Suppose you are traveling in the Philippines and you are seeking to discover distinct local flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. In that case, you might want to visit a local hidden gem tucked away in a coastal city – Sipalay, Negros Occidental.
Apart from its trademark breathtaking scenery and landscape, Sipalay also offers a wide range of rich local flavors. It’s a gastronomic experience not to be missed out on.
Negrenese Cuisine
Sipalay takes pride in its Negrenese cuisine – a fusion of local and Spanish flavors that offers an enriching culinary experience for locals and tourists alike. We have taken the liberty to list down some of the best Negrense cuisine you should try.
Chicken Inasal
Consisting of chicken marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and annatto (atusete) oil, chicken inasal is a signature local dish that has also gained global recognition for being the 5th Best Chicken Dish in the World, as per TasteAtlas.
You can enjoy this award-winning dish’s authentic flavors in restaurants in Sipalay. The chicken is skewered and grilled over charcoal and is usually served with rice, chicken oil, and pickled papaya.
Kansi
Another popular dish in Negros Island is kansi. It is a hearty, flavorful soup consisting of tender beef shanks, bone marrow, and batwan fruit – an essential sour fruit ingredient that gives the dish its distinct flavor and aroma. You can enjoy a hot bowl of kansi at Sipalay restaurants and pair it with a steaming cup of rice.
Negrenese Desserts
Last but not least, it’s not a complete culinary experience of Negrenese flavors without the desserts!
If you are looking for sweet treats in Sipalay, here are some Negrenese desserts you should not miss out on:
Piaya
One of the most popular snacks or pasalubong (souvenir) from Negros would be piaya. It is a thin, flat bread with muscovado sugar fillings and sesame seed toppings. It is usually cooked on a griddle and can be eaten hot or cold.
Napoleones
Crispy, creamy, and sweet. That’s what you can expect on your first bite of Napoleones. It is a layered pastry with custard filling and glazed with sugar on top.
Lingaw Restaurant in Manami Resort
Sipalay holds a lot of hidden gems that are yet to be uncovered. One of them would be Lingaw Restaurant in Manami Resort – a dining venue that offers a spectacular view of the ocean along with captivating sunsets.
“Lingaw”, from the local language Hiligaynon, means “to entertain”. You can savor mouthwatering dish selections that are deep-rooted in Negrenese cuisine infused with aromatic Spanish flavors. Revel in the authentic and carefully curated flavors of kansi, binakol, and seafood paella.
From appetizers to main dishes to desserts, you’re in for an experiential dining experience that’s rich in culture.
