Some food places don’t just serve meals—they serve memories.
For us, Balsa sa Niugan is one of those places.
Twinkle absolutely loves their Sizzling Sisig. In fact, whenever we don’t have ulam at home and we’re craving something satisfying, this is one of our go-to takeout orders. Most nights, one order isn’t enough—we usually get two because yes, ganun siya kasarap. 😅
But a couple of weeks ago, we decided to do something a little different. Instead of takeout, we actually ate there— because Twinkle hadn’t experienced dining in yet.
And that’s when it hit me.
The last time I was here? 2013.
READ: Balsa sa Niugan 2013
Back when Ykaie was still little, madalas talaga kami sa Balsa sa Niugan. Life was different then—simpler, slower, and full of family dinners that didn’t need planning. And suddenly, after 12 long years, here we were again, sitting down for dinner in the same place that quietly witnessed a part of our family story.time we’ve been here was in
A Nostalgic Dinner After 12 Years
Walking into Balsa sa Niugan felt oddly familiar. The ambiance, the laid-back vibe, and that comforting feeling na parang walang masyadong nagbago. It was one of those moments where you pause and think, “Ang bilis ng panahon.”
To start our meal, we ordered the California Maki. The staff informed us that they ran out of ebiko and would be using black sesame seeds instead. Of course, iba pa rin talaga ang may ebiko, but honestly? It wasn’t bad at all. Hindi siya yung maki na mapapansin mo agad, but it did its job as a good appetizer while waiting for our favorites.
The Star of the Table: Sizzling Sisig
Of course, we couldn’t come here without ordering the dish that keeps pulling us back—Sizzling Sisig (₱350).
Still sizzling when it arrived, still rich, savory, and comforting. That familiar aroma alone is enough to make you hungry all over again. This is the kind of sisig that doesn’t need any explaining—just squeeze a bit of calamansi, mix it well, and enjoy every bite.
It’s no wonder this has always been Twinkle’s favorite. This is the kind of dish you crave after a long day, the kind that feels like a reward.
Another Family Favorite: Sizzling Squid
Another dish we always look forward to is their Sizzling Squid (₱350)—and yes, it did not disappoint.
The squid was tender and generously served, coated in a buttery, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. It comes with sliced squid, young corn, peas, leeks, carrots, onion, and mushrooms — simple ingredients, but cooked so well together.
This is one of those dishes na mapapadami ka ng kanin without realizing it. Comfort food at its finest.
A Must-Have Veggie: Pinakbet
To balance all the sizzling goodness, we ordered Pinakbet (₱380).
Loaded with vegetables and cooked just right—not too oily, not too dry—it was the perfect partner to our sizzling dishes. This is the kind of ulam that reminds you why Filipino vegetable dishes deserve more appreciation.
Why We’ll Always Come Back to Balsa sa Niugan
Some restaurants are trendy. Some are Instagrammable. But places like Balsa sa Niugan are timeless.
This isn’t just about the food — it’s about how it fits into your life. From takeout nights when walang ulam, to dine-in dinners that bring back memories from over a decade ago, this place has quietly stayed consistent.
Twelve years later, the flavors still hit the same. And now, I get to experience it again — with my kids, creating new memories around the same table.
Sometimes, going back to an old favorite reminds you that not everything needs to change to stay special.
