After we requested our three Bacolod-based buddies what they thought was the most effective rooster inasal within the metropolis, we acquired three very completely different solutions. In some way, we weren’t shocked. 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 advantage of Bacolod — you certainly gained’t depart with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled rooster inasal. However this smoky, tangy goodness isn’t the one must-try meals in Bacolod. We’ve been to Bacolod a number of instances, and most of our journeys, our important motivation is none apart from…FOOD! From the town’s famed rooster 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 beloved 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 under no circumstances meals specialists; we merely love consuming and discovering good meals.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If in case you have a visit quickly, please additionally go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really helpful accommodations and sights. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations around the globe.
Lion’s Park
On our earlier journeys, we normally ate at Manokan Nation. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we needed one thing completely different. Our good friend Mark extremely really helpful Lion’s Park Grill Haus, a neighborhood establishment that has been serving inasal since 1981.
Its authentic 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 web site alongside Lizares Avenue. Undecided if it transferred to this spot or it’s a further department. Many of the tables are within the open-air space, nevertheless it does have an air-conditioned part now. Both method, the odor of grilled rooster hits you earlier than you even sit down.
Other than the lower (pechopak is the most effective, nonetheless), it additionally presents native rooster variant. Each choices are smoky, flavorful, and finest paired with rice drowned in rooster oil and sinamak (spiced vinegar).
We additionally loved its isaw, domestically referred to as isaw/tinae, which was lower open and completely cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We additionally had rooster liver or atay and pork sisig, each of which have been your regular fare — adequate 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 distinct tackle which one was the most effective. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his prime decide, whereas our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I positioned our bets on different rooster inasal contenders.
Handle: Lion’s Park Grill Haus, Lizares Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P135; Native Rooster Pecho, P160; Isaw/Tinae, P40; Sisig, P190; Atay P60
Rooster Home
Rooster Home acquired the best mark on Asta’s scorecard. The rooster 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 acquired was a bit on the dry aspect. The rooster we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s prime desire, 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: Rooster Home Major 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: Rooster Inasal Pecho, P140; Grilled Squid, P160; Pork BBQ, P50/stick
Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood
For me, the most effective 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 decide. We simply made him decide just one.
Of all of the rooster inasals we tried on this journey, this was by far the juiciest and essentially 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 implausible.
From the standard 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 sizzling exterior.
Handle: Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood, 115 4th Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every day, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What We Ordered: Rooster Inasal Paa, P115; Rooster 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 kinds of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams have been additionally on the menu. It’s my favourite, nevertheless it was not accessible on the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, the place you decide your seafood then resolve the way you need it cooked (grilled, steamed, scorching, candy and bitter, sinigang, and so forth).
We requested the workers 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 decide 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 tender, and its sauce had the suitable mix of candy and salty.
Handle: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every 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 High 50 Road Meals Masters on the earth.
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 bunch, normally served in a giant bowl with additional mugs of soup for refill. For those who’re going solo, I doubt you’d be capable of end it.
On our latest go to, the very first thing the workers instructed 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 admittedly 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 acquired this time. This one was a lot harder than I bear 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: Every day, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What We Ordered: Cansi, P500; Crispy Cansi, P580
Calle Luna Halo-Halo
Only a quick 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 vast, vast number of halo-halo and different icy desserts.
What units it other than the standard halo-halo is that it makes use of so-called milky ice, which is finer, smoother and milkier. As a substitute of the standard fundamental shaved ice drizzled with evaporated milk, the milk is extra infused within the ice.
Vins ordered their bestseller referred to 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. Based on 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 acquired used to it, it turned out okay.
In the meantime, Asta acquired the De Langka. This taste is seasonal, however fortunately, it was accessible that point. In fact, 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 stay for the mango ice cream because it overpowered the pure taste of the actual mango. I loved Asta’s Langka and Vins’s Tremendous Particular halo-halo significantly better. However general, it was very satisfying, particularly after a bowl of cansi. It was additionally scorching sizzling that day!
We additionally needed to strive La Arte’s halo-halo, nevertheless it was out of the best way, and we didn’t have a lot time, so we simply skipped it for now. Perhaps subsequent time!
Handle: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every 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 identify), 21 Restaurant was once a humble merienda spot however has developed into one in every of Bacolod’s extra upscale informal eating spots. Just a few years in the past, I first visited this place with Vins and Asta, and we ordered so much. I bear in mind we had an important 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 filled with 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 regular, 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 typically, so I simply needed to strive it. And my gosh, this was actually good. It was tender, moist, and engaging. It had simply the correct quantity of sweetness.
Handle: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Road nook twenty first Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every 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 following 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 acquainted with 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 identify “Bobs” comes from proprietor Bobby Magalona and his spouse’s ardour for baking and occasional.
We requested the workers for his or her bestsellers on the iced drinks menu, they usually really helpful the Iced Spanish Latte. Usually, this drink is kind of candy due to the condensed milk, however their model — as Tito it could sound — was not too candy in any respect. It was good, with the espresso and milk actually standing out.
We additionally acquired a slice of Burnt Cheesecake. The burnt-ness provides additional taste and makes it extra complicated, however because it didn’t have a crust, it tasted a bit one-dimensional and it lacked the feel to chop by means of its richness. It did get fairly overwhelming after some time.
We additionally had a chunk 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 truffles are what you’re actually after, you also needs to take a look at the following two objects 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 truffles have been on full show close to the cashier, and we needed to style all of them. All of them regarded so good!
After we requested the workers, they really helpful the Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze truffles. However I additionally ordered Galleta de Leche for good measure. As somebody who likes my truffles easy, it actually appealed to me, and I used to be additionally instructed it was a signature creation of theirs too.
The Lemon Chill was a mixture 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, lined 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 to start with as a result of these truffles sound like they’re too difficult and too decadent for their very own good. However as a result of we at all times observe workers suggestions, we did simply that, they usually didn’t disappoint. They have been actually 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 good, not saturated.
Oh, we additionally ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Advised you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering so much. 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 acquired a style of it as a result of all of us shared truffles. Each the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a distinct 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 searching for desserts which are actually native and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Handle: Buttery, Lacson Road nook C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Every 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 one in every of Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, situated alongside Lacson Road. Each time we’re in Bacolod, we go to to get at the very least three slices from its large number of truffles, ice cream truffles, 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 workers for suggestions. They instructed 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 lined 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. Prior 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 sleek and wealthy cheesecake.
In any case these years, Calea continues to be the identical dessert powerhouse that I bear 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 presents a variety of lodging throughout completely different budgets and kinds, so that you’ll by no means run in need of choices. Listed here are a number of the top-rated accommodations in Bacolod Metropolis in keeping with on-line traveler critiques.
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