There’s something inherently festive about anything grilled. The smoke, the aroma, and the way it makes locals gather around. And when we think of these dishes, our thoughts go straight to Bacolod, widely celebrated as the country’s inasal capital.
Cebuanos don’t have to travel far to taste it anymore. Kokeek’s Manokan brings the flavors of Bacolod to the Queen City, with the goal to give locals the same authentic taste that Negrenses have long enjoyed.
How a Taste of Bacolod Made Its Way to Cebu
It all began with a craving. Back in his college years in Manila, Koko Holganza grew fond of Bacolod inasal’s tangy, savory flavor. Now in Cebu, he realized that taste was nowhere to be found. This sparked his determination to team up with top grillers from Bacolod and create a place where those flavors no longer have to be hunted down.
“When we decided to come up with a barbecue place, we got in touch with a number of people from Bacolod to come here to do the preparation and cooking,” Holganza said. It also became a family effort, with his wife Judith and their kids joining him in bringing the vision to life.
It’s common for dishes to pick up local flavors when they travel, but Kokeek’s made a point of staying true to Bacolod. Every process, from marination to grilling, is handled without a trace of Cebuano sweetness. Even the essential ingredients that make an inasal Bacolod-esque are sourced from Bacolod.
Savor the Flavor (and Humor)
To say the least, their menu couldn’t escape the natural wit Cebuanos are known for. Their signature manok, priced between Php 50 and Php 150 with six parts to choose from, is described in ways that capture both the flavor and the quirks of everyday life. Take their Atay (liver), for example, for the classic martyrs. The taste? Slightly bitter, deeply flavorful, “just like your love life.”
Another witty take is their Paa, “no drama, no disappointments.” As for the baticolon, it’s chewy, mysterious, and sometimes confusing, much like a complicated relationship.
People say we can never really have it all, but if Kokeek’s were to describe their signature manok, they might prove them wrong. Juicy and full of flavor, the owners promise that everyone who tries it will keep coming back.
More viand options are also on the menu, led by their Beef Kansi, known as the love child of pochero and sinigang, and perfect for hangovers. The owners’ personal favorites that complete the inasal manok experience are Chorizo (Php 80) and Ngohiong (Php 50).
And if you happen to ask what their bestseller is, they only have one word for that: “Everything.” There’s no hit or miss, as each dish is meant to land on tables shared by locals.
Visit Kokeek’s Manokan at JRKade along Gov. Cuenco Avenue, open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Photography Kyrra Kho
