We’ve been to Bacolod a number of occasions, and most of our journeys, our important motivation is none aside from…FOOD! From the town’s famed hen inasal to its decadent candy treats, Bacolod by no means fails to fulfill our craving — from appetizers to desserts.
On this article, we’ll be sharing the dishes, eating places, and meals spots we tried and cherished throughout our most up-to-date go to. This listing is organized in no explicit order. Additionally, our selections and opinions might differ from yours, as style is subjective. We’re by no means meals consultants; we merely love consuming and discovering good meals.
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Lion’s Park
After we requested our three Bacolod-based associates what they thought was the very best hen inasal within the metropolis, we obtained three very completely different solutions. By some means, we weren’t stunned. Given the sheer variety of nice inasal locations within the Metropolis of Smiles, it appears everybody has their very own favourite spot — they usually’ll defend it with the identical ardour folks normally reserve for love groups, BTS, or Taylor Swift.
That’s the benefit of Bacolod — you absolutely gained’t go away with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled hen inasal. On our earlier journeys, we normally ate at Manokan Nation. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we wished one thing completely different. Our good friend Mark extremely really useful Lion’s Park Grill Haus, an area establishment that has been serving inasal since 1981.
Its unique location was on the well-known Manokan Nation, which was demolished and rebuilt as a part of SM Metropolis Bacolod. However we ate on the website alongside Lizares Avenue. Unsure if it transferred to this spot or it’s an extra department. A lot of the tables are within the open-air space, but it surely does have an air-conditioned part now. Both means, the odor of grilled hen hits you earlier than you even sit down.
Other than the lower (pechopak is the very best, nonetheless), it additionally affords native hen variant. Each choices are smoky, flavorful, and greatest paired with rice drowned in hen oil and sinamak (spiced vinegar).
We additionally loved its isaw, domestically known as isaw/tinae, which was lower open and totally cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We additionally had hen liver or atay and pork sisig, each of which have been your traditional fare — ok however gained’t precisely steal the highlight from the inasal.
It’s humorous as a result of on our final Bacolod journey, there have been additionally three of us within the group, and every had our personal favourite and a special tackle which one was the very best. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his prime choose, whereas our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I positioned our bets on different hen inasal contenders.
Handle: Lion’s Park Grill Haus, Lizares Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
What We Ordered: Hen Inasal Pecho, P135; Native Hen Pecho, P160; Isaw/Tinae, P40; Sisig, P190; Atay P60
Hen Home
Hen Home obtained the best mark on Asta’s scorecard. The hen inasal that we tried right here had a tastier marinade, with the vinegar being extra intense and balancing out the saltiness.
The serving was smaller, although, and the piece Vins obtained was a bit on the dry facet. The hen we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s prime choice, however solely by a slim margin.
We additionally had grilled squid or inihaw na pusit, which was completely grilled and never chewy in any respect. The lemongrass stuffing helped tone down the sturdy seafood style of the squid. As for the pork barbecue, it was simply okay.
Handle: Hen Home Important Department, twenty fourth Lacson Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday, 12:00 AM – 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Hen Inasal Pecho, P140; Grilled Squid, P160; Pork BBQ, P50/stick
Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood
For me, the very best inasal I attempted on our most up-to-date journey was from Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood. Really, it was tied for #1 with Vins’s choose. We simply made him choose just one.
Of all of the hen inasals we tried on this journey, this was by far the juiciest and probably the most flavorful. It was additionally the most affordable, at P115-125 apiece. Nevertheless it wasn’t simply the inasal. Each single dish that was served on our desk was improbable.
From the same old grilled innards like isaw and atay to its seafood bestsellers. The chili garlic crabs have been so contemporary, made even tastier by the sauce, which was like a mixture of candy chili and sarciado. And naturally, the baked oysters. The oyster meat was small, however there have been 20 of them, profusely complemented by the wealthy, tacky sauce. This was our greatest meal in Bacolod on this journey.
The place was additionally air-conditioned, so we dined comfortably even when it was actually scorching outdoors.
Handle: Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood, 115 4th Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What We Ordered: Hen Inasal Paa, P115; Hen Inasal Pechopak, P125; Isaw, P45; Atay, P60; Chili Garlic Crabs, P400; Baked Oysters, P300
Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant
If you’d like extra contemporary ocean bounty, look no additional than Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant. It’s a spacious open-air restaurant, fronted by a parade of squid, shrimps, prawns, and numerous sorts of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams have been additionally on the menu. It’s my favourite, but it surely was not obtainable on the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, the place you choose your seafood then resolve the way you need it cooked (grilled, steamed, scorching, candy and bitter, sinigang, and many others).
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers, they usually talked about grilled blue marlin, garlic butter shrimp, and scorching squid, in order that’s precisely what we ordered.
Each single factor we ordered was so contemporary. There was no humorous or funky odor or aftertaste in any respect. They have been additionally completely cooked. The blue marlin was tender. It was simple to understand its pure flavors; we didn’t even want a dip or sauce for it. In the meantime, the shrimp dish didn’t disappoint both. The garlic made the crustaceans sing. However our unanimous standout choose right here was the scorching squid! Technically, it was cuttlefish or pusit lumot, which made me nervous as a result of it might simply flip rubbery, however this one didn’t. It was very gentle, and its sauce had the best mix of candy and salty.
Handle: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Blue Marlin, P275 for 1/4 kg; Shrimps Steamed with Garlic Butter, P225 for 1/4 kg; Squid, P225 for 1/4 kg
Sharyn’s Cansi Home
If there’s one place in Bacolod you need to go for a bowl of cansi, Sharyn’s is it. Situated on Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, this no-frills eatery has been serving up its signature beef soup since 1985, and in 2017 it was even acknowledged by the World Road Meals Congress as one of many Prime 50 Road Meals Masters on the planet.
The meat shank is stewed till it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, the broth is deeply beefy, and there’s a bitter kick from batuan, a souring fruit native to Negros and Panay, which supplies the soup its distinct taste. Each order is good for a gaggle, normally served in a giant bowl with further mugs of soup for refill. For those who’re going solo, I doubt you’d be capable to end it.
On our current go to, the very first thing the employees advised us as we entered was that they didn’t have bone marrow anymore. We actually appreciated them informing us earlier than we might even sit down or order. However we nonetheless went forward. This was our third time right here, and whereas the bone marrow takes it to a different degree of richness, we’re completely effective with out. After we had our first sip, we have been reminded why we got here again! Their cansi is actually comforting.
We additionally ordered their “crispy” model of cansi, which is mainly the cansi’s shank meat deep fried till it’s crunchy. However to be sincere, the crispy cansi in our reminiscence was higher than what we obtained this time. This one was a lot more durable than I keep in mind.
For those who resolve to go to, handle your expectations. It’s mainly a specialised carinderia. It’s easy, modest, and never air-conditioned. It’s informal and infrequently busy, particularly round lunch or dinner.
Handle: Sharyn’s Cansi Home, Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What We Ordered: Cansi, P500; Crispy Cansi, P580
Calle Luna Halo-Halo
Only a brief stroll from Sharyn’s stands Calle Luna, a dessert spot initially from Silay Metropolis, with a department additionally in Talisay and Bacolod. It’s recognized principally for its huge, huge choice of halo-halo and different icy desserts.
What units it other than the everyday halo-halo is that it makes use of so-called milky ice, which is finer, smoother and milkier. As an alternative of the same old primary shaved ice drizzled with evaporated milk, the milk is extra infused within the ice.
Vins ordered their bestseller known as Tremendous Particular, which has sweetened banana, candy buko strips, jelly bits, corn kernels, mango, ube halaya, after which topped with ube ice cream, leche flan, and cheese. In accordance with him, it was good — very creamy, with well-balanced components. Nothing was overpowering. It was only a bit uncommon for him to have mango in halo-halo, however as soon as he obtained used to it, it turned out okay.
In the meantime, Asta obtained the De Langka. This taste is seasonal, however fortunately, it was obtainable that point. After all, langka or jackfruit took the highlight, because it ought to. It additionally got here with sweetened banana, buko or coconut, corn, and topped with vanilla ice cream.
I ordered Mango de Leche, which has mango caramel syrup and jelly bits, then topped with mango ice cream and leche flan. I appreciated it however didn’t actually dwell for the mango ice cream because it overpowered the pure taste of the true mango. I loved Asta’s Langka and Vins’s Tremendous Particular halo-halo a lot better. However general, it was very satisfying, particularly after a bowl of cansi. It was additionally scorching scorching that day!
We additionally wished to strive La Arte’s halo-halo, but it surely was out of the best way, and we didn’t have a lot time, so we simply skipped it for now. Possibly subsequent time!
Handle: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
What We Ordered: Tremendous Particular Halo-Halo, P130; De Langka, P110; Mango de Leche, P110
21 Restaurant
Situated at 21 Lacson Road, nook twenty first Road (therefore the title), 21 Restaurant was once a humble merienda spot however has advanced into considered one of Bacolod’s extra upscale informal eating spots. A number of years in the past, I first visited this place with Vins and Asta, and we ordered loads. I keep in mind we had a terrific meal general.
However this time round, I got here alone, and I got here for one factor and one factor solely — a bowl of its signature batchoy! The broth isn’t clear-clear however not opaque both, however surprisingly full of taste! It’s simmered till it soaks up all of the umami goodness, then layered with noodles, tender bits of meat, and beneficiant slices of liver, after which sprinkled crunchy chicharón on prime. It’s much less wealthy and fewer garlicky than those I attempted in Iloilo and extra refined than traditional, however nonetheless very comforting.
Though I went for the batchoy, I additionally ordered its Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, which was a bit inconspicuous within the menu. However I’m obsessive about bibingka normally, so I simply needed to strive it. And my gosh, this was actually good. It was gentle, moist, and attractive. It had simply the correct quantity of sweetness.
Handle: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Road nook twenty first Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Batchoy Particular , P180 (w/ egg, +P25); Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, P170
Café Bobs
And since we’re already speaking about sweets, let’s cross to the subsequent merchandise, actually. Situated simply throughout the road from 21 Restaurant sits the flagship retailer of Café Bobs. Actually, it was our first time listening to about it, so we’re not too conversant in its legacy. Apparently, it began again in 2003, so it’s been a part of Bacolod’s meals scene for over 20 years, serving specialty espresso, pastries, and informal café tradition within the metropolis. The title “Bobs” comes from proprietor Bobby Magalona and his spouse’s ardour for baking and low.
We requested the employees for his or her bestsellers on the iced drinks menu, they usually really useful the Iced Spanish Latte. Usually, this drink is kind of candy due to the condensed milk, however their model — as Tito it might sound — was not too candy in any respect. It was excellent, with the espresso and milk actually standing out.
We additionally obtained a slice of Burnt Cheesecake. The burnt-ness provides further taste and makes it extra advanced, however because it didn’t have a crust, it tasted a bit one-dimensional and it lacked the feel to chop via its richness. It did get fairly overwhelming after some time.
We additionally had a bit of Choco Carrot Cake, and we really loved this greater than the burnt cheesecake. We love carrot cake, so by default, it was a “sure” for us. This one was moist, with a layer of chocolate icing. And perhaps it’s simply us, however we picked a robust cinnamon notes, which we actually appreciated.
But when muffins are what you’re actually after, you also needs to try the subsequent two gadgets on this listing.
Handle: Café Bobs, 21 Lacson Sreet, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
What We Ordered: Iced Spanish Latte, P175; Burnt Cheesecake, P135; Choco Carrot Cake, P120
Buttery Negros
We had a tough time right here at Buttery, not as a result of we didn’t like something, however as a result of we couldn’t resolve what to order. Their muffins have been on full show close to the cashier, and we wished to style all of them. All of them seemed so good!
After we requested the employees, they really useful the Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze muffins. However I additionally ordered Galleta de Leche for good measure. As somebody who likes my muffins easy, it actually appealed to me, and I used to be additionally advised it was a signature creation of theirs too.
The Lemon Chill was a mix of calamansi cake and lemon sq. with creamy lemon mousse in between and topped with items of almond. In the meantime, the Pistachi-oh Craze was composed of crunchy lumpia wrapper coated in Nutella, coated in pistachio mousse and pistachio cream, sitting on an Oreo crust and drizzled with extra Nutella and darkish chocolate, and sprinkled with extra pistachio bits. I used to be a bit skeptical at first as a result of these muffins sound like they’re too sophisticated and too decadent for their very own good. However as a result of we at all times comply with employees suggestions, we did simply that, they usually didn’t disappoint. They have been really scrumptious!
However the Galleta de Leche was my favourite. It’s mainly simply creamy caramel flan on a salty cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. I appreciated the simplicity of it! The richness and sweetness have been excellent, not saturated.
Oh, we additionally ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Advised you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering loads. That is ube-flavored cheesecake sitting on polvoron crust and topped with queso de bola.
Right here at Buttery, we have been accompanied by our faculty good friend Ry, who’s a Bacolod native. He had the Matcha Tiramisu, which is inexperienced tea-flavored tiramisu with white chocolate and almonds. We additionally obtained a style of it as a result of all of us shared muffins. Each the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a special favourite!
Buttery’s roots will be traced again to Dumaguete, however the Bacolod locals had embraced it, and no shock there, actually. Each single factor on our plates was unforgettable.
However in case you’re on the lookout for desserts which might be really native and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Handle: Buttery, Lacson Road nook C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Each day, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What We Ordered: Lemon Chill, P130; Pistachi-oh Craze, P180; Galleta de Leche, P130; Ube Cheesecake, P150; Matcha Tiramisu (P120)
Calea
Calea is considered one of Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, positioned alongside Lacson Road. Each time we’re in Bacolod, we go to to get at the least three slices from its large choice of muffins, ice cream muffins, and cheesecakes. However previous to our go to final month, it had been years since we final set foot right here, in order at all times, we requested the employees for suggestions. They prompt the Choco Mud Pie, Imported Chocolate Cake, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
The Imported Chocolate Cake is amongst their bestsellers. It’s the very first merchandise on their cake menu. It’s a darkish chocolate cake with wealthy custard filling and coated in darkish chocolate icing. It’s so moist, we couldn’t cease digging in. It’s darkish chocolate, however nonetheless fairly candy. We at all times order this once we’re right here, and it by no means fails to please us!
Nevertheless it was our first time making an attempt their Chocolate Mud Pie. It’s a giant chunk of chocolate ice cream sitting on Oreo crust, clad in fudge, bits of almond, and Oreo powder.
However I used to be most excited in regards to the cheesecake. Up to now, I attempted their White Chocolate Cheesecake (P120) with raspberry sauce and Fruity Cheesecake (P110), which was topped with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Each have been delectable! I used to be anticipating this Blueberry Cheesecake to be comparable, however no, it was far more pleasant! To begin with, the crust was completely different. It had much more texture, which was nice as a result of it complemented the graceful and wealthy cheesecake.
In spite of everything these years, Calea continues to be the identical dessert powerhouse that I keep in mind. Large servings and spectacular tastes at reasonably priced costs. Please don’t change, Calea! Actually, if we’re going to rank our favourite spood spots in Bacolod, Calea sits comfortably on prime.
Handle: Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson Road nook fifteenth Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What We Ordered: Choco Mud Pie, P130; Imported Chocolate Cake, P125; Blueberry Cheesecake, P125
The place to Keep in Bacolod
The capital of Negros Occidental, Bacolod Metropolis makes a wonderful base for exploring Metro Bacolod and its neighboring cities. It affords a variety of lodging throughout completely different budgets and kinds, so that you’ll by no means run in need of choices. Listed below are among the top-rated lodges in Bacolod Metropolis in response to on-line traveler critiques.
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