If you’re looking for the 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, you won’t have to go far. Food is everywhere in this city, and it’s a lot more than just chicken inasal. Bacolod’s culinary scene is a mix of well-loved staples and hyper-local specialties, some of which you’ll find in every restaurant, while others exist in just one or two places. Miss them, and you miss a piece of what makes this city such a food lover’s destination. I’ve spent time eating my way through Bacolod, tracking down both the classics and those reserved for only the brave, and this list covers them all. Whether you’re here on a short trip or planning to eat your way through the city, these are the dishes that need to be on your list. Let’s get into it.
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Table of Contents:
- Kansi
- Batchoy
- Chicken Inasal
- Piaya
- Mud Pie
- Seafood
- Soup #5
- Shabu-Shabu
- Ube Sans Rival
- Halo-Halo
- KBL
- Inihaw
- Napoleones
- Rabbit Meat
- Chay Letty Native Inasal
- TUS the Ultimate Sandwich
- Chef Marquin Burgers
- Kyle’s Eatery
- Bogsbrew HQ
- Nepomuceno’s Original Manapla Puto
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Best Halo-Halo in the Philippines
Kansi
If 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod had a king, kansi would be sitting on the throne, dripping in beef fat and judging you for ever thinking bulalo was enough. This is Bacolod’s ultimate sour beef soup, a lovechild of sinigang and bulalo that hits you with the one-two punch of rich bone marrow and a face-puckering batwan-induced tang. If your first reaction isn’t Damn, that’s intense, you either got a weak batch or your taste buds have been through war.
You can find kansi all over Bacolod, but not all bowls are created equal. Some places serve up a sad excuse for broth that tastes like someone whispered “beef” into a pot of water. If you want to experience kansi properly, skip the hype spots and get yourself to Eron’s Cansi House(↗). One bowl, and you’ll understand why Bacolodians treat this dish like a personality trait.
Their kansi is the real deal. Thick, rich, and unapologetically loaded with marrow that melts into the broth like a final goodbye to your cholesterol levels. The batwan gives it a tartness that balances out the fattiness, making every spoonful a perfect mix of indulgence and regret.
Batchoy
If 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod had a dish that demanded respect, batchoy would be it. This isn’t some watered-down noodle soup with a sprinkle of pork, batchoy is a full-blown assault of rich broth, chewy miki noodles, and enough pork fat to make a cardiologist weep.
Batchoy is greater than the sum of it’s parts. The broth starts with pork bones simmered down until they’ve given up everything they have to offer. Then comes the miki noodles, thick and slightly firm, that hold up under the weight of everything piled on top. And the toppings? A generous heap of crispy chicharrón, garlic, slivers of pork and beef, liver, and sometimes a raw egg that disappears into the broth like it knew it wasn’t going to make it out alive.
You’ll find batchoy all over Bacolod, but for me nothing quite compares to Super Batchoy House(↗). 21 Restaurant(↗) also serves a solid version that keeps it classic while feeling a bit dressed up.
Either way, one sip of that broth, and you’ll wonder where batchoy has been all of your life
Chicken Inasal
No dish represents Bacolod more than chicken inasal. Marinated in calamansi, vinegar, garlic, and annatto oil, then slow-grilled over charcoal, it’s smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. The best way to eat it? With your hands, and a plate of rice drenched in chicken oil. If this is your first time trying inasal, a word of advice: Go easy on the chicken oil. It makes all the difference in the world, but it will give you a serious case of mud butt if you’re not used to it.
For years, inasal lovers packed into Manokan Country, where stall after stall served their own take on the classic. Unfortunately, it has been demolished to make way for a multi-level commercial complex. Supposedly there will be a re-branded manokan county within this new complex but for the time being, stalls have relocated to SM City Bacolod’s North Wing Parking lot. 24 stalls have set up on that temporary location and so far seem to be doing well.
But even better news is that Aida’s Chicken Inasal(↗), which happens to be my favourite of the old Manokan country, has opened a stand alone restaurant on San Juan street near Gina’s seafood. Nena’s Rose(↗) is another solid pick and they also have a stand alone restaurant.
Related Reading: Bacolod’s Mushu: Chef JP Anglo’s Last Hometown Restaurant
Where to Stay in Bacolod City
Luxury Accommodations: – Stonehill Suites (↗) – Modern comfort meets elegance at Stonehill Suites. With spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and a prime location, it’s a top choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
Mid-Range Accommodations: – Park Inn By Radisson (↗) – Stylish, comfortable, and centrally located, Park Inn by Radisson offers modern rooms, top-tier amenities, and easy access to Bacolod’s best shopping and dining.
Budget Accommodations: – The Suites at Calle Nueva(↗) – The Suites at Calle Nueva offers modern air-conditioned guestrooms with free Wi-Fi. It is a short 3-minute walk from City Hall, City Plaza and San Sebastian Cathedral.
Looking for other great places to stay in Bacolod City? Use the search bar below to find more options!
Piaya
No list of 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod is complete without piaya. This flaky, muscovado-filled flatbread is the city’s go-to sweet snack, best eaten fresh off the griddle when the sugar is still molten. The crisp exterior gives way to a chewy, caramel-like filling that sticks to your teeth in the best way possible.
Piaya is easy to find. BongBong’s(↗) or Merzci(↗) will be the most talked about places but if you can find it being made fresh on the side of the road, even better. Whether you eat it on the spot or stash a few packs in your bag, this is Bacolod’s ultimate edible souvenir.
Image Source: Thebacolodfoodhunters.com
Mud Pie
I’ve eaten a lot of desserts in a lot of places, but Calea’s Mud Pie is on another level. A thick, frozen slab of chocolate mousse rests on a crisp, buttery cookie crust, with each bite melting into pure chocolate decadence. It’s rich without being overwhelming, smooth without feeling heavy, and so addictive that stopping halfway isn’t an option.
Bacolod has plenty of sweets, but this is the one that stands above the rest. You’ll only find it at Calea Pastries & Coffee(↗), and if you think one slice is enough, think again
Seafood
Bacolod’s seafood scene doesn’t get nearly enough credit. But if you know where to go, you’ll eat some of the freshest seafood in the country. Whether it’s grilled fish, sizzling scallops, or shrimp dripping in butter and garlic, the best spots let the ingredients do the talking.
At the top of the list is Gina’s Seafoods(↗), where everything is perfection and served without unnecessary nonsense. If angel wing clams are in season, order them immediately. These delicate, briny clams are a rare find and worth every bite. Another standout is Diotay’s(↗), a laid-back spot known for its fresh catch and massive platters built for serious appetites.
Soup #5
If you see Soup #5 on the menu and don’t know what it is, buckle up. This is bull testicle and penis soup, a dish as infamous as it is oddly respected. The broth is rich, slightly herbal, and packed with slow-simmered beefy flavor. The texture? Let’s just say it’s not for the squeamish. If you’re feeling brave, Sio Sam’s Food House(↗) is serving the best in town
I’ve tackled this one before in my Bizarre Filipino Foods blog post, and trust me, it deserves its spot on both lists
Shabu-Shabu
If you’re after shabu-shabu in Bacolod, skip the places that make you cook it yourself. Shan Shabu-Shabu(↗) lets you pick your ingredients while they do the rest. Fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables go straight into a steaming broth, served hot and ready without the hassle. If you want something hearty without the effort, this is where you go.
Ube Sans Rival
Bacolod takes its desserts seriously, and Felicia’s(↗) Ube Sans Rival is proof. Layers of buttery cashew meringue meet rich ube buttercream, creating a dessert that’s crisp, chewy, and ridiculously smooth all at once. The balance of sweet and nutty flavors makes it hard to stop at just one bite.
Felicia’s has built a reputation for top-tier cakes, and while not Calea mud pie good, this is the next best thing,
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Halo-Halo
If you’re working through 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, a proper halo-halo needs to be on the list. And lucky for you, Calle Luna(↗) serves the best halox2 in the Philippines. With finely shaved ice, well-balanced ingredients, and ube ice cream that isn’t just purple food coloring. Don’t miss this place if you find yourself in the City of Smiles.
KBL
If you want a true taste of 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, order KBL. Short for Kadyos, Baboy, Langka, this slow-simmered soup combines pigeon peas, pork, and jackfruit in a rich, slightly sour broth. The secret is batwan, the same fruit that gives kansi its signature tang.
Now that Timplada has closed it’s doors, you will have to decide where you want to try it. Not to worry, you can find it all over the city and if it were me I would probably start at Imay’s(↗).
Inihaw/BBQ
Among the 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, few meals capture the city’s love for simple flavors like inihaw or BBQ. Fresh seafood and meats hit charcoal, cooking over open flames until the fat crisps and a smoky aroma fills the air. Pair it up with pale pilsen or a redhorse and you have yourself a cheap meal, a great buzz and stories to tell everybody about Bacolod’s street food when you get home.
For pure street food bliss head over to Man Plaza and more specifically to Royam’s Barbecue and Grill(↗) for some of the best grilled meats you will find in Bacolod. There are at least 20 others stalls within Man Plaza so there is plenty to choose from.
Read Next: Bacolod Food Reviews: The Man Behind The Bacolod Food Hunters
Napoleones
Among the 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, napoleones is the kind of pastry that disappears faster than you expect. Thin layers of crisp, buttery pastry sandwich a rich, custard filling, topped with just enough glaze to bring it all together. It’s light but decadent, sweet without going overboard, and impossible to stop at just one.
Most people head to the usual bakeries, but Quan Native Delicacies(↗) makes one of the best. And yes, I know there are a lot of sweets on this list but what do you expect from the sugar capital of the Philippines? Let’s face it, you won’t have overindulgent treats like this outside of Negros Occidental so get them while you can.
Rabbit Meat
At Hops Grill House(↗), rabbit is not a specialty. It’s the only thing on the menu. From lechon, siomai, pancit molo, sisig, burgers, and many more. Every dish starts and ends with rabbit meat
It’s leaner than pork, higher in protein than chicken, and easier to digest than beef. Rabbit farming leaves a smaller footprint, requiring less space, feed, and water than traditional livestock. The result is a more sustainable meat option without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you have never had rabbit I highly recommend it
Chay Letty’s Native Chicken Inasal
We have already covered inasal on this list, but Chay Letty’s(↗) takes it in a different direction. Most inasal today is made with broiler chickens, bred to grow fast and pack on weight. Chay Letty’s uses native chickens with firmer meat and a deeper, more developed flavor.
The difference shows the moment it hits the grill. The skin crisps quickly, the fat renders cleaner, and the meat pulls in more of the smoke. The result is inasal that tastes richer, chews better, and does not rely on endless basting to create flavor. And an added bonus is she also does an amazing grilled pork and grilled boneless bangus.
This is the king of all kings when it comes to inasal and nobody does it quite like Chay Letty’s. Full disclosure, it’s not a sit down restaurant but a road side stall with two tables. Monday-Friday is pre-reserved only for dine in or take out and Saturday and Sundays are only while supplies last.
TUS the Ultimate Sandwich
Sometimes you need a hotdog covered in onions, chili and cheese. Sometimes you need a cheesy ass krainer sub. Still other times you want a spiced chicken sandwich. When those time hit, be sure to head to Tus the Ultimate Sandwich(↗). They don’t have a huge menu and that is by design. But what they do have is excellent sandwiches.
TUS doesn’t waste time with filler. Every item comes stacked with meat, cheese, and toppings, leaving no room for a boring ass dry bite. The chili cheese fries don’t sit in the corner of the menu like an afterthought. They come loaded, dripping with enough beef and cheese to turn them into a meal on their own. Some places focus on variety. TUS focuses on making sure what they serve is worth coming back for. Spoiler alert, it is!
Chef Marquin Burgers
Next up on our20 must-try dishes in Bacolod is Chef Marquin Burgers(↗). There is no set location, no storefront to walk into. They operate as a pop-up food truck, changing locations around the city. If you want one, check their Facebook page linked above to find out where they are parked, and get there before they sell out.
The burgers are not just big. They are torched, overloaded, and built for people who do not care about staying clean. Every burger is named after a rock or metal legend, from the triple-patty Steve Vai to the monstrous Dimebag Darrell loaded with five layers of beef and cheese. This is not a polite meal. It is loud, heavy, and unapologetically over the top.
Kyle’s Eatery
Some places make a name for themselves through hype. Kyle’s Eatery(↗) does it through hard work, good food, and a commitment to the people around it. Run by a young owner who puts everything back into his community, this is the kind of spot that won’t show up in a tourist guide but is worth the effort to find.
The menu is straightforward, but a few of my favourites are: The palabok that comes rich and loaded, the pancit molo soup carries the depth of a broth that has been tended to properly, and the deep-fried chicken lands with crisp skin that holds onto every bit of seasoning. Prices stay low, but nothing about the food feels cheap.
Getting here takes a Grab ride and a little curiosity. What you get in return is a meal that you won’t soon forget.
Bogsbrew HQ
Craft beer is still finding its place in Bacolod, but Bogsbrew HQ(↗) has been leading the charge for over a decade. This is not some mass-produced lineup of predictable lagers. Every beer here is small-batch, artisanal, and constantly rotating. One visit will never be the same as the next.
The food sticks to pulutan-style plates built for drinking sessions. It is simple, unpretentious, and surprisingly good across the board. The real reason to come, though, is the beer. Whether you lean toward strong and hoppy or want to take a go at a dessert beer there is always something for every beer palate.
This is not a place where you order the usual. You show up, ask what’s fresh, and let them pour.
Nepomuceno’s Original Manapla Puto
Some places sell puto. Nepomuceno’s(↗) treats it like an art form. One look at their display case, and it is obvious this is not just another batch of steamed rice cakes.
The ube puto is packed with real ube jam and shredded coconut, turning it into something closer to dessert than a side dish. The cheese puto comes loaded with enough cheese to hold its own, but the real move is pairing it with their dinuguan. Thick, rich, and velvety, it coats every bite like melted chocolate, except this chocolate is made of pork blood.
Add in a cup of their strong coffee to set the tone for the entire day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grab is the easiest way to get around, especially if you are visiting places outside the main city center. Jeepneys and tricycles are available for shorter distances
Some, like Aida’s Chicken and Calea, are well-known, but others, like Kyle’s Eatery or Nepomuceno’s, are local favorites that do not usually see many tourists. But make no mistake about it, Filipinos are the friendliest, most hosptibale people on the planet so rest assured if you do manage to make your way to these places you will be welcomed with open arms
I have to go with the typical answer of inasal because it’s that good. But once that is out of the way, I would go out my way to get to Chay Letty’s for her native inasal. Then find the closest location for KBL and then quickly make my way to Calea for that mud pie.
Bacolod is known for affordable food, but if you are looking for the best value, Kyle’s Eatery, Nepomuceno’s, and Chay Letty’s serve excellent meals at low prices.
You don’t. But If the crowd is mostly locals and the place gets packed during meal hours, you are in the right spot. Places like Chay Letty’s, Kyle’s Eatery and Sio Sam’s Food House will always be predominantly local.
20 must-try dishes in Bacolod: Conclusion
If you are working through 20 must-try dishes in Bacolod, you are in for a lineup of meals that leave a lasting impression. Whether it is grilled inasal, flame-torched burgers, deep bowls of batchoy, or puto paired with thick, rich dinuguan, Bacolod will never disappoint.
Some of these spots are well-known, others take effort to find, and a few move around, but every single one is here for a reason. Now let’s hear from you. What is your go-to Bacolod meal? Did I miss a spot? Drop a comment below and share your favorites.
