Disclaimer: Long post

It was in 2013 when my sister booked us a ticket to Bacolod City for a week-long vacation. I don’t have any idea what is in Bacolod City, except for Calea. So I was ecstatic upon knowing that finally I will get to taste the cakes from Calea! I didn’t know that I was in for a bigger surprise.

October 2013, when we landed at Silay Airport, I was shocked when we were greeted by loud music from people wearing masks, drumming their heart out in a festive tune in the airport. Man, it turned out it was Masskara Festival! And my sister didn’t even bother to tell me. I thought I was just going to eat for the whole week (which is not a problem with me)!

Masskara was my first festival, and it has been my favorite festival since then. After that week-long vacation, I have fallen in love with Bacolod. I love the festival, the people and especially the food! And to prove that point, I’ve been there 3 times already since 2013.

There are a lot of reasons to love Bacolod, but on the top of my list will always be their food. During that vacation, I learned that Bacolod is the Sugar Capital of the Philippines! No wonder restaurants and cake shops are everywhere! My favorite street is Lacson Street, where the Masskara Parade was also held. If you’re ready to gain a little weight, then come and visit Bacolod!

Here are the some of the restaurants we’ve tried in Bacolod

Manokan Country

If you still don’t know, Bacolod is famous for their Chicken Inasal (Does Bacolod Chicken Inasal ring a bell?). In Bacolod there is a stretch of eateries that serve Inasal. I highly recommend Aida’s, because their Inasal is big and juicy! It’s also best if you’ll eat using your hands! Eat like a local. There are some news, though, (as of this year) that they’ll be closing soon because SM bought the land to expand the mall. Too bad if that’s true.

Located at Fr. M. Ferrero St.,, Nenas Rose II, Bacolod, 6100

Calea and Felicia’s

These two are the famous cake shops in Bacolod. I became aware of Calea’s existence when I saw a friend  posted it on Facebook and I did a screenshot of it and promised myself I will try it as well.  I learned about Felicia’s when I did my research. It seems that it is the strongest competitor of Calea in Bacolod. These two are located across each other in Lacson St.

Personally, I prefer Calea over Felicia’s. Calea’s best seller is the Mud Pie, while Felicia is famous for their chocolate cake. There are also a list of cake flavors that you can bring home as pasalubong.

Calea is located at Lourdes – C Bldg., Lacson Street, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Felicia’s is located at 6th Lacson Street, DOLL Building, Robinsons Place Central Walk & The District – Ayala Northpoint. 

21 Restaurant

We pass by this restaurant a lot of times before but we never really think of trying it out. From the outside, it looks like a very fancy restaurant, with its lengthy windows and beautifully designed curtains, you’ll definitely get an impression that it might be pricey. But the last time we went to Bacolod, we went for it and was surprised by how affordable the foods are! The one on the photo is their version of Porkchop ala Bicol Express and it was the best porkchop/bicol express I have tasted. No kidding. When I took my first bite, I was like “Pucha! Ang sarap!” and repeated it for 3 or more times. This is one of the restaurants that I’ll definitely go back to and I’ll highly recommend to anyone who’s going to Bacolod. Don’t miss this restaurant.

Located at 21 Street, cor. Lacson Street, Bacolod City 6100

KRISTIN’S Steakhouse

Kristin is one of the restaurants located along Lacson St. It has a nice interior and is spacious inside. We’ve ordered Crispy Pata and Sinigang na Baboy then (it was back in October 2013, it’s hard for me to remember exactly what it taste like, but) I can remember that it was delicious. We’ve consumed everything! And even ordered extra rice. Though, It’s not something that wow-ed me like 21 restaurant, still it was a good experience.

Located at  20th St, Bacolod, Negros Occidental

18th ST. Pala-Pala

This is also one of the must-try restaurants in Bacolod. This is the counterpart of Dampa here in Manila. They have seafoods that you can order and they will cook it for you. I cannot say that this is better than our Dampa here in Manila, but if it just happens that you’re in Bacolod and you are craving for seafoods, you can head over to 18th St. Pala-Pala. One observation though, there’s one thing that might be better in Pala-Pala than in Dampa, and that is the place. It is much cleaner and spacious, unlike in Dampa, this is only 1 restaurant and not a group of restaurants in one location.

Located at  Corner 18th and Aguinaldo Streets, Capitol Subdivision Bacolod City, Philippines

CAFE BOB’s

Another cafe! But this cafe doesn’t only have cakes and coffee, they also have (drumroll please….) pasta! Yes, Calea and Felicia don’t have pastas so if you want a wider range of choices, you can also consider Cafe Bob’s. It was also in 2013 when I tried Cafe Bob’s, I can’t remember how the food tastes like. It wasn’t that exceptional (like Calea, that you would remember it and go back to it every time) but it is still a good place to try out. The ambiance is really nice and they have good cakes too!

Located at Corner 21st & Lacson Streets | Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Visayas, 6100, Philippines

SHAWARMA NI KULAS

This is not one of the fancy restaurants that you’ll see around Lacson St. More of a  hole-in-the-wall place. I literally laughed for around 3 mins, before I made an order. Whoever thought of their menu was a crazy genius. Hahaha. I ordered Cheezy Pepe Mu Ha. Good thing, it was a guy who was taking the orders or else it would be awkward to say, “Ate,  Cheezy Pepe Mu Ha” Hahahahahah! As for the food itself, it looks like a Quesadilla. But inside it has Cheese, Pepperoni, Mushroom and Ham! It was good! You’ll get full with just one order.

Located at Lacson St. 6100 Bacolod City, Philippines

There are A LOT of restaurants to try, but you can try these as starters. Hope you’d enjoy Bacolod. You’ll love it. And, this year’s Masskara Festival will happen on October 16 -18 (it’s usually month long, but the highlight of the festival will be on these dates.)

Much ♥, Andrea