Bacolod is almost synonymous to the chicken inasal. And although we do take so much pride in our skewered chicken grilled to perfection, paired with rice drowning in chicken oil, Bacolod is more than just that decadent chicken.
These under-the-radar standouts—some outstanding classics, some newcomers and soon-to-be-institutions, will make you plan a food pilgrimage to Bacolod with more than your average inasal and batchoy cravings.
10. Negros Museum Cafe
This charming cafe right in the city’s museum offers farm-to-table experience. Their open artisan sandwiches and specials for the day made of natural and mostly organic ingredients are welcomed alternatives to all the grease I willingly ingested, and will ingest in the making of this article.
Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City.
9. Tiffany’s Confections
This small-batch artisanal pastry shop concocted the Mango Cheesecake of our dreams. Definitely worth the extra inches on our waistline! And their homey, chic cafe is the perfect setting to gorge on all the sweetness.
Deck 3, The Boxes,Villa Angela Tecnopark, Villa Angela Subd., Bacolod City.
8. Mai Pao
Mai Pao is Bacolod’s Asian fix for almost a decade and, hands down, the best dim sum in the city. It is Chef JP Anglo’s brainchild; I probably should’ve started with that. Tip: Also try their Hainanese chicken, salt and pepper squid, and noodles.
6th St. and Lacson, Bacolod City.
7. Enting’s Special of Sagay
Enting, the owner, is known as the kinilaw artist. It is an art—and he does live up to his reputation. This kinilaw is flawless. And their OG fried chicken might just be the best fried chicken you’ll have in your life. It is, for me.
The Marketplace at Villa Angela, Bacolod City.
6. Conee’s
A classic in the cansi game, Conee’s is back (with a vengeance) in a new and bigger location. Their cansi, known as the Negrense version of the bulalo, hits the right spot. Oh that broth, that glorious broth!
Regeant Alijis, Bacolod City.
