Places to Eat in Bacolod

Inviting, fragrant smells fill the restaurants of Bacolod and billow out into the streets, enticing and persuading pedestrians to follow the delicious aromas. We were reminded of the old-school cartoons with visual wavy-lines wafting sweetly off freshly baked pies. Street venders barbeque sizzling chicken on side streets and delicious desserts and patisseries are lavishly displayed in storefront windows.

With its history of a booming sugar industry, Bacolod, the Sugarbowl of the Philippines, has a seemingly endless assortment of baked goods and pastries. It is not uncommon to see travellers getting onto domestic flights with full cakes in their possession.

Markets

The Old Pala-Pala Seafood Market is a firm favourite of the locals and a wonderfully authentic experience for visitors of Bacolod. Picking your own fresh seafood is the first order of business, getting it cooked and seasoned is the next. Freshly caught fish, prawns and shells are all yours for the choosing. A cheerful and interactive experience for all. (San Juan St, Bacolod, Negros Occidental)

Philippino Food

Be sure to take a stroll downtown towards the bustling Manokan Country. Your senses will be greeted by a strip of open-air restaurants selling the world renowned, Chicken Inasal (barbequed and marinated chicken). Be sure to go with an empty stomach and hungrily investigate what all the fanfare is about. (Luzuriaga St, Bacolod)

For a variety of deliciously, prepackaged Filipino snacks head to BongBong’s Piaya and Barquillos. From peanut brittle to banana chips to dried mangoes to caramel tarts; this local shop is the perfect spot for souvenirs and treats for loved one’s back home. (Bongbong Villan Bldg Bangga Pauline, Alijis Road, Brgy)

Organic Food

If you are after some organic fare, you are well catered for in Bacolod, too. Just 10 minutes from downtown Bacolod lies May’s Organic Garden and Restaurant which offers a wonderful array of home-cooked, organic fare. For PHP350, you can delight in a buffet of the finest ‘lutong bahay’ (homecooked) food. The menu changes daily and meals are a local combination of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Everything, including the fruit shakes and coffee, is organic and picked fresh out of the garden. Be sure to bring your camera along and take a leisurely wander around the 6 hector garden. (Araneta Ave, Pahanocoy, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental)

Fine Dining

For a superb fine-dining experience head to Negros Museum Café. This first-class restaurant behind the Negros Museum serves quality cuisine at very affordable prices. Focused on the community and making a difference in Bacolod, Chefs Guido and Gemma aim to use ingredients in their recipes that were harvested by the poorer farmers in the hopes of helping them make a sustainable living. This restaurant serves creative and healthy meals and is an enthusiastic supporter of organic farming. (Gatuslao St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental)

Cafes and Coffee Houses

D’Horizon, a bustling, humming café which sits roadside and has the most spectacular view of the mountains is definitely not to be missed. Crisp air, cooler weather and fresh tarragon or mint tea sets the tone at this lovely tea shop. Tea leaves are picked fresh from the garden once you place your order. (Unnamed Road, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental)

And now time for cakes, cakes, caaaaakes! The fact that Tiffany’s Confections, a tiny bakery is only able to host 15 guests at the time, does in no way discourage the hordes of people eagerly arriving for afternoon tea and cake. This cozy, trendy interior is the ideal backdrop to savour all the scrumptious treats. (8th Lacson Street)

Though Calea is a franchised bakery, do not let this fact scare you off. It has a reputation constructed solely on the magnificence of their chocolate cake. Not only do they have the chocolate cake of dreams, but their display fridges are crammed with cream cakes, cheesecakes and ice-cream cakes. This pretty, well-lit café is always bustling with cheery chatter and sugary grins - well worth a visit! (Robinsons Place Bacolod, Lacson St., Mandalagan)

Bars and nightlife

Keen for a party? Situated on Lakawon Island, a one hour drive from Bacolod followed by a 30 minute boat ride, just off the coast of Cadiz City, lives the largest floating bar in Asia, Tawhai Floating Bar. Tropical drinks, island vibes and chilled music set the stage on this buoyant piece of paradise in the sea.