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:
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.
It’s open daily from 8am to 11pm. You can contact them 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).
Ading’s Pala‑Pala
Ading’s Pala-Pala restaurant is in Brgy 2, San Juan Street, right in front of the Old Pala-Pala Market. It is a semi-air-conditioned establishment that features a children’s play area, function rooms, and festive décor. Additionally, this Pala-Pala offers a daily “eat-all-you-can” promotion for seafood enthusiasts and accepts credit cards for payment. It is operational from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
For inquiries, please reach out to them at (034) 458 1594 or via email at ricardobtrinidad@gmail.com.
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-airconditioned function rooms, cable TV, a KTV Bar for entertainment, option for whiteboards for meetings, and Wifi.
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 authentic, budget-friendly experience: Stick to Old Pala‑Pala Market + Hyksos Tulahan—with fresh catch, bargaining, and cooker stalls.
- For comfort-conscious diners: Choose Ading’s—semi-AC, function rooms, family-friendly vibe, and buffet options.
Whether you’re craving big-time seafood feasts or simple fresh-caught dishes, Bacolod’s pala‑pala scene has you covered. For festival-style indulgence and variety, head to 18th Street. For raw freshness and authentic bargain cooking, swing by Old Pala‑Pala Market. And for comfort, amenities, and buffet options, Ading’s is the place to be.
Other options include Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant, Palawud Resto-Grill & Bar, Preska Seafoods Restaurant, Diyotay’s Seafood Eatery, and Scarborough Pala-Pala among others.
VKP, BACOLOD CITY; FORKS, DELICACIES, & SPECIALTIES!