STREET FOOD CULTURE in BACOLOD

Asia is one of continents in the world that has a different street vibe compared to other places. For one, like in Thailand and China, exotic street food abound. The different aroma in the air are so strong that you get easily hungry. Being a tourist, cultural food should be a must on the list in the itinerary. 

Grilled Balut

THRIVING INDUSTRY
Street food is a big industry albeit however some see the people behind it, the vendors as nuisance or illegals. However, this thriving economy has become a part of Asian or Filipino culture.

EVOLUTION IN THE MODERN ERA
Originally, kanto food is focused on carinderias (food eatery by the road) but now, it has evolved into something mobile. Vendors now show up at any places like parks, townships (like in the Megaworld The Upper East or at the back of Bacolod City Government Center in Bacolod City, and pop-up carts or food trucks.  

On sticks and plastic cups

SOME CHALLENGES
Now, with these foldable or mobile trucks, people can pay affordable food and enjoy it outdoors or simply, order them as a take away. The only drawback with this kind of business is the weather. When it rains or if there's an incoming typhoom, only few customers might show up.

GLOBAL CULINARY INVASION
Philippines' street food scene is not focused solely on Pinoy cuisine as a whole but it has become a fusion of cultures, traditions, tastes, cooking and styles. It has evolved so much.  Now, you can find  Arabic cuisines like Shawarma, Hummus, Shawarma Rice as well as Chinese ice candy Tanghulu and siomai; Japanese Tempura and Kikiam, Korean's Kimbop and Cordog, Mexican Burritos, Tacos, Nachos, Chimi Changa, Italian's Pizza and there's the Taiwanese Milk Tea too. 

Beef Pares Overload is so trendy now thanks to Paresan queen, Diwata in Manila

TRENDY AND CLASSIC PINOY FOOD
And for authentic Filipino traditional street food, there's the tasty and popular Balut, bbq on sticks like the Chicken Inasal,  Beef Pares Overload. For the kids, there are pancake, cotton
candy, choros and popcorn.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
If given the training and support from Government like from DOT (Department of Trade), people especially those who are jobless can embrace this kind of opportunities, giving them hope to start small, but also to dream big. Having a street venture with value, cleanliness and respect customer is an honest work, after all. 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS 

IN BACOLOD, YOU CAN FIND STREET FOOD AT THESE AREAS:
- Bacolod City Government Center (Beside and Back side)
- Megaworld The Upper East (Daily and Weekend Markets)
- SM City Bacolod (North Wing)

- Downtown Area near Central Market