Step back in time and experience a piece of Iloilo’s culinary history at Dainty House Restaurant. Since 1929, this iconic eatery has been delighting diners with its timeless dishes.
A Quick History of Dainty
From the post of Henry F. Funtecha of The News Today, the restaurant started in 1929 along Ledesma Street. The seeds of Dainty House were sown in the early 1900s at Wing Kee Restaurant near Plaza Libertad. Three culinary enthusiasts, Chung Sai, Kong Kee, and Tam Lee Hee, sharpened their skills there before teaming up with Ah Yeng and Mr. Sia to establish a culinary legacy.
In the 1940s, Dainty House relocated to J.M. Basa Street near Plazoleta Gay, expanding its menu to include American dishes. Despite the interruption of World War II, the restaurant persevered and eventually became a top dining destination in Iloilo City.
In 1996, Chung Sai took over the restaurant with the help of his wife and daughter, Maria Esperanza. The family expanded their culinary ventures by opening Kong Kee Restaurant on J.M. Basa Street. Chung served as the head chef, his wife managed the kitchen, and their daughter, nicknamed “Pancing,” took on the roles of manager and bookkeeper.
In 1989, Chung Sai passed away, leaving his recipes to his son-in-law, Robert Chan. Despite facing challenges in the 1990s, the family persevered and continued the legacy of Dainty House.
In 1995, Dainty House relocated to Iznart Street after its old location was deemed unsafe. Robert Jr., the son of the previous owner, now oversees the kitchen, ensuring the restaurant’s signature flavors are preserved
Dainty House Restaurant Menu
Historically, Dainty House’s menu was written in Chinese and Spanish. To cater to a wider clientele, the restaurant now offers an English-language menu.
Disclaimer: Menu 2019
What We Had
Dainty is very famous for its siopao and pan de leche. Before, Dainty would bake their pieces of bread in the restaurant but now they are baking their bread in their home.
Their noodle dish is also popular like their pancit guisado and bihon guisado.
How to Get Here
The current location of Dainty is at the James Building along Iznart Street. This is beside the old Amigo Terrace Hotel. The best public jeepneys that are passing by the area are:
ROUTE 1 BO. OBRERO, LAPUZ TO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE 3 UNGKA TO CITY PROPER VIA CPU LOOP
ROUTE 5 FESTIVE WALK TO CITY PROPER VIA B. AQUINO AVE. AND SM CITY LOOP
ROUTE 9 MOHON TO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE 11 TICUD, LA PAZ TO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE 18 TAGBAK TO CITY PROPER VIA COASTAL LOOP
ROUTE 25 MOLO TO CITY PROPER VIA GENERAL LUNA LOOP
Dainty is a taste that has endured the test of time. May it exist longer so the next generations can continue its story.
I miss this!