I have been a fan of soup dishes specially balbakwa. This beef soup dish has given me the gastronomical pleasure soup no. 5 can bring. Just an introduction, Soup no. 5 is a beef soup made of beef testicles and sexual organ. It is commonly called “bat and balls” and is known for its aphrodisiac properties. In my experience in eating soup no. 5, I guess I would say that it is more soothing and can revive your lost energy.
In General Santos, I experienced a mix of both Balbakwa and Soup no. 5. This crossover dish was very delectable. I wanted to order for another bowl but my friend advised me not to over eat it. I took his advise since the dish has too much beef ligaments and all of the delicious flavors in it. Eating in moderation is still the best way to control one’s self and extend your existence for a more palatable food experience. Going back to the soup, “Ang sarap sobra !!!” I don’t know how to describe it further but I can assure you of the taste.
Where to Find
Manny’s Balbakwa is located along JP Laurel st., Downtown, General Santos City. It was the former location of Jane’s Sinugba. We were frequenting the place a long time ago and when I went back, I noticed that it is already a Balbakwanan. Its good to be back at Gensan and at the place where we use to hang around.
Now that there is a new restaurant that serves what I like, I will again go back and hang around again when I stay in Gensan.
In Visayas and Mindanao, there are plenty of “Balbacuahans” in every corner of the streets. However, there are only few who cooked is so well that the name of their restaurants linger everytime you hear the word Balbacua.
In General Santos city, there is this Balbacuahan that is frequented by people in all walks of life. Even if it is a little bit far from the city, people still go there. The taste that lingers to those who tasted it can attest that they have created this soup so well. If you go there during lunch time, you will have a hard time to have a seat because the place is crowded. Better to be there around 11:00AM just to make sure that you’ll have you place to dine.
Where to Find
Aweng’s Balbacuahan is located along the National Highway, Calumpang, General Santos. It is the road going to Sarangani provinces. When you are in General Santos City, never miss this change to drop by Awengs and have a taste of their Balbacua. The taste will surely entice you to its spell.
Published on March 24th, 2009 in
Davao
When I Davao, ask anyone for a Tapsihan, and for sure, one of the restaurant that they will recommend is TAPS. They are known at the place because the have been in the business for 20 long years. Aside from the tapsilog they serve, there is this one particular food that I always go back for. It is ox feet. They serve it balbacua style. Sticky soup served steamingly hot. It will give you a perk once to sip the soup. They are open early in the morning and closes late. Even at night, you can still enjoy tapsi and this spectacular soup.
Where to find
TAPS is located at Gov. V. Duterte st. in the heart of Davao city’s downtown area.
They also have another branch near the known Apo view hotel. If you crave for soup dishes or if you want to have a delicious tapsi that will perk you up, don’t forget to drop by TAPS. It is a sure food satisfaction.
Published on February 13th, 2009 in
Cebu
I am a Balbacua lover. This terrific stew has been a stimulant to me everytime I feel sluggish. The name of the resto is NL cafe. I was introduced by friend to the place way back 2003 and every since I go to Cebu, there will never be a time that I will not pass by NL cafeto have my favorite balbacua. NL cafe is know at the place because of this stew and other food that will surely be a hit to those who are adventurous in eating like “sinampalukang ulo ng kambing”(goat’s head is sour soup) and the like.
Where to find
NL Cafe is located at Lapu-Lapu ave. Apas, Lahug, Cebu City. It is the road going to camp Lapu-Lapu. It is easy to find because it is very near the entrance of the camp. Before I remember, the only serves up to lunch time. But due to the number of customers who would like to dine, they opened even on night time. NL cafe’s Balbacua is my number one choice when I am in Cebu. Try it and you will understand whats the meaning of “lami gyud kaayo”.
Tony's Balbacua
If I have the chance to eat this, I will always will!!! This is another Balbacua restaurant that has a different style. The name is Tony’s Balbacua. Aside from the delicious soup they have, you’ll get to choose what part you want. You may have, beef skin, beef tenderloin, internal organs or you can have them mixed. Another thing, you can also ask for beef fat. This is not for those whose cholesterol level are way beyond the norm. On the other hand, it does taste very delectable!!!
Cooking Balbacua
Way to the Dining Hall
Where to Find
Tony’s Balbacua is located at Dadiangas Heights Block8, just across Scorpio st., General Santos City. The place is very simple yet the taste is far more tasty in compare to the downtown “Balbacuahans”. This is my first time to eat there and with the experience with their food,I can only say, “Tony Rocks!!!” I will surely go back and rate this as one of the best Balbacuahan in the country!!!
 
 
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General Santos is very known for it seafoods, human sized tuna and fantastic fruits. You will also find there one of the best Balbacua. Balbacua a sticky broth of beef skin, tail, and back parts. It is garnished with ginger, onion leaves, pepper and salt. It is cooked slow to to make it soft and tender. This is one street food that I always have everytime go to Mindanao or Visayas.Â
Where to find
This is common in areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. One of the best I tasted is at Mercy’s Balbacua at Allunan ave. , Bula near Coca Cola and Headquarter of Joint Taskforce Gensan. It is full of people every breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you want to dine wtihout too much people, try to go there before or after lunch.  I was in Gensan in the late 90′s and I was quite surprise that their fame for this delicious broth is still the same.  When in Gensan, don’t miss what this humble city has to offer and the experience to eat this fabulous dish. Rapsa kaayo bai!!!Â
