Discover and Indulge in the Seafood Pala-Pala Cravings of Bacolod
Bacolod City is famed for its pala-pala culture—fresh seafood markets paired with paluto-style cooking stalls—offering a feast of flavors at affordable prices. Think ‘Dampa’ here in Manila. Here’s an in-depth guide to the best pala-pala spots in the city:
Aboy’s
A notable Pala-Pala place in Bacolod, Aboy’s is said to be the template for all other Pala-Pala restaurants that followed in 1983, owned by Nestor ‘Aboy’ Evaristo and wife, Del. It’s located at Golden Fields Commercial Complex, Liroville Subdivision, Bacolod City. You can reach them at info@aboysrestaurant.com and at the number +63 34 435 0760.
Driving instructions to Aboy’s.
18th Street Pala‑Pala
Check out corner Aguinaldo Street & 18th Street, Brgy. 4. Parallel to Lacson Street, and here you’ll find 18th Street Pala-Pala. It was previously an open-air nipa hut turned full-fledged restaurant, with nipa huts and beachy decor adorning the place. But it was soon rebuilt and restyled after it fell victim to fire. Practically, the place offers a full-on Pala-Pala service with extensive seafood choices, great group dishes, and paluto or à la carte.
Driving instructions to 18th Street Pala-Pala.
It’s open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Feel free to reach us at 0945 965 6757.
Old Pala-Pala Market (San Juan / North Capitol Rd)
One of the classics, Old Pala-Pala Market, can be found at the corner of San Juan Street and North Capitol Road (near Ayala Capitol Central). It’s a no-frills, open-air market with adjacent, vibrant, and bustling tulahan (cooking stalls), so don’t expect a restaurant ambiance when you come to visit. You can haggle directly with fish vendors and cook in a nearby tulahan for cheap rates (₱150–₱350 per head, including cooking).
Driving instructions to Old Pala-Pala Market.
Scarborough Seafoods Pala‑Pala
Taking over Ading’s Pala-Pala after it closed down during the pandemic is Scarborough Seafoods Pala-Pala located at Lot 2, San Juan Street, Bacolod City. The place has dine-in and outdoor dining configurations for your dining pleasure. For inquiries, you can call 0968 585 4460. They also have an Instagram page for you to appreciate their heavenly seafood offerings.
Driving instructions to Scarborough Seafoods Pala-Pala.
Hyksos Tulahan (Old Market)
A notable stall known for its calamares and tulahan dishes in the Old Pala-Pala area, particularly Door 1-5, Bayview Foodcourt, Burgos Extension, Reclamation Area, just in front of SM North Wing. Hyksos has fully air-conditioned function rooms, cable TV, a KTV Bar for entertainment, the option for whiteboards for meetings, and Wi-Fi.
Driving instructions to Hyksos Pala-Pala.
For inquiries, you can call (034) 435 2288.
Insider Tips
- Haggle smartly at Old Pala-Pala starting early afternoon when fresh catches arrive.
- Paluto fees in tulahan run about ₱120–₱200 for simple dishes (grill/sinigang/calamares).
- Bring cash when visiting the open-air market, and expect to negotiate prices.
How to dine like a local on these seafood establishments?
Choosing the Right Spot for You
- For variety & event-sized groups: Go to 18th Street Pala‑Pala—great for big orders and flexible dishes.
- For an authentic, budget-friendly experience: Stick to Old Pala-Pala Market + Hyksos Tulahan—with fresh catch, bargaining, and cooker stalls.
Whether you’re craving big-time seafood feasts or simple fresh-caught dishes, Bacolod’s pala-pala scene has you covered.
Other seafood fare options include Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant, Palawud Resto-Grill & Bar, Preska Seafoods Restaurant, Ciano’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Hunasan Seafood House, Sipud Bar and Grill, and Diyotay’s Seafood Eatery, among others.
VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!