14 Bacolod Local Food and Delicacies You Must Try

March 11, 2024 by Rhona Espada

Bacolod City, fondly nicknamed the “City of Smiles,” is a vibrant metropolis in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Beyond its warm hospitality, Bacolod boasts a rich culinary heritage. From savory dishes bursting with flavor to decadent pastries that melt in your mouth, Bacolod food scene offers something to tantalize every taste bud. So, get ready for a delicious adventure as we explore 14 of Bacolod’s must-try delicacies!

Here are the 14 Bacolod Local Foods and Delicacies You Must Try

1. Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country

Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country - Bacolod food — Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country

No trip to Bacolod is complete without experiencing the iconic Chicken Inasal. This dish features succulent chicken marinated in a special blend of spices, then grilled over charcoal to achieve a smoky, savory flavor. Manokan Country, a beloved institution in Bacolod, offers a mouthwatering rendition of Inasal. Their chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside, generously coated with their signature sweet and savory chicken oil. Each bite is an explosion of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Puffyani by Quino’s

Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth Puffyani by Quino’s for a delightful afternoon treat. This local favorite is a flaky puff pastry with creamy custard filling. The golden brown pastry shatters with a gentle touch, revealing a smooth, rich custard that explodes with flavor in every bite. Quino’s offers a variety of Puffyani flavors, from classic vanilla to adventurous options like ube (purple yam) and durian.

3. Piaya of Bongbong’s

Piaya of Bongbong's - Bacolod Food — Bongbong’s Piaya

Piaya is a thin wheat flour flatbread with a sweet filling, a staple pasalubong (souvenir) from Bacolod. Bongbong’s Piaya is legendary for its perfectly caramelized exterior and melt-in-your-mouth muscovado filling. The muscovado, a type of unrefined sugar, lends a deep, complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with the slightly crisp flatbread. You can choose from their classic muscovado filling or explore other flavors like langka (jackfruit) or mango.

4. Fresh Lumpia from El Ideal Bakery

A short drive from Bacolod lies Silay City, another culinary gem of Negros Occidental. Here, you’ll find the famous El Ideal Bakery, known for its delectable Fresh Lumpia. Unlike the fried spring rolls you might be familiar with, this version features a thin, crepe-like wrapper filled with a savory mixture of julienned vegetables, meat, and shrimp. Each bite bursts with fresh, crisp vegetables and a flavorful meat filling, making it a refreshing and satisfying snack.

5. Napoleones of Leones Napoleones

Bacolod Food - Napoleones of Leones Napoleones — Napoleones of Leones Napoleones

Are you looking for a showstopping dessert? Look no further than the Napoleones of Leones Napoleones. This towering confection features layers of flaky puff pastry sandwiched with a rich, creamy custard and frosted with a delicate buttercream. The contrasting textures and decadent flavors make this Napoleon a true masterpiece. Each bite offers a delightful symphony of textures, from the crisp pastry to the smooth custard, leaving you wanting more.

6. Cansi from Sharyn’s Cansi House

For a comforting and hearty meal, head to Sharyn’s Cansi House and savor their signature Cansi. This Negrense specialty is a beef bone marrow soup flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and local spices. The long-simmering process results in a rich and flavorful broth packed with collagen from the bone marrow. The tender beef slices and crisp vegetables add textural contrast to the silky broth, making it a soul-warming experience.

7. Mila’s Potato Cake

A unique Bacolod treat is Mila’s Potato Cake. This unexpected gem is not a cake or a potato dish. It’s a deep-fried turnover filled with a savory mashed potato filling studded with bits of ground meat and vegetables. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful potato mixture, creating a delightful textural and taste contrast.

8. Cassava Cake by El Ideal

El Ideal Bakery in Silay City offers more than just their famous Fresh Lumpia. Their Cassava Cake is a delightful local favorite. This sweet treat features layers of grated cassava, a starchy root vegetable infused with coconut milk and sugar. The result is a dense, chewy cake with a subtle sweetness and a hint of coconut flavor. It’s a perfect afternoon snack enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

9. Calea Cakes

Calea Cakes are a delightful fusion of Filipino and Spanish influences. This delicacy features a flaky puff pastry base filled with a creamy custard flavored with queso de bola, a sharp cheddar cheese. The savory and creamy filling perfectly complements the pastry’s sweetness, creating a unique and irresistible flavor profile.

10. Lemon Thins by Felicia’s Pastry And Cake

Grab some Lemon Thins from Felicia’s Pastry And Cake for a refreshing and tangy treat. These bite-sized cookies are made with a light and crumbly dough infused with real lemon zest. The sweetness of the cookie is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lemon, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

11. Croissants in Cafe Bob’s

Cafe Bob’s is a Bacolod institution that boasts delicious Filipino dishes and offers fantastic pastries. Their croissants are a must-try for any bread lover. These buttery, flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy them plain or pair them with your favorite jam, butter, or even a savory spread for a delightful treat.

12. Barquillos of Bongbong’s

Bongbong isn’t just known for its delectable Piaya. They also offer some of the best Barquillos in Bacolod. These wafer-thin cookies are made from a simple flour, sugar, and egg dough. They are then rolled thin and cooked until golden brown. The result is a light, crispy cookie with a hint of sweetness, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling overly heavy.

13. Pinasugbo of Bongbong’s

Pinasugbo, also from Bongbong’s, is a unique and refreshing snack made from grated young jackfruit. The jackfruit is marinated in vinegar, sugar, and spices, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet treat. The crunchy texture of the jackfruit adds a delightful element to the overall experience. It’s a perfect summer snack or a light side dish to balance out a heavier meal.

14. Puto Manapla

Puto Manapla is a delectable Filipino delicacy from Manapla, a municipality in Bacolod, Philippines. This traditional treat is a rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and lye water, giving it a distinctive soft and slightly chewy texture. What sets Puto Manapla apart is its unique preparation method, which involves steaming the batter in banana leaves, imparting a subtle fragrance, and enhancing its natural sweetness. Often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, Puto Manapla delights taste buds with its delicate sweetness and comforting texture. Whether served plain or with a generous topping of grated coconut, this beloved Bacolod delicacy is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Filipino cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Bacolod’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and influences. It offers something to tantalize every taste bud, from the smoky savor of Chicken Inasal to the decadent sweetness of Napoleones. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a delicious adventure, Bacolod promises an unforgettable culinary experience. So, pack your appetite and prepare to embark on a delicious journey through Bacolod’s bounty!