The Paris of Negros- A Visit to El Ideal

El Ideal

Silay City is known as the Paris of Negros because of its famous landmarks that evolve in a Spanish settlement. It is one of the most visited sites here in Negros. The city is not only known for the historical tourist spots but also a tourism strip for food enthusiasts.

One of them is El Ideal, a one stop over place for biyaheros who happened to pass by the town to get some pasalubongs.

El Ideal was established by the Lacson-Locsin family in the 1920's. It was a small bakeshop that sells breads, cookies and a little bit of pastries. The establishment started in their father's home just across the City Public Plaza.

It was in the 1960's that the small time business was passed on to the youngest daughter. And from there they started to add refreshments, hamburgers, spaghetti and the all time favorite pancit guisado.

In 1980's the people of Negros experienced a sugar crisis during the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. They cannot sustain the operation of the farm and so the farmers ventured into Guava's instead.

And it was after the 1980's that their famous signature product, Guaple Pie was born. The business was yet again passed on to Teresa Sanchez but the only thing that changed was the management and the set-up which is in a corporate setting composed of family members. 

El Ideal is claimed as the oldest bakery in the City of Silay. It is one of the most dropped by food culture in town.

Track of the Past

One of their selling point as the oldest bakery is the structure itself. It is still the same old house structure building and is listed at the National History Commission. It is protected by a Republic Act under  President Fidel Ramos stating not to ruin the structure and to restore the facade.

The business did not just sprout like mushroom, trials and errors were made. They release set of products and if it clicks with the market it stays but if not they scrap it off. 

They sell baked products, basic old style breads like pandesal and pandeciosa, pande leche which is made more in milk, local french bread, piaya, pastel de mangga (mango tarts) and other delicacies.

El Ideal cookies with raisin

El Ideal chocolate chip angel cookies

They also have coconut pie and dine in meals or snacks like homemade tapa, batchoy and chorizo pudpud. But my favorite is the guaple pie and their guaple tarts! I remember my mom went home one day and brought packs of guaple tarts! 

They also serve locally brewed coffee which beans came from Canlusong. 

Many customers are bringing family and friends from Manila and abroad  to El Ideal. Travel guides are also a big help in promoting the local store and since foreign tourists rely on travel and local blogs. 

They do not really focus on maintaining a fancy plating. The food is served at its simplest form but if customers will like it they will surely come back.

Their bestsellers are lumpia ubad, guaple pie, ensaymada with choco tablea, cassava cake, pudding, pork empanada and royal bibingka.

I love their antique telephone booth!

Store hours and Location

They are open from 6:30am until 6:00pm and closed on legal holidays. Located at 118th Rizal Street, Silay City.

Photography by: Reegin Acosta