Deco’s is the inventor of the famous La Paz batchoy – an Ilonggo comfort food consisting of noodles in a hot bowl of soup, topped with pork meat, liver and sinful bits of chicharon. I was certainly glad to learn that I don’t have to fly as far as Iloilo to partake of this mouthwatering treat because there’s now a Deco’s branch right outside the Magallanes MRT station in Makati. Here, special batchoy can be had for as little as P67 and can be paired with the so-called pre-war pan de sal for P3.50 or the Manapla puto @ P6.50.
It’s just a pity that other establishments beat Deco’s in establishing the now common batchoy joints in the metro. However, this original brand has partnered with Mang Inasal and we should expect their presence to be felt more strongly soon, with the grant of some franchise locations. In the meantime, they give some tips on how to know if your bowl of batchoy is D’Original:
Overflowing with toppings and served with generous servings of meat that it promises to be a very filling meal by itself.
Unlimited kaldo or broth. There’s a separate counter where a steaming container of broth is available and refilled without fail, along with chopped garlic and onions.
No lard settling on top, even when the broth gets cold.
The crispy pork skin (chicharon) remains crispy even after it is submerged in the broth. It stays that way up to the last bit, making your batchoy a truly gastronomic treat.
Affordable price at P67 for the large (Special) bowl, P75 for the Super bowl and the biggest bowl with added toppings (Extra) is only P77.
Deco’s first branch in Manila is located at the ground floor of Alphaland Southgate Mall at the corner of EDSA and Pasong Tamo Extension, just beside the Magallanes MRT
The first and last time I ate batchoy in Iloilo was like 15 years ago when I went there after my very first trip to the then unadulterated and unexploited Boracay Island, when coconut trees were visible while approaching the island, not the concrete structures!).
Anyway, I didn’t know if it was Deco’s own but I remember eating it in the public market which I couldn’t recall now if it was La Paz’s. Understandably, after all these years, I also lost the memory of the flavor and aroma of batchoy.
So when I first tasted Deco’s batchoy two weeks ago, I thought it was a delightful experience, especially with the still cold nights in the Metro. And coupled with Mang Inasal’s pecho, it was a yummy treat indeed!
But I think one super bowl is enough to fill me for some weeks. I don’t think my age will allow it anymore, although the son of the inventor, Mang Nonoy, has lived to over 70 and is still enjoying batchoy til now and of which he keeps the secret “formula”.
Enjoy!
Actually, the claim that batchoy was originally invented by Deco’s batchoy is still in dispute. In Iloilo, Ted’s batchoy is considered the original batchoy.
I have to agree with Chan. In Iloilo City, Ilonggo’s still prefer Ted’s over Deco’s. It is just a clever (and callous) claim or marketing scheme by its new owners to hype it as the inventor of lapaz batchoy.
I’m Ilonggo and I must say, more people are leaning into Deco’s. In fact, Deco’s tastes much better than Ted’s, IMHO. There’s no claim that Ted’s is the original, but there are the “oldies” who claim that Deco’s invented batchoy. Ted’s just commercialized batchoy.
i agree with lyle.. i’m ilonggo as well.. Deco’s batchoy taste more better that Ted’s.. you should try both and compare..