After we requested our three Bacolod-based associates what they thought was the perfect hen inasal within the metropolis, we obtained three very completely different solutions. By some means, 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 — and so they’ll defend it with the identical ardour folks often reserve for love groups, BTS, or Taylor Swift.
That’s the benefit of Bacolod — you absolutely received’t depart with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled hen 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 essential motivation is none aside from…FOOD! From 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 beloved throughout our most up-to-date go to. This record is organized in no specific order. Additionally, our decisions and opinions could differ from yours, as style is subjective. We’re by no means meals consultants; we merely love consuming and discovering good meals.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! You probably 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 beneficial inns and sights. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations world wide.
Lion’s Park
On our earlier journeys, we often ate at Manokan Nation. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we needed one thing completely different. Our buddy Mark extremely beneficial Lion’s Park Grill Haus, an area 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 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 manner, the scent of grilled hen hits you earlier than you even sit down.
Apart from the reduce (pechopak is the perfect, 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 referred to as isaw/tinae, which was reduce open and totally cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We additionally had hen liver or atay and pork sisig, each of which had been your standard fare — ok however received’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 perfect. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his high decide, whereas our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I positioned our bets on different hen inasal contenders.
Deal with: Lion’s Park Grill Haus, Lizares Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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 aspect. The hen we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s high 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.
Deal with: Hen Home Fundamental Department, twenty fourth Lacson Avenue, 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 perfect inasal I attempted on our most up-to-date journey was from Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood. Truly, it was tied for #1 with Vins’s decide. We simply made him decide 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 cost effective, at P115-125 apiece. But it surely wasn’t simply the inasal. Each single dish that was served on our desk was incredible.
From the same old grilled innards like isaw and atay to its seafood bestsellers. The chili garlic crabs had been so recent, 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.
Deal with: Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood, 115 4th Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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
In order for you extra recent 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 varied kinds of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams had been additionally on the menu. It’s my favourite, but it surely was not out there on the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, the place you decide your seafood then determine the way you need it cooked (grilled, steamed, scorching, candy and bitter, sinigang, and many others).
We requested the workers for his or her bestsellers, and so they 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 recent. There was no humorous or funky scent or aftertaste in any respect. They had 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 may simply flip rubbery, however this one didn’t. It was very gentle, and its sauce had the correct mix of candy and salty.
Deal with: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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 wish to go for a bowl of cansi, Sharyn’s is it. Positioned 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 Avenue Meals Congress as one of many Prime 50 Avenue 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 provides the soup its distinct taste. Each order is good for a bunch, often served in an enormous 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 advised us as we entered was that they didn’t have bone marrow anymore. We actually appreciated them informing us earlier than we may 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 stage of richness, we’re completely positive with out. After we had our first sip, we had been reminded why we got here again! Their cansi is absolutely 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 trustworthy, the crispy cansi in our reminiscence was higher than what we obtained this time. This one was a lot more durable than I bear in mind.
For those who determine to go to, handle your expectations. It’s mainly a specialised carinderia. It’s easy, modest, and never air-conditioned. It’s informal and sometimes busy, particularly round lunch or dinner.
Deal with: Sharyn’s Cansi Home, Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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 identified principally for its extensive, extensive collection 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 a substitute of the same old primary 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. In response to 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 out there 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 favored it however didn’t actually reside 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 significantly better. However general, it was very satisfying, particularly after a bowl of cansi. It was additionally scorching scorching that day!
We additionally needed to strive La Arte’s halo-halo, but it surely was out of the way in which, and we didn’t have a lot time, so we simply skipped it for now. Perhaps subsequent time!
Deal with: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by day, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
What We Ordered: Tremendous Particular Halo-Halo, P130; De Langka, P110; Mango de Leche, P110
21 Restaurant
Positioned at 21 Lacson Avenue, nook twenty first Avenue (therefore the identify), 21 Restaurant was once a humble merienda spot however has developed into one among 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 lots. I bear in mind we had an awesome 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 high. It’s much less wealthy and fewer garlicky than those I attempted in Iloilo and extra refined than standard, 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 usually, 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.
Deal with: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Avenue nook twenty first Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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. Positioned 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 accustomed to 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, and so they beneficial 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 obtained 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 via its richness. It did get fairly overwhelming after some time.
We additionally had a chunk of Choco Carrot Cake, and we truly 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 powerful cinnamon notes, which we actually favored.
But when truffles are what you’re actually after, you also needs to try the subsequent two gadgets on this record.
Deal with: 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 determine what to order. Their truffles had 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 beneficial 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 advised 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, and so they didn’t disappoint. They had 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 had been good, not saturated.
Oh, we additionally ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Instructed you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering lots. That is ube-flavored cheesecake sitting on polvoron crust and topped with queso de bola.
Right here at Buttery, we had been accompanied by our school buddy 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 truffles. Each the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a special favourite!
Buttery’s roots might 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 the event you’re on the lookout for desserts which are really native and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Deal with: Buttery, Lacson Avenue nook C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening Hours: Day by 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 among Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, positioned alongside Lacson Avenue. Each time we’re in Bacolod, we go to to get at the least three slices from its huge collection 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 urged 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 thrill us!
But it surely was our first time attempting their Chocolate Mud Pie. It’s an enormous 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 had been delectable! I used to be anticipating this Blueberry Cheesecake to be comparable, however no, it was far more pleasant! Initially, 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 remains 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 high.
Deal with: Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson Avenue nook fifteenth Avenue, 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 a number of the top-rated inns in Bacolod Metropolis in response to on-line traveler opinions.
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2025 9 17 – First uploaded
Photographs by: Yosh Dimen and Asta Alvarez
