10 Must-Try Bacolod Delicacies That Will Leave You Craving for More!
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Bacolod City, known for its rich culture, history, and warm hospitality, is also a haven for food enthusiasts.
Trust me on this, I stayed in Bacolod on my second visit for four days and I could say that their food is above par!
If you even have a sweet tooth, well a visit to Bacolod is something that you should try. 😉
When it comes to local foods, Bacolod delicacies stand out. It offers a unique blend of flavors, from sweet to savory, that capture the essence of this vibrant city.
In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 must-try Bacolod delicacies that will leave you craving for more.
10 Must-Try Bacolod Delicacies
1. Chicken Inasal
No visit to Bacolod is complete without savoring the mouth-watering and popular dish in Bacolod which is the Chicken Inasal!
It is a grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi, and other spices. The chicken is then grilled over hot coals, giving it a smoky flavor.
It is usually served with rice, atsara (pickled papaya) and a dipping sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi or sinamak, a spicy vinegar dip.
If you’re craving this Bacolod food, you can always dine in Manokan Country where you can find many stalls that sell Chicken Inasal.
Update: Manokan Country is closed until further notice. However, you can still have this famous Bacolod specialty in some of the restaurants in Bacolod such as the Masskara Chicken Inasal and Chicken House.
Different stalls mean you can try different recipes of Chicken Inasal (there’s no harm in indulging more than 3 stall recipes 😉).
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2. K.B.L. (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka/ Pigeon Peas, Pork, Jackfruit)
K.B.L. is a hearty soup made with kadyos (pigeon peas), baboy (pork), and langka (jackfruit).
It is a popular comfort food in Bacolod, especially during rainy days, and is usually served with rice.
This dish is made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and has an authentic taste of Bacolod.
3. Kansi
If you want a unique sour soup experience, Kansi is the answer. This Bacolod food is similar to bulalo.
It is a beef soup made with beef shanks, bone marrow, vegetables, and batwan (a souring agent).
This comfort dish is usually served with rice and a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, calamansi, and chili.
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4. Guapple Pie
Bacolod isn’t just about savory dishes; it has a sweet side too!
Guapple Pie is a dessert that is unique to Bacolod. It is made with guapple (a hybrid fruit of guava and apple), cinnamon, and sugar.
This may be one of Bacolod’s delicacies that you wouldn’t expect to like and what I really love about it is its only sweetener is the cinnamon ingredient that is added to it.
The pie has a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for those who love fruity desserts.
You can have a taste of this at El Ideal Bakery located in Silay City (yup, outside Bacolod City but it’s worth the short ride).
5. Piaya
Piaya is a popular pasalubong (souvenir) from Bacolod made from a sweet flatbread that is filled with muscovado sugar. Another flavor of piaya is the ube or the purple yam.
This Bacolod specialty is also best eaten when it’s freshly out of the oven or when it’s still warm.
Locals take pride in their piaya, and each bite provides a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
According to Bacolodnons, the best piaya in Bacolod is from Bongbong’s Piaya. They have been making piaya for over 30 years and have perfected the recipe.
6. Napoleones
Napoleones is a layered puff pastry that is filled with custard cream. It is then topped with sugar glaze and dusted with powdered sugar. Just writing that gave me a sugar rush, haha.
It is a popular dessert in Bacolod and is usually served during special occasions.
It’s also a popular choice for pasalubong (souvenirs) and is often enjoyed with a cup of local coffee.
I remember receiving Napoleones when I met my Carat friends from Negros Occidental for the first time. I was embarrassed back then because they gave lots of pasalubong but I came unprepared. Yayks! 🫣
7. Barquillos
Continuing the Bacolod delicacies with another sweet treat, that is Barquillos!
Barquillos are thin and crispy rolled wafers that are usually served as a snack.
They are made with flour, sugar, and butter and are perfect if you love crunchy snacks.
My sister never forgets to grab this snack during her pastry hauls from supermarkets or stalls.
8. Biscocho
Another go-to pasalubong item and a favorite snack of the family, Biscocho is a sweet bread coated in sugar and butter that is toasted until it is crispy.
It is usually served as a snack with coffee or hot chocolate. It’s best eaten anytime as a snack, but I prefer to eat this for breakfast.
9. Half-Moon Cakes
Half-Moon Cakes are soft small cakes that are shaped like half-moons.
They are made with flour, sugar, and butter and they are usually filled with ube (purple yam) or mongo (mung bean).
They are perfect if you love sweet treats and this also reminds me of some of the Chinese pastries that I love like the Mooncake!
10. BONUS: Angel Cookies
HEAR ME OUT!
Yes, Angel Cookies may not be included as Bacolod delicacies but personally, I just need to include this heaven-sent cookie on this list!
They are light and crispy cookies that are perfect if you are not a fan of sweets.
They are made with flour, sugar, butter and, its main ingredient which is the hostia – the sacramental bread in Catholic mass.
If you want to get a taste of this goody, El Ideal Bakery in Silay City is a must-visit.
I still crave this up until these days!
What is the Most Popular Food in Bacolod?
Bacolod’s most popular food is undoubtedly Chicken Inasal!
And if you ask “What is the specialty of Bacolod?”, still the same answer.
This grilled chicken dish has become a culinary icon, drawing locals and tourists alike to the numerous eateries and street food stalls across the city.
Its irresistible aroma and mouth-watering taste make it a must-try for anyone exploring Bacolod’s food scene.
What are the Sweet Delicacies in Bacolod?
The treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and make great pasalubong for your family and friends are Piaya, Napoleones, Barquillos, Biscocho, Meringue, and Lubid-lubid (a twisted rope-like bread sprinkled with sugar).
You can buy this pasalubong in BongBong’s, Merzci, or even at a local bakeshop in the city.
Don’t worry about finding the first two stores, you can see them on almost every main street and malls in Bacolod.
What are the Main Products of Bacolod?
Bacolod is known for its sugarcane production. It is also known for its rice, corn, and other agricultural products.
My younger self would’ve been thrilled by the instant sugar rush this treat gave me back in my childhood.
Aside from farm products, Bacolod is also known for many things like the famous MassKara Festival and its heritage houses.
Conclusion: Must-Try Bacolod Delicacies
Exploring Bacolod’s culinary culture is a journey into the heart and soul of the city. If you’re planning to visit Bacolod, make sure to try the famous Bacolod delicacies.
Don’t miss the chance to bring this home as pasalubong—let everyone enjoy the best flavors of Bacolod!
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About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
