Global Food Trip in Bacolod Restaurants

Whenever friends visit my city, they always ask me my recommended places to eat. Bacolod City, capital of the province of Negros Occidental, the sugar bowl of the Philippines, is known for its rich culinary delights, especially its desserts. And when it comes to local and international cuisines, Bacolod has a long list for you to sample.

[UPDATE 2023: Some of these establishments have closed or moved to a different location.]

Local food includes pastries, barbequed chicken, grilled seafood and other Filipino delicacies. There are also Asian menus, like Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese. If you are one who wants to venture into European and South American food, Bacolod has something to offer to you as well. Here are some restaurants serving international cuisine that I have visited in 2015.

Deliciously Delicioso!

I must say that Italian cuisine is probably one of the most popular international cuisines not just in the Philippines, but all over the world, and a favorite of many. Pasta, pizza, bruschetta, name it and you will find lots of Filipinos who are familiar with the menu. So if you crave for some delectable Italian food in Bacolod, Delicioso is definitely on top of the list.

The soups, with the French Onion and the Tomato Soup as my top choices, are really a good way to start one’s meal in Delicioso. The Shrimp Arrabiata is my favorite, especially with its thick red sauce. The Carbonara is also good although I’m never a big fan of the white sauce. I also like Delicioso’s salads, skewers and the Paella Negra. Their food servings are quite hefty so you can definitely share a dish or two. Given that, the price is reasonable.

You can also enjoy a bottle of wine to go with your meal. There are many wines to choose from, as they are displayed on one wall of the restaurant. There are also cold cuts and other food items that you can select from their deli and on their shelves.

I still have to try their desserts as I always end up full every time I eat in Delicioso. Next time, I’ll leave more space for the sweet part.

If you plan a small group meeting, there is a private room for such functions. Delicioso’s ambiance is elegant yet non-intimidating, tranquil yet friendly, and intimate yet spacious.

Delicioso is very accessible since it is situated along the main road, although for those with private vehicles, parking space is quite limited.

Delicioso is located along Lacson St., Mandalagan, Bacolod City. It’s a few meters from Robinson’s Place and the Art District and right across the Carmelite monastery. For reservations or inquiry, call (034)4350504 or (034)7090702 or visit their Facebook page.

A Taste of Tyrol

I have been especially curious of Tyrol after I attended a Paella Cook Off at SM City Bacolod wherein the event featured German chef Uwe Markowsky of the Bacolod Academy for Culinary Arts (BACA) and Tyrol Restaurant.

Tyrol, which was coined from the name of a state in Austria where the owner originated, serves Austrian and German food. It also houses the BACA where culinary students learn the art of cooking from chef Uwe.

The restaurant is very homey, with a large tree outside that serves as a canopy for its al fresco dining area. There are plenty of parking space as well.

When my sister and I dined in Tyrol, we were warmly greeted by its crew with chef Uwe eagerly awaiting the arrival of every guest. The dining area inside is not too big, so it gives an intimate feeling for family and friends who come here to share a meal. Tables and chairs exude an ambiance of a picnic place, it makes dining not too stiff. The kitchen is transparent, so you get to see the goings on while your food is being prepared.

Tyrol’s food is really awesome, you will forget your name once you start munching on your food. Okay, that may come a bit exaggerated but the food is truly delectable. We ordered a cheese platter, a meat platter, and a pasta. We wanted to try out their other dishes but our tummies were already telling us enough. The price of the food is pretty reasonable given that the sausages and some of the ingredients are from Europe.

And, yes, they have authentic beer from Germany. Chef Uwe even invited us to come back this October to get a feel of the Oktoberfest in Bacolod. Hmmm, just in time for the Masskara Festival. A double fete, I guess? Must be interesting to experience the combined revelry of Masskara’s local flavor and the German spirit of Oktoberfest.

Tyrol is located at the end of 12th St. Lacson, at the Mayfair Place Residence. For further information, contact 034-703-1878 or 0917-776-1999 or visit its website, http://bacolodrestaurants.com/, or its Facebook page.

Great Chews at Txacho

Since I already mentioned the Paella Cook-Off, the other half of that flavorful event opposite Chef Uwe was Chef David Lopez from Txacho Tapas Bar and Restaurant. I have met Chef David and the Txacho team in various food events in Bacolod, such as the Negros Organic Farmers Festival and the Negros Gourmet Experience.

Its official FB page states that Txacho, which is pronounced as ‘chacho’, is a Spanish word for “dude” or “guys”.

Chef David, one of the owners of this tapas bar and restaurant, is from the Basque region of Spain.  Food in the menu are served in small portions, as is usual for Spanish tapas, but locals who are not quite familiar with the cuisine might find the food a bit pricey. However, once you get beyond the first bite, you’d say that you get value-for-money for the very deliciously cooked food at Txacho.

My sister (my constant eating buddy) and I tried the gambas and the Basque chorizo and they were soooo good! We even had to order another round of rice to get our appetite going. That’s the Filipino in us, having to eat such dishes with rice because tapas are usually paired with wine or a good drink.

And while you enjoy the good food and the cozy ambiance of Txacho, a soothing Spanish music is played at the background. We were too early for dinner as the band was still setting up and we were the only diners at that time. But I could imagine the vibe in Txacho once the night gets longer. From their page itself, it states that “TXACHO is the perfect place for lovers of Tapas, Spanish cuisine, Sangria and other cocktails. They serve until late evening and play some of the freshest music in town. Hidden in Art District 2, TXACHO boasts an ever-growing list of cocktails and the most impressive tapas on the Island of Negros. Stop by for a quick bite, and you’ll end up wanting more.”

If you want to know more about Txacho, contact +639173015803 or email [email protected] or visit Chef David’s blog http://basquechef.com/about-me/ or their Facebook page.

The Charm of Chifa

Chifa is another eatery I encountered at the Negros Gourmet Experience. It is situated near the place where I work so I always passed by the area but never got around to visit the restaurant. Not until a friend of mine from Manila came to Bacolod for a business trip and would be around only for a day.

To make her trip memorable, I brought her to Chifa. The word speaks of food with Chinese and Peruvian fusion. According to history, “chifa” came about when Chinese migrants from Guangzhou (formerly Canton) came to Peru. The food is mostly rice or “chaufa”.

As the name suggests, our lunch was their special paella along with chicken and beef servings. The food was yummy and the price is affordable. Chifa is located near schools and dormitories so its price range is also somewhat friendly to young people. The neighborhood is also homey, even if it is within the city center.

The interior of Chifa is very artsy, with its colorful murals and chairs made out of used cans.  It also has an al fresco dining area.

Chifa is on the ground floor of the Palma Dormitory along 17th Lacson St. You may contact them at (034) 431 4607 or e-mail them at [email protected] for more details or visit their Facebook page.

Fogo’s Fiery Food

Within Chifa’s vicinity, a few blocks away, was Fogo, which serves Latin American food. In Portuguese or Galician language, “fogo” means fire. And like fire, Fogo’s ambiance is warm, with its bright colors and light coming into the restaurant.

Many of the food is Mexican and you can find in their menu quesadillas, burritos and fajitas. They also have salads, for those looking for healthy meals. Check out the board at the counter for their specialties.

The prices are also quite reasonable, although not necessarily affordable for students. Fogo is a stone’s throw away from schools and students abound in the area. It is also accessible as it is near main roads where public transport is available. Parking could be a challenge though.

Fogo used to be on the ground floor of the Dream 21 Building along B.S. Aquino Drive across the Riverside Medical Center and beside Colegio de San Agustin. It now moved to its new location in O Residences, beside Robinson’s Mall. For further inquiries, contact 0999-8169321 or visit their Facebook page.

The Paris-Saigon Connection at Le Bistrot Francais

Sis and I were strolling at the mall’s food strip when we saw this restaurant that seemed new to us. We checked the menu and decided to try their food. No one was about so the ambiance was pretty relaxing as soothing music played in the background. I could see wine bottles displayed at the counter and the paintings on the wall were very interesting. The French romantic air seemed to fill the restaurant, so I felt it was a good recommendation for dating couples.

A Caucasian lady, (must be French, I guess) who seemed to be the owner, was very hands-on in seeing to our needs, making us feel at home and comfortable.

For the food, we were surprised to find French and Vietnamese cuisines on the menu. I got onion soup and the salad, which alone were very filling. My sister got a meal with rice, chicken, soup, pasta and fries. It was a good price for all that food.

It is indeed a great place to enjoy French Indochine comfort food where guests can enjoy French wines and cheeses as well as Vietnamese coffee.

Le Bistrot Francais was located in the Central Citywalk of Robinsons Place in Mandalagan, but the restaurant closed even before this blog post came out. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

Eat, Play and Love the 2Story Kitchen

The 2Story Kitchen has a playful ambiance. You eat on the carpeted floor or at the second deck. The food is delectable although a bit on the pricey end. The desserts are spectacular, which are delightful to both young and old.

It is newly opened across Lopue’s East and near Save More so little by little, more and more people are discovering this new quaint restaurant.

2Story Kitchen is located along the Circumferential Road.

Take me to Tokyo Bubble Tea

Tokyo Bubble Tea is one of the most frequented restaurants for me and my sister. Stepping into  Tokyo Bubble Tea is like stepping into a modern store, with words like “oishi” protruding on the wall. The lights are also like giant bulbs. Tables and chairs are varied but still comfortable and provide a bit of privacy.

Apart from the cool and quirky interiors that I really find fascinating, the food is really mouthwatering. Plus, you can try a wide variety of their bubble teas, which they say they brew daily so they can serve fresh, healthy and all-natural tea drinks with the fun soft chewy bubbles in Tokyo style.

My favorite in Tokyo Bubble Tea are the sashimis, sushis and makis, but I also love to order their fried tofu, which is very delectable. Same with their Takoyaki, which is mouthwatering.

The crew are also very friendly and they really know their teas and food as they provide recommendations. The teas are also refreshing, you can come here either to enjoy a filling meal or just hang around and sip through their yummy and chewy bubble tea.

Definitely, when you step out of Tokyo Bubble Tea, you can really say, “oishi!”

Tokyo Bubble Tea is also located in the Central Citywalk of Robinsons Place, Mandalagan. Contact details are (034) 441-1632 and [email protected]. For more information about Tokyo Bubble Tea, visit their website, http://tokyobubbletea.jp, or check out their Facebook page.

Nippon Ichi

As we are into Japanese cuisine, one of the restaurants in Bacolod City that I can truly say is authentic Japanese is the Nippon Ichi. The restaurant is wide and has partitions which can be used as private rooms for some small gatherings or meeting. The ambiance is relaxing and elegant.

The counter displays various Japanese items and there are Japanese dolls and a Samurai doll also on display on both ends of the restaurant.

The food is truly yummy, especially the sushi platter which has fresh seafood ingredients. The gyoza is also a must-try. Their tempuras! And the dip! When it comes to taste, words seem to fail me. Indeed, it’s the next best thing that can get you as close to Japan.

The price range can be somewhat costly though. But for business gatherings, it is quite a good range since most of the food can be shared with a group.

Nippon Ichi is located on the 2nd floor of the Villa Angela Hi Strip-4 Building, along the Circumferential Road. The building is close to Lopue’s East and the People’s Place, the seat of the Bacolod City local government. For information, you may call 034 458 3141 or visit their website, http://www.nipponichi.com.ph/, or their Facebook page.

Xin Chao

Vietnamese food seems to be accessible in Bacolod these days, as this is not the first one I have tried. Xin Chao is a relatively new restaurant and more diners are trying out their food. The place is very casual, with the ambiance that of a coffee shop or a fast food joint. They also have al fresco dining in the building.

We tried their pho, or the noodle soup, as well as the fried Vietnamese rolls and an eggplant dish. The pho was just right and the eggplant dish was yummy. The price range is affordable as the servings are also quite small.

I also got this iced drink with some gelatin and seeds. It was a surprise as I found it refreshing and soothing to the taste.

Xin Chao is on the Ground Floor of the Villa Angela Hi Strip – 4 Building, along the Circumferential Road. For queries, you may call 09174179177 or check the updates on their Facebook page.

In my Eat Is Bacolod and Eat’s More Fun in Bacolod posts, I have also featured some restaurants in Bacolod. I have also written at length on particular restaurants in several of my other posts. There are still a lot of restaurants I have visited Below are the list of eateries in Bacolod and its vicinities that I have already written about:

18th St. Palapala
21 Bar & Restaurant
A Taste of Italy at The Ruins
B&C Korean Bakery
Balboa Restaurant
Bob’s
Café 1925
Café Bob’s
Café Uma
Calea
Chalet Restaurant
Chikaan
Cookies and Crumbs
El Ideal
Felicia’s
Fresh Start
Gourmandz
Greenoz Pizzaria
Hong Kong Kitchen
Hot ‘n Juicy Seafood and Ribs
Imbiss
Italia
L’ Kaisei
L’ Sea
Manokan Country
Mely’s Garden Restaurant
Mushu
Negros Museum Café
Orange Karenderia
Pepe’s Restaurant and Bar
Quan
Rau Ram Café
Sharyn’s Cansi House
Sofia Bread and Pastries
Tom N Toms
Trattoria Uma

Apart from the homegrown restaurants and eateries, there are also known food joints and food brands that have entered Bacolod. Here are some that I have also featured:

BonChon
J. Co
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Krispy Kreme
Kuya J Resto
Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken

So if you want to go on a global food trip around Bacolod that will take you places, figuratively, you can try these restaurants offering international cuisines.