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