By Xander Ledesma
The vibrant streets of Bacolod City are once again filled with color, rhythm, and the irresistible aroma of local delicacies as the city celebrates the 45th MassKara Festival. Renowned for its lively street dancing and signature smiling masks, this year’s event also brings forth a culinary celebration through the MassKaNamit Food Festival, which promises to delight both food lovers and tourists alike from October 12 to 27.
Organized by the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), the MassKaNamit Food Festival offers food enthusiasts an immersive experience into Bacolod’s culinary heritage. The event features a food crawl, described by organizers as an “opportunity to savor local delicacies.” Visitors can enjoy the city’s most famous dishes, including the iconic chicken inasal, a grilled marinated chicken dish known for its smoky flavor, best served with garlic rice and a vinegar dipping sauce. Other must-try dishes include piaya, a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar, and kansi, a savory-sour beef soup that warms the soul.
For those looking for heartier meals, batchoy, a rich noodle soup filled with pork, beef, liver, and garnished with scallions, is a local favorite. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss napoleones, a pastry filled with custard and topped with a sugary glaze, often considered a staple of Bacolod’s dessert offerings.
To guide visitors on their gastronomic journey, BYFI is distributing food booklets at seaports and airports, ensuring that travelers don’t miss out on the best dining spots in the city. These booklets include a curated list of restaurants, street food vendors, and must-try dishes, making it easier for food lovers to navigate Bacolod’s rich culinary scene.
A highlight of the food fest was the MassKaNamit Culinary Showdown, which took place from October 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center. The competition saw participation from culinary schools across Negros Island, with celebrity chefs judging the participants’ creations. From October 23 to 27, foodies will also have the chance to indulge in dishes from Bacolod’s top restaurants and food stalls at a five-day culinary event hosted at Megaworld’s The Upper East.
The MassKaNamit Food Festival is not just a celebration of Bacolod’s iconic flavors but also a journey into the city’s culture, history, and warmth. Through every dish, from the comforting flavors of kansi to the satisfying bite of piaya, visitors are invited to explore Bacolod’s culinary landscape, which has made it a destination not just for its cultural festivals but for its food as well.
Whether you’re indulging in a plate of chicken inasal or treating yourself to a sweet napoleones, every bite at the MassKaNamit Food Festival serves as a reminder of the rich culinary traditions that Bacolod takes pride in. As the festival continues to grow, it promises to remain a must-visit for food lovers both local and international.
Explore Bacolod, one dish at a time!
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