Tag: Forks Delicacies & Specialties

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Dining in Style at High-End Bacolod Restaurants and Spots

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

(Clockwise: Sugba-Sugba, Mezcla Mexican Cocina+Bar, and Imay’s)

In a city known for its budget-friendly eats and backyard barbecue legends, Bacolod’s dining scene has always focused on comfort and familiarity. But beyond the smoky streetside grills and classic carinderias lies a new kind of culinary experience—more sophisticated, slightly pricier, but absolutely worth every peso. While some might scoff at paying more for a plate when inasal is just around the corner, these upscale restaurants offer more than just food—they tell stories on a plate, showcase skilled craftsmanship, and serve as a love letter to Negrense heritage with elegance and pride. Here’s why indulging in these “special” spots isn’t just for special occasions—it’s an investment in culture, community, and a deeper Bacolod experience.

 

Café Uma

Café Uma is located on  Paseo Verde, near Lacson Street. Not to be confused with  Trattoria Uma, which is also located in the same vicinity, three to four doors away, and is another top high-end dining spot in Bacolod. Café Uma is a sibling company to Trattoria Uma, owned by the couple Joey and Ina Gaston, with Chef Jumi Gaston providing expert direction.

Café Uma focuses on casual fare with European and Asian fusions, in contrast to its sibling, which offers a more restaurant-style experience and serves Italian fare.

Café Uma reviews are also quite impressive. View to appreciate.

 

Sugba Sugba

With the rise of seafood and Pala-Pala spots in Bacolod, some places are shifting towards a more fine-dining experience and catering to a high-end audience, rather than Sugba Sugba. Located on 4th Street, Bacolod City, Sugba Sugba serves traditional seafood dishes, complemented by a more diverse menu and an impressive restaurant ambiance that further enhances the dining experience. Sugba-Sugba is open daily.

 

Imay’s

IMAY’s in Bacolod serves Filipino classics like chicken binakol, coconut water, chicken, and green papaya soup. They also serve spicy pork stew, Bicol Express, sizzling manumbok, grilled fish, cheesy grilled scallops, and crispy kangkong (fried water spinach leaves), all tasty appetizers.

IMAY’S also serves cocktails, soft drinks, and wines in addition to food. Try their young coconut buko shake, a refreshing drink. Red Horse beer and wines are available. Imay’s has three branches to serve you. Imay’s has three locations: one on 6th Street, another at the North Wing of SM City, and the third at The Row, a neighborhood strip mall located in Lacson, Mandalagan, Bacolod City, right next to the Citadines.

  • 0969 050 3333

Driving instructions to Imay’s The Row, SM City North Wing. And 6th Lacson Street.

 

Nooma Kitchen+Bar

Nooma recently opened on Lacson Street in Bacolod City. Inasal chicken in tacos and cansi corned beef are among the culinary delights that Nooma’s Kitchen and Bar, where family and friends can relax, offers. They also serve one of the most exceptional beef pares. Two VIP rooms are available for family gatherings and meetings. Enjoy a warm atmosphere while savoring tasty food and making memories at Nooma’s, all while listening to calming music that enhances your experience.

 

Delicioso

A name like that is perfectly fitting for a food spot with its already apt and pleasant-sounding title. How much more its range of menu offerings, from pasta, seafood, salads, pizza, sandwiches, and more? Delicioso, located at Lacson St., Mandalagan, in front of Mesavirre Garden Residences, beside the Pacific Home Depot Building, is just the spot if you want to go for snacks, a light lunch, or dinner.

 

Furai

When you’re craving Japanese food, Furai takes you on a flavorful journey with delicious Japanese dishes. Katsu, Ebi, Yakitori—name it. Furai also offers bento meals. You can find Furai at The Row, Brgy. Bata Lacson Street, Bacolod City.

 

East Bite

When you go for variety, East Bite is your cosmopolitan Asian-fare restaurant, serving a selection of Vietnamese, Lao, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino dishes right in the heart of Bacolod City. You can find the place at T.U. Square Building, B.S. Aquino Drive, corner of Lacson Street, Bacolod City.

 

The Forth

Not your typical dining spot, but more of a leisure hangout. The Forth features billiards and KTV—a perfect place to unwind after work. Prepare to man The Forth at B.S. Aquino Drive Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.

 

Mezcla Mexican Cocina & Bar

Hola! If you’re craving Mexican food, you’ll find it at Mezcla Mexican Cocina & Bar, which has just opened in July 2025. No website is available yet, but their menu is sure to impress you. ‘Buen Provecho! ’ MMCB is just across the Lacson-Bata Overpass, Bacolod City. Opens at 3pm Tuesdays-Sundays. Book your table now!

 

Kōhī Majikku 

Kōhī Majikku is not just another Japanese restaurant but a restaurant with something to offer.

A concept addition: they made one room open for thesis defenses, meetings, small parties, and even K-drama evenings! ₱1,500 for three hours, including food and drinks. Good for 6-11 people.

But don’t let that part fool you; they will also thrill your kids with some of their food presentations, as only the Japanese can. Check out their menu for other tempting options, too. Kōhī Majikku is at 19th Street Lacson, Bacolod City, Philippines.

Discover these gems for an exceptional fine dining and atmosphere experience.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Discover and Indulge in the Seafood Pala-Pala Cravings of Bacolod

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

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!

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Where to Find Affordable Eats in Bacolod for the Budget-Conscious

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Many people, both locals and tourists, go on adventures by just “winging it” or going on a backpacking trip. Traveling to a foreign nation for the first time and relishing in the unknown has an allure due to the element of adventure, intrigue, and slight danger it carries. On the other hand, some people meticulously plan their trips, but they never get around to trying the hidden gems that somehow elude them.

No matter where in Bacolod, apart from its well-known tourist holiday months, anyone can savor their food offerings at much more affordable prices and guarantee clean, above-board service. There is a wide variety of food options available here, all at affordable prices.

Visit the following places while you are in Bacolod!

 

Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill

Located at San Juan Street, Barangay 8 (beside Gina’s Seafood), Bacolod City, is Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill, which offers delectable seafood fares and their version of the chicken inasal. Prices range from P200 to P400. For inquiries, you can call (034) 700 0341.

Driving instructions to Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill.

 

Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal-Bredco

Another option for the vaunted Ilonggo fave, the chicken inasal, is Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal which can be found at Palanca Street, Barangay 10, Bacolod City. Just at the back of SM City near Dwellu Furniture.

Driving instructions to Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal.

 

Donol’s Lechon

When craving that roasted pig fare, look no more, as Donol’s Lechon (reminiscent of La Loma in Manila) has it all covered. You’ll find it at Purok Lechonan, Brgy. 36, Singcang, Bacolod City. For inquiries, please contact elenadelacruz121@gmail.com or 0945-123-4371. They also have in-store pickups.

Driving instructions to Donol’s Lechon.

 

Homesitte Shawarma

Bacolod City is already a cosmopolitan destination, so rest assured that some food fare you crave from Manila, you’ll also find here. For your shawarma fix, Homesitte Shawarma is for you. You’ll find it in Lot 29, Blk 3 PHHC Homesite Subd., Paglaum St., Brgy. Montevista, Bacolod City. They also have a hawker site at the corner of North Capitol Road and Gatuslao St., Fiesta Market, Bacolod City. Moreover, they also offer a delivery service through foodpanda.ph. For inquiries, you can reach them at:

Mail: 0917 545 0255
Contact: homesitteshawarma@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Homesitte Shawarma.

 

Jotham’s Nilaga-an

Looking for that rustic and carinderia vibe with that purely Filipino cooking? You can with Jotham’s Nilaga-an. They have branches at Libertad: (034) 4753464; Magsaysay: (034) 4312642; and Mansilingan Branch: 7086477.

Driving instructions to Jotham’s Nilaga-an.

 

KSL (Kubo sa Lawn)

For the bohemian in you who likes to drink with friends and savor various pulutan or sumsuman, as they say in Bacolod, KSL is the place to enjoy delectable dishes like calamares, cheesesticks, and gambas, among others. It’s located at P. Hernaez Street, Bacolod City. You can reach them at:

Contact

(034) 431 1964 or

Mail: kubo_sa_lawn@yahoo.com

Driving instructions to KSL (Kubo sa Lawn).

 

Lion’s Park Grill@Manokan Country

When at SM City and craving seafood and the usual grill fare, don’t look far, as Lion’s Park Grill is just at SM City North Parking. They offer delivery, takeout, and dine-in.

Contact

0933 854 5793 or

Mail: grillhaus.lionspark@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Lion’s Park Grill at Manokan Country.

 

Pasabor

Are you craving Mexican cuisine with a Filipino twist this time? Try Pasabor. It’s located at 2 Topaz Street, City Heights, Taculing, Bacolod City.

Contact

0998 441 4163

Mail: pasabor.ph@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Pasabor.

 

Preska Seafoods Restaurant

Preska Seafoods Restaurant, as the name suggests, offers the freshest. It’s the latest ‘Pala Pala’ style restaurant in Bacolod City to date. When you get the craving for seafood, the address is at Aquarius Street, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.

Contact

0949 790 5333

Mail: preskaseafoods@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Preska Seafoods Restaurant.

 

Puno GastroPub by Lola’s

Food and entertainment are what Puno GastroPub offers. If you appreciate both the arts and gastronomy, then Puno GastroPub is the perfect place for you, located at C-71 Narra Avenue, Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.

Mail: punogastropubph@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Puno Gastropub by Lola’s.

 

Ribshack

If you’re into grilled back ribs, spareribs, pork BBQ, bangus, blue marlin, and more, Ribshack is for you. They have three branches in Bacolod to serve you: one at 15 Lacson Street, another in the south wing of SM City, Bacolod, and the third on the ground floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Gatuslao Street. The third branch has a delivery option for you by foodpanda.ph.

 

Super Batchoy House

Similar to the beloved Ilonggo dish chicken inasal, batchoy is also a well-known Ilonggo creation in Bacolod, which is why Super Batchoy House deserves to be included on this list. SBH is also one of many legacy food spots in Bacolod, offering a classic ramen-type dish. If you’re craving batchoy, SBH has two branches to serve you. One at Ground Floor Door 12 & 14, Villa Angela East Block Bldg. A, Circumferential Road, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City (back of BDO), and the second at Cuadra Street. For inquiries, dial 0917 896 3387.

Driving instructions to Super Batchoy House.

 

These seafood places, which offer cheap breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, all gather in the Bacolod City NGC area for your convenience and more options.

 

Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar—NGC Bacolod

Craving seafood with a suburban vibe? Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar has you covered. They have a promo every Tuesday called ‘𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆!’ to enjoy delicious food. You can also enjoy a breakfast buffet at Ciano’s for only PHP 185 on weekdays and PHP 200 on weekends and holidays.

Driving instructions to Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar.

 

BBQuest sa MarketPlace

This restaurant is located at the Tent 4A, The Marketplace, inside the NGC at Villa Angela, and offers a P299 buffet. Practically the place to go for big hunger. Food and drinks. BBQuest has unlimited rice to go along with your set meals. Unlimited plates. Unlimited memories.

 

Hunasan Seafood House

Located at Tent 2, Circumferential Road, Villa Angela Market Place, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City, is home to Hunasan Seafood House—one of the many seafood spots that will give you a great deal. Experience Hunasan’s 𝑼𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒕, which offers over 30 dishes from appetizers to mains and desserts every day.

Driving instructions to Hunasan Seafood House.

 

Ema Cuisine

Also located at NGC is Ema Cuisine. Overall, they offer a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. For budget-conscious diners, Ema cuisine offers filling combo meals that satisfy your hunger at a reasonable price. Of course, the place also serves dishes featuring seafood. Best taste, best price!

Driving instructions to Ema Cuisine.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!

 

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Best Authentic Eateries of Bacolod City Through the Years

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Often called the “Paris of Negros,” Silay City boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, particularly visible in its gastronomic scene. This vibrant city has seen a resurgence of authentic restaurants since the 1980s, serving great food and narrating the stories of its past. Here are some of Silay’s most cherished restaurants, their distinctive menus, and the historical background that has propelled their expansion.

 

 

El Ideal Bakery

Founded in 1920 by the Villanueva family, El Ideal located at Rizal and Fr. Eusebio Streets in Silay started as a modest bakery in the ancestral home of Cesar Lacson Locsin. It gained international acclaim in the 1980s when the BBC showcased its guapple pie—a distinctive mix of guava and apple flavors—in a documentary about global food traditions.

El Ideal’s specialties remain its guapple pie, a signature dessert combining the sweetness of guava with the tartness of apple, encased in flaky crust; buko pie, a creamy coconut-filled pie that has become a staple pasalubong (souvenir) for visitors; and its traditional pastries like hopia, empanada, and other local delicacies that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Directions.

 

Café 1925

Café 1925 is named after the year the building was constructed. This quaint café located just behind El Ideal Bakery in Silay offers a cozy ambiance, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a quiet place to dine.

People who frequent the place always go for their carabao’s milkshakes—yes, you heard it right. The milk comes from the native carabao, thus giving it a unique local flavor. Café 1925 also serves cupcakes and pastries, baked goods that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, providing a delightful treat for the palate.​

Directions.

 

Punong Gary’s Place

Punong Gary’s Place, located in Silay’s Barangay Lantad, began as a private residence before becoming a dining destination under the direction of Joey Benin, a former bassist with the Side A Band. The establishment is located in a lush, garden-like setting, providing outdoor dining that blends with nature.

When there, don’t forget to sample their seafood pasta, a flavorful dish featuring fresh seafood tossed in a savory sauce, reflecting the region’s coastal influences; steamed chicken stuffed with lemongrass, a ​ healthy option that infuses aromatic flavors into tender chicken, appealing to health-conscious diners; and their bread pudding, a sweet conclusion to the meal. This dessert is a favorite among patrons for its rich and comforting taste.​

Directions.​

 

1898 Casa Ristorante

The classic vibe is what 1898 Casa Ristorante in Silay goes for. The classic ambiance and divine food offerings are highly appreciated by its clientele. Additionally, you can enjoy a tranquil retreat at this exceptional bed and breakfast, your home away from home in the Philippines. Visit in the afternoon so you can experience the best sunset from the place’s balcony.

Directions.

 

Kopi Teh Silay

Located at Dr. Triño Montinola Street, Antilla Subdivision, Silay City,​ Kopi Teh brings a taste of Singaporean hawker culture to Silay. Founded by an owner enamored with Singapore’s street food scene, the establishment offers authentic dishes that have garnered a loyal following, like its Mee Goreng, a spicy-sweet fried noodle dish enriched with peanuts and chilies, topped with a fried egg; Hainanese Chicken Rice, steamed chicken served with flavorful rice and accompanied by three distinct sauces, offering a harmonious blend of flavors; and Nyonya Chicken Curry, a coconut-based curry infused with spices, delivering a rich and aromatic taste.​

Directions.

 

Culinary Evolution and Cultural Significance

The transformation of heritage homes into museums and restaurants wasn’t just a romantic decision—it was a practical and cultural preservation act flourishing in the 1980s that can be attributed to several factors:​

Economic Sustainability

Maintaining large heritage homes is expensive. Many descendants of sugar barons no longer earn the same fortunes as before. By converting homes into income-generating museums or restaurants, they could preserve history while sustaining upkeep.

Cultural Pride

Silaynons (residents of Silay) take immense pride in their heritage. By opening up their homes to the public, they allow a living experience of the past to continue breathing in the present.

Tourism Opportunity

Silay is the gateway to Negros Occidental via the Bacolod-Silay International Airport. With thousands of tourists passing through, offering cultural experiences made the city a worthy destination in itself.

Food and Art as Heritage

The convergence of heirloom recipes, Negrense hospitality, and elegant dining spaces makes many heritage houses perfect for becoming specialty restaurants. These serve as both culinary experiences and living museums

 

What makes Silay stand out is that it’s not just a city of frozen-in-time relics. It’s a breathing, bustling city where history continues to inspire the present. Children still grow up in ancestral homes. Locals still wear traditional attire during festivals. Families still cook age-old recipes passed down from generations—and they serve them in the same kitchens where their great-grandparents once gathered.

Silay’s continued dedication to preservation, cultural enrichment, and storytelling through food, architecture, and the arts is what cements its identity as the Paris of the Visayas.

Other options include Casa A. Gamboa, and Sharyn’s Kansi House (Silay). Classic eateries not from Silay but equally notable are Sharyn’s Cansi House (Narra Avenue), an Iloilo-style cansi-han called Patpat’s Cansi, Bob’s Restaurant, Aboy’s Restaurant, Manokan Country, and Casablanca. Casablanca, presently located in Bata, will be opening another branch soon at the North Wing of SM City Bacolod.

 

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Exploring the Famous and Upstart Pasalubong Places in Bacolod City: The Pasalubong Capital of Negros

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Bacolod City, affectionately known as the City of Smiles, is not only well-known for its friendly people and colorful MassKara Festival but also a center for some of the most cherished pasalubong (souvenir) treats in the Philippines. Bacolod’s pasalubong sector is a vibrant tapestry of sweet delicacies, artisanal snacks, and sincere craftsmanship, from legacy recipes handed down through generations to fresh innovators mixing tradition with creativity.

Whether you’re a returning native or a curious visitor, here is a guide to Bacolod’s most renowned and up-and-coming pasalubong locations that merit inclusion in your luggage—and your palate.

Pasalubong Tips
  • Bring an insulated bag for Napoleones—they’re delicate and best eaten fresh.
  • Buy piaya last—it travels well and has a longer shelf life.
  • For unique gifts, try pairing a local coffee blend with muscovado-based sweets.
Where to Find These Delights
  • Lacson Street and Negros Showroom are excellent areas to find a curated mix of both legacy and emerging pasalubong brands.
  • Local weekend art and food fairs in Bacolod often showcase these upstarts—perfect for sampling without commitment.
  • Bacolod-Silay Airport has  satellite shops of major brands, but selections are usually limited.

BongBong’s Piaya & Barquillos

The place is best known mainly for its delicious mango tarts, butterscotch, barquillos, and piaya.

Although BongBong’s Piaya & Barquillos is already a household name throughout the Philippines, it is almost always associated with Bacolod pasalubong.

Although some may disagree, BongBong’s piaya—a flaky flatbread with muscovado filling—is the most well-known in the city. Their stability and brand trustworthiness have made them a favorite for visitors. For those with more adventurous tastes, however, I recommend trying their crisp, buttery barquillos paired with ube piaya for a contemporary twist.

Directions.

 

Merzci Pasalubong

Not entirely old nor entirely new, Merzci, formerly Merci, has established its own identity with a diverse range of baked goods and sweets. Strategically located near the airport and terminals, it is a convenient and consistent stop for last-minute pasalubong.

Their Napoleones—flaky, layered puff pastry filled with custard and topped with a sugar glaze—are a must-try! They just opened their 73rd branch along Bacolod-Silay Airport Road.

 

 

El Ideal Bakery, Silay, Bacolod City

Located just 30 minutes away from Bacolod, El Ideal is a must-visit bakery that dates back to the 1920s and is just as old as its hometown, Silay. Among their specialties is the sweet, tangy, and utterly unique guapple pie, a one-of-a-kind combination of guava and apple delicacy for consumers seeking palate adventures.

They also have ensaymada, a specialty, and hojaldres, puffed biscuits that possess an irresistible crispiness.

Directions.

 

Upstart & Underrated Pasalubong Places 

 

Quan Delicacies

A popular restaurant and pasalubong place in the Philippines that serves native delicacies, or “kakanin,” is Quan Delicacies Suman, puto, pichi-pichi, and bibingka are just a few of the traditional Filipino snacks and desserts that they offer, as reported on Tripadvisor. Dinuguan (blood stew) and “Flat Sticks” are two of Quan’s most famous savory dishes. You can order party bilao (platters) and have them delivered through Grab and Foodpanda, in addition to dining in. On top of that, they now have sugar-free options available.

You can visit Quan Delicacies and partake of their homemade and preservative-free offerings at San Juan Street, Bacolod City.

Branches.

 

Virgie’s Homemade Products

Virgie’s  Homemade Products is known to locals and those “in the know” as the silent luxury of Bacolod’s pasalubong scene. Unlike big commercial brands, Virgie’s keeps its artisan feel. Their Mango Tartlets (₱200/box of 10) and premium fruitcake (₱450) are perfect for special gifts.

Additionally, their cashew-based cookies and yema are must-tries. You can visit Virgie’s at 57 San Sebastian Street, Bacolod City. Price range are from P70 to P500.

Branches.

 

Sugarlandia Barquillos

Since the 1930s, Sugarlandia Barquillos has been one of the longest-running pasalubong shops in Bacolod, making barquillos, piaya, and pinasugbo by hand. Nothing here strays from tradition, unlike the mass-produced alternatives sold at major chains.

One of the few places that still makes puffy piaya, an older variation that is harder to find today, is Sugarlandia Barquillos. They do have stalls in malls selling pasalubong, but some customers have complained that the prices are too high. The best way to get reasonably priced, authentic Bacolod sweets is to stop by their central location at 36 Yulo Street, Bacolod City. They also sell at the Negros Showroom branches at 9th and Lacson Streets, and at Robinsons Place Bacolod.

 

Totong’s Barquillos

Since the 1970s, Totong’s Barquillos in Bacolod has been making piaya and barquillos. Its crisp barquillos and traditional piaya have won over locals who swear by them, even though it isn’t as well-known as other pasalubong brands.

Keeping things simple and prioritizing quality over mass production, Totong’s is located on Lizares-Yulo Street, right next to Sugarlandia Barquillos. This is a name to consider if you’re interested in trying a popular yet lesser-known Bacolod pasalubong spot.

But even if you’re in Bacolod, you can just order online…

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!