits on the rich fishing corridor of northern Iloilo, with waters teeming with marine life. Local fishermen head out every day, maintaining traditions passed down through generations. No fancy commercial ports, no tourist-overrun fish markets — just honest, hardworking coastal life.
For travelers, that means:
- Seafood straight from the boat
- Low prices (scallops as low as ₱1 each in some spots!)
- Dishes cooked the same way families eat them at home
- Ingredients that shine because they’re fresh, not fancy
- Meals eaten beach-side or in humble eateries with ocean views
In Carles, seafood isn’t a luxury — it’s a part of life.
Must-Try Seafood Dishes in Carles
1. Fresh Scallops (The Star of Carles)
When people talk about Carles food, scallops are the first thing mentioned — buttery, sweet, and tender. Locals serve them grilled with garlic butter, baked with cheese, or simply steamed with a squeeze of calamansi.
Don’t be surprised if you end up ordering a second plate. Or a third.
2. Baked Oysters
The oysters here are plump and silky — and they taste like the sea in the best possible way. Whether baked with garlic butter or topped with cheese and herbs, Carles oysters turn every meal into a celebration.
3. Wasay-Wasay (Local Oyster Specialty)
Unique to Gigantes, these oysters are known for their creamier texture and distinct shells. Prepared fresh or lightly steamed, they are a must-try for adventurous eaters and seafood fans.
4. Crabs & Giant Crabs
The crabs here are meaty and flavorful. Some resorts prepare them with chili garlic sauce or steamed with ginger. If you're lucky, you may even come across a giant crab catch — a local delicacy that’s perfect for sharing.
5. Grilled Fish & Squid
Simple, smoky, and incredibly flavorful — often served with soy-calamansi dip and rice. The kind of meal that needs nothing else but fresh air and good company.
6. Kinilaw (Filipino Ceviche)
Fresh fish cured in calamansi, vinegar, onions, and ginger. Cold, tangy, and refreshing — perfect after a morning of island hopping.
7. Seafood Pancit
A Carles favorite — noodles tossed with shrimp, squid, fish, cabbage, and soy seasoning. Familiar yet uniquely coastal.
8. Kalo-Kalo Rice
Carles’ version of garlic rice, often cooked in scallop oil or leftover sauces from seafood pans. Savory comfort in every bite.
Best Seafood Spots in Carles
🏝️ Island Hopping Lunch Stops (Gigantes Tours)
If you're joining a Gigantes Island hopping tour, your lunch will likely be a feast — seafood platters, grilled dishes, and fruits served island-side, sometimes with your feet in the sand.
Book packages here:
Nothing beats the taste of scallops when you're eating them right where they were caught that morning.
🌊 Carles Mainland Eateries
Small eateries, "paluto" areas, and local seafood grills can be found near:
- Bancal Port
- Carles town proper
- Beachfront resort areas
These spots serve generous seafood platters — no frills, just honest coastal cooking.
🏡 Homestays & Island Inns
Many homestays and island lodges offer special meals cooked fresh by locals. Breakfasts can include dried fish and garlic rice, and dinners often feature seafood bounty.
This is one of the best ways to taste Carles — home-style meals prepared with love.
⚓ Fisherman’s Market Experience
Rise early and watch fishermen unload their catch at dawn. You can buy scallops or fish straight from the boat and ask your lodging to cook it.
It doesn't get fresher than that.
Budget Guide: Seafood in Carles
Approximate prices (subject to season and availability):
- Scallops: ₱1–₱5 per piece (yes, really!)
- Baked oysters: ₱150–₱350 per plate
- Crabs: ₱300–₱600 per kilo
- Grilled fish: ₱200–₱450
- Seafood feast platter: ₱600–₱1,200 (good for 2–4 pax)
Pro tip: Bring cash — many local eateries don’t take cards. If using online booking for tours or stays, consider travel credit cards.
Best Places to Eat After Island-Hopping
After exploring Islas de Gigantes, nothing feels better than a hearty seafood meal on the shore while your skin still smells like the ocean.
Try dining at beachside spots near Bancal Port or at your island lodging. Some tours even include mid-day scallop buffets — simple setups, unforgettable flavors.
Food Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
- Eating scallops by the beach
- Buying oysters from fishermen directly
- Sharing crab with hands — Filipino style
- Seafood lunch served on banana leaves during tours
- Fresh kinilaw while staring at turquoise water
Food in Carles isn’t just a meal — it’s a memory.
Food + Travel Safety Tips
- Always choose seafood that's fresh or cooked well
- Drink bottled or purified water
- Bring antihistamines if you have shellfish allergies
- Travel smart — get travel insurance
- Carry cash
Carles food is gentle on the stomach for most travelers — but it's always better to be prepared.
Pair Your Food Trip With These Stops
After a full meal, continue exploring:
- Cabugao Gamay
- Bantigue Sandbar
- Tangke Lagoon
- Antonia Beach
- Nearby Sicogon Island
And when you return to mainland Carles, enjoy quiet sunsets with halo-halo or fresh buko juice.
Carles, Where the Sea Feeds the Soul
You don’t come to Carles for pretentious dining rooms or chef-crafted tasting menus. You come here to taste the ocean, to share grilled fish with friends under a nipa hut roof, and to eat scallops until you're smiling so much your cheeks hurt.
Meals here remind you what food really is: freshness, family, simplicity, and gratitude for the sea.
And maybe that's why people fall in love with Carles — because the food feels like life done right.
Plan Your Carles Food Adventure
Ready to taste the best seafood in Iloilo? Browse more guides, travel stories, and insider tips at CarlesIloilo.com.
Come hungry. Leave full — and happy.
See you by the sea and the sizzling grill. 🦪🦀🔥🌊
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