The first thing most travelers notice when they reach the northern tip of Iloilo is the smell of the sea — that salty perfume that promises something fresh, something real. By the time the boat glides toward Gigantes island, the sun is bright, the air crisp, and your appetite ready. Few destinations in the Philippines bring food, culture, and community together quite like the Islas de Gigantes and the fishing town of Carles. Here, meals are more than sustenance — they’re stories told on a plate.
Welcome to the Seafood Capital of Iloilo
Carles and the neighboring Isla Gigantes archipelago have long been dubbed the “Scallop Capital of the Visayas.” Locals harvest hundreds of kilos daily, spreading them on sun-drenched tables before the shells are steamed open for eager visitors. You’ll find scallops everywhere — grilled with butter and garlic, baked with cheese, tossed in soups, or even stir-fried with chili for an extra kick. The abundance of fresh seafood here is simply unmatched in the region.
While neighboring places like Guimaras are famous for mangoes, and Sicogon island draws beach lovers, Gigantes has carved its niche through the sea — every tide brings in another feast. And because life here revolves around the ocean, meals are always communal. Locals will tell you: the best way to enjoy the islands is to eat with your hands, seated by the shore, while the waves hum nearby.
The Island Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
Visitors quickly learn that the seafood scene here goes far beyond scallops. Each island offers its own spin on traditional Filipino coastal cuisine.
- Wasay-Wasay — A native clam species harvested along the shores of Gigantes Norte. It’s often grilled or cooked into a gingery soup served during festivals.
- Fresh crabs and shrimp — Sold straight off the banca (fishing boat) in Carles’ morning markets, then tossed into sweet chili sauce or steamed in coconut milk.
- Grilled squid — Tender and slightly smoky, best paired with native vinegar and local rice wine.
- Kinilaw — A local version of ceviche, made with tangy calamansi, ginger, and chili — refreshing after a sunny Island Hopping Tour.
- Scallop Adobo — A Gigantes twist on a national favorite. The sauce soaks into rice perfectly after a morning dip at Cabugao Gamay.
Dining with the Locals: The Heart of Islas de Gigantes
Every fisherman’s wife here has a secret marinade, and every beach hut has a grill ready for visitors. Most island tours include lunch prepared right on the sand — you’ll see the crew cooking over charcoal, shells clinking, waves licking the shore. It’s food theater in its simplest form. Your table may be a banana leaf laid across driftwood, and the menu? Whatever the sea provided that morning.
When the day cools down, join locals at community feasts called “pahaw.” These gatherings often celebrate a good catch or family milestones. The laughter, the clinking of bottles, and the smell of roasted fish create an atmosphere no fine restaurant can replicate.
Where to Eat in Carles and Gigantes
Food establishments here are charmingly modest — seaside eateries and family-run canteens that dish out meals with big smiles. If you’re staying in Carles town proper, check out the early morning seafood market for the freshest haul. Visitors heading back to Iloilo often stop by roadside grills to pick up pasalubong (take-home food gifts) like dried squid or salted fish.
For something extra memorable, arrange a full Island Hopping Package that includes a seafood lunch on each stop — from the sandbar of Bantigue to the limestone coves near Antonia Beach. Many operators partner with community cooks, ensuring your money directly supports local livelihoods.
How to Get There and Plan Your Culinary Journey
The most common gateway is Iloilo City. From there, travelers take a bus or van to Carles, followed by a scenic boat ride to Gigantes island. Many international visitors combine this trip with nearby stops like Guimaras or Sicogon island before sailing north toward the Islas de Gigantes group.
If you want a hassle-free itinerary, book with a verified Travel & Tours Agency or compare offers on Travel Booking sites. These partners can coordinate sea transfers, local guides, and special food tours where you learn to prepare scallops the island way.
Island-Hopping with a Culinary Twist
Many visitors fall in love with Gigantes not just for the beaches but for the flavors tied to them. A full-day Tour might start at Cabugao Gamay, followed by a swim at Tangke Lagoon, and a seafood feast at Antonia Beach. Every island adds its own spice to the story — literally and figuratively.
On nearby Sicogon island, resorts now offer fusion dishes combining local fish with tropical fruit glazes. Over in Guimaras, fresh mangoes meet chili shrimp in an unexpectedly delightful combination. These culinary touches show how diverse Western Visayas cuisine can be, even within a few nautical miles.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainability on the Table
The growing popularity of Islas de Gigantes has encouraged residents to balance tourism with marine conservation. Fisherfolk now engage in sustainable harvesting practices, and many homestays educate visitors about waste management. Eco-minded travelers can also volunteer in coastal clean-ups organized by local NGOs and supported by Travel & Tours Agency partners.
Whenever possible, dine in family-owned eateries and say no to single-use plastics. Your small choices — from bringing a reusable bottle to skipping plastic straws — help keep these paradise islands pristine for generations to come.
Beyond Gigantes: Food Adventures Across the Philippines
Once you’ve eaten your fill of scallops and sea breeze, the rest of the Philippines awaits with more culinary adventures. Try the beach barbecues of Boracay, the coconut-infused stews of Palawan, or the fresh-catch ceviche served in fishing villages near Port Barton.
Further south, Balabac Palawan invites you to enjoy lobsters grilled on sandbars during your Balabac Tour or a complete Balabac island hopping itinerary. Travelers headed west can enjoy grilled tuna along the coasts of San Vicente and explore eco-resorts near San Vicente Palawan.
For those chasing famous flavors, explore the beach-to-table menus of El Nido Palawan or dine seaside in Coron Palawan after snorkeling the reefs of Calauit Safari. Inland, don’t miss Puerto Princesa’s seafood markets near Puerto Princesa Airport and the restaurants around Puerto Princesa that serve crabs caught close to the Subterranean River — better known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Prefer to go deep inland? Head toward Balabac for rustic dining or the caves near Underground River, where locals sell snacks flavored with coconut and palm sugar — a reminder that sweetness grows naturally here.
Travel Smart: Credit Cards, Safety, and Local Etiquette
When traveling across provinces, always carry both cash and a reliable card. Many establishments now accept Travel credit cards or local Philippines credit options for hotel stays and air transfers. If you’re booking multiple destinations, cards from Travel credit cards networks often provide additional insurance and airport lounge access — perfect for long layovers between Palawan and Iloilo.
Before sailing out, secure your Travel insurance. It covers flight delays, medical emergencies, and even cancellations due to unpredictable tropical weather. Combine it with a flexible itinerary through a dependable Travel & Tours Agency, and your island food crawl becomes worry-free.
Photogenic Plates and Unforgettable People
Traveling through Gigantes and Carles isn’t just about eating — it’s about the people who prepare each dish with pride. Ask permission before taking photos, thank your hosts, and share a smile. Whether you’re watching fishermen mend nets, or joining a beach picnic arranged by a local Tour Agency or Travel Agency, you’ll notice that generosity here is as natural as the tides.
Those who bring cameras will find inspiration everywhere: the color of crabs laid out on woven trays, the steam rising off grilled scallops, or the laughter of cooks sharing jokes over charcoal. If you crave more postcard scenes, consider side trips to Boaracay island hopping or a serene lagoon stop at Balabac island hopping.
Plan Your Food-Lover’s Adventure
Gigantes rewards those who arrive hungry — not just for food, but for connection. Each bite reveals another layer of the islands’ history, from fishermen’s tales to family recipes passed through generations. By supporting local markets and community tours, you help preserve this flavorful heritage while savoring the experience firsthand.
Ready to plan your own feast by the sea? Book your Island Hopping Package through a verified Travel & Tours Agency, or compare coastal dining options via Travel Booking. Before you go, safeguard your trip with Travel insurance and make the most of your journey using Travel credit cards that unlock miles, perks, and cashbacks. Your table by the shore is waiting — and so is the next unforgettable meal under the Gigantes sun.
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