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Bacolod’s Smiles Come With a Side of Flavor: My MassKara Food Trip with foodpanda’s Panda Plates
Bacolod has always been close to my heart. As a Bacolodnon, I grew up with the energy of MassKara Festival, the colorful masks, the street celebrations, and, of course, the food that brings people together. Here, a celebration is never complete without something delicious on the table.
This MassKara season, I’m happy to see foodpanda celebrating the city’s vibrant food culture through Panda Plates, a storytelling campaign that shines the spotlight on Bacolod’s homegrown culinary heroes and brings their signature dishes closer to customers.
For me, this is what makes our local food scene special. It is not just about satisfying a craving; it is about discovering neighborhood favorites, supporting local businesses, and sharing the flavors that make Bacolod unique.
Whether you’re hosting friends at home, taking a break from festival activities, or simply craving your favorite Negrense comfort food, foodpanda makes discovering participating local restaurants more convenient.
Panda Plates: Celebrating Bacolod’s Homegrown Food Heroes
One thing I love about Bacolod is how food connects us. From family gatherings to casual meals with friends, our local restaurants have a way of making ordinary moments memorable.
Through its Panda Plates campaign, foodpanda highlights local culinary businesses and their signature offerings, helping more customers discover the people and flavors behind the dishes.
Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing at foodpanda Philippines, explained that MassKara presents an opportunity for local businesses to reach new customers and build lasting relationships beyond the festival season.
I appreciate this focus because supporting local food businesses means helping preserve the culinary character of our city. Every new customer who discovers a homegrown restaurant is another opportunity for that business to grow.
And with so many flavors to explore, Bacolod certainly gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Fire Up the Feast: Chicken Inasal, Barbecue, and Kansi
Whenever I think of Bacolod food, chicken inasal is one of the first things that comes to mind. That unmistakable grilled aroma, smoky flavor, and familiar taste make it a favorite for gatherings and everyday meals alike.
For grilled specialties, Ribshack offers chicken inasal, tender spare ribs, and signature barbecue favorites. Brylles Fried and Grill serves chicken inasal, pork barbecue, and other grilled dishes that are perfect for sharing.
For a taste of Negrense tradition, Pat-Pat’s Kansi House serves its signature kansi, a comforting beef shank and bone marrow soup with the distinctive sourness of batwan, along with its sizzling version.
If you’re craving hearty Filipino food, Mom Rose offers spicy lechon manok and chicken sisig, while Nestor Eatery brings familiar lutong-bahay dishes to the table.
Seafood lovers can also explore Rojo’s Seafood and Grill, with offerings such as buttered shrimp, seafood boil, and sizzling bangus.
For me, these are the kinds of dishes that make a MassKara gathering complete. Whether you’re feeding the family or sharing a meal with friends, there’s always something that feels right for the occasion.
Cravings Without Borders: Shawarma, Japanese, and Korean Favorites
Of course, Bacolod’s food scene goes well beyond its famous grilled dishes. Sometimes, I want something different, and it’s great to see a range of international flavors available through participating restaurants.
For shawarma lovers, Leylam Shawarma serves wraps and rice meals, while Homesitte Shawarma offers shawarma favorites alongside shawarma fries and nacho fries.
When Filipino-Chinese comfort food is calling, Apollo Restaurant has familiar classics to explore. For Japanese food, Izumi Japanese Restaurant offers selections such as tantanmen, yakisoba, and tsukemen.
If you’re in the mood for Korean-inspired snacks, Mr. Kokio is known for crispy Korean chicken bites and glazed wings. Meanwhile, Sio Yummy offers premium siomai in pork, chicken, and vegan varieties.
I like having these choices because a food trip doesn’t always have to follow a traditional route. Sometimes, the best discovery is a dish you’ve been craving but haven’t tried from a particular local restaurant.
Sip, Snack, and Sweeten the Celebration
MassKara can mean hours of activities, meet-ups, and celebrations. Sometimes, all I need is a refreshing drink or a sweet treat to complete the moment.
At Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, popular selections include Oreo Crème Brûlée, Cheesecake & Pearl, and RSC Wintermelon Tea. These are tempting options for milk tea lovers looking for something refreshing between festival activities.
And if there is one treat worth remembering when talking about Bacolod food, it is the beloved napoleones.
Merzci Bread and Pastries offers this local favorite: flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and finished with a sweet glaze. Its freshly baked breads and regional delicacies are also convenient choices when I want to bring home something to share with family and friends.
For me, these little food discoveries are part of what makes living in and visiting Bacolod so enjoyable. Food becomes more than a meal; it becomes part of the memory.
Enjoy Up to 60% Off with foodpanda This MassKara
Here’s another reason to explore Bacolod’s food scene this festival season.
Through foodpanda, customers can enjoy up to 60% off bestsellers from participating local favorites, including Ribshack, Merzci, Pat-Pat’s Kansi House, Got Tea?, and more.
To check the available deals, simply open the foodpanda app, browse participating restaurants, and look for eligible offers. Discounts and availability may vary by restaurant and promotion.
Whether you’re planning a feast at home, ordering snacks for your group, or satisfying a sudden craving after a day of festival activities, foodpanda makes it easier to discover local favorites without missing out on the celebration.
My Take: MassKara Tastes Better When We Support Local
Having grown up in Bacolod, I know that MassKara is more than a festival. It is part of our identity, our community spirit, and the experiences we share with the people around us.
Food is a big part of that story. From chicken inasal and kansi to milk tea and napoleones, our local culinary scene reflects the flavors and traditions that make the City of Smiles special.
That is why I welcome foodpanda’s Panda Plates campaign. By putting the spotlight on homegrown culinary heroes and helping customers discover their offerings, it gives local food businesses another opportunity to connect with the community.
This MassKara, I encourage you to explore Bacolod’s food favorites, discover a restaurant you haven’t tried before, and support the local businesses that help make our city deliciously memorable.
Because in Bacolod, our smiles come naturally—and they taste even better when shared over good food.
Ready for your next food discovery? Open the foodpanda app and explore participating Bacolod restaurants and Panda Plates offers this MassKara season.
Fabulous Asian Lifestyle brings you closer to the food, culture, travel, and lifestyle experiences that make the Philippines and Asia worth exploring. As a Bacolodnon, I love sharing the places, flavors, and stories that make our home special.
