When in Roxas City, Capiz, it’s impossible to skip out on a scrumptious seafood dinner. Capiz delicacies are freshly made from ingredients caught from the nearby Sibuyan Sea and Panay River. With abundant marine life, breathtaking sunset views, and calm waves, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines draws in local foodies and curious travelers all year round.
Explore the vibrant culinary backdrop of Roxas City and Capiz’ best delicacies you must not skip out on. Follow this guide to know what savory delights await you in this Visayan coastal city.
10 Mouthwatering Capiz Delicacies Every Foodie Must Try
1. Diwal (Angel Wing Clam)
In the mudflats of Roxas City, Capiz, local divers harvest diwal, or the angel wing clam. These rare clams have thin, ridged oval shells, and sweet, succulent meat. Diwal is best enjoyed grilled or steamed with a little salt, butter, or spices. You could encounter baked, cheesy, and even spicy variants around the city.
Even though it is considered one of the popular Capiz delicacies, you might get a taste from July to September, as local conservation efforts implement a closed season from October to June to prevent overharvesting of this prized clam.
2. Buko Kin
This tropical delight combines fresh coconut, shrimp, and spices for a one-of-a-kind twist. The shrimp is cooked in coconut, chilli, ginger, spring onion, and vinegar. It is one of the Capiz delicacies that nods to Panay Island’s rich coconut produce and the province’s seafood scene.
3. Ensaladang Lato
This salad made of lato, or grape seaweed, is combined with onion, tomato, and vinegar to deliver a salty, yet zesty taste to the mouth. Ensaladang lato’s colorful palette of fresh seafood and veggies not only make it one of the most appetizing Capiz foods, but also a nutritious addition to your food trip. It is sometimes also referred to as bihud-bihod or laba-laba.
4. Cagaycay Soup
Savor this comforting soup made from another native shellfish known as cagaycay. It’s creamy, warm, and healthy. Cagaycay shells are actually filled with nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and B12. Enjoy the soft, milky meat cooked in ginger and lemongrass or chowder-style, which further enhances the tropical vibe you can find only in Capiz delicacies.
5. Baked or Grilled Scallops
When they say you can find almost any seafood in Capiz, best believe them. Scallops are among the most popular dishes served in restaurants and seaside diners. Enjoy them baked or grilled, cheesy or buttery. These simple but popular Capiz foods are sure to satisfy anyone’s appetite.
6. Mutya ng Capiz
Experience a flavorful medley of mussels, scallops, squid, and shrimp in this warm broth. Mutya ng Capiz combines all the handpicked treasures of the sea in one filling dish, and is a famous Capiz food featured on GMA News TV’s Pinas Sarap. If there’s too many seafood to choose from, why not have all of them in one go?
7. Pompano Diablo
One of the other featured Capiz delicacies in Pinas Sarap is Pompano Diablo, a fiery, saucy take on the fried pompano fish. This particular variety of fish thrives in brackish water, and is actually considered a prized catch in the province. It is flaky and white-fleshed, just like bangus with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and rich texture.
8. Sweet Chili Crab
Blue crabs, mud crabs, you name it. Crab-based Capiz foods are made from a wide variety of catches from the province’s rich waters and mudflats. The sweet chili dish is one of the most popular ways to prepare these delish crustaceans. Indulge in the meaty goodness of crabs coated in thick, savory sauce.
9. Puyoy
If you’re a little more daring, try puyoy, or grilled worm eel. The small, snake-like fish is harvested manually during the rainy season by way of pangkarit, the local catching practice. It is served grilled, resembling the skewered style of isaw and other street foods. It is one of Capiz’ famous foods you can find in the municipality of President Roxas.
10. Crab Aligue
An absolute tourist favorite pasalubong is the aligue, or crab roe and fat. Harvested from the many varieties of crabs in Capiz, this preserved goodie is infused with garlic and spices, or sometimes bottled pure. Aligue has an intense flavor profile, with a buttery and rich texture that is perfect for pastas, fried rice, or as grilled seafood sauce.
Visit Roxas City, Capiz by Ferry
Can’t wait to take a bite of Capiz’ best delicacies? Hop on board a Starlite Ferries ride. Here’s how you can book a ferry to Roxas City, Capiz from Batangas, Cajidiocan, Sibuyan Island, and Romblon.
- Using your web browser, visit Chelsea Travel at https://www.chelseatravel.ph and select “Ferries”. Starlite Ferries schedules are as follows:
- From Batangas: Daily at 1:00 PM (18 Hours)
- From Cajidiocan: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 6:00 AM (3x a week, 5 Hours)
- From Sibuyan Island (Magdiwang Port): Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 5:00 AM (4x a week, 5 Hours)
- From Romblon: Daily at 2:00 AM (4x a week, 8 Hours)
- Input your Origin, Destination (Roxas City, Capiz), travel date, and number of passengers. Click “Search”.
- Select your desired trip schedule and submit the passenger information.
- Settle your payment online and check your email for the e-ticket voucher.
- On your departure day, bring a copy of the e-ticket voucher and a valid photo ID to the port of origin and claim your actual ticket.
- Board the ferry and enjoy your trip!
Traveling to Panay Island is not just food for the mind and soul, but also the body. Seek out the shorelines, watch the sunset, and fill your tummy with the numerous Capiz delicacies for a holistic, ama-sea-ng travel experience.
ALSO READ: A Traveler’s Complete Guide to Exploring Roxas Capiz Tourist Spots
Traveling to Roxas City, Capiz soon? Embark on a scenic voyage with Starlite Ferries, your trusted partner for safe and relaxing trips across the South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao islands. Enjoy exclusive loyalty perks, discounts, and promos when you book through our dedicated platform, Chelsea Travel. Got more questions about Starlite Ferries? Get in touch with us here.