Among the many local specialties in Negros Oriental, Kansi stands out as a dish that reflects the essence of the province's rich flavors and culinary traditions.
Kansi, also known as the "Ilonggo Bulalo," is derived from the Ilonggo culture that is widespread in Negros Oriental.
This sour and tasty dish has its roots in the Ilonggo communities and their enduring culinary traditions. The dish is culturally significant, demonstrating the combination of indigenous ingredients and cultural influences that define Negros Oriental.
Kansi’s mystique
The slow cooking of kansi, which is the process of tenderizing the meat, constitutes a great kansi. When slow-cooked, the dish made of beef shanks and bone marrows has a depth of appealing tastes that are meaty, sour, and spicy.
At the center of every Kansi meal is a tasty broth made from a combination of batuan, a native fruit with a sour flavor, and annatto seeds, which add a rich red tint.
The shank, marrow, and occasionally unripe jackfruit all add to the soup's flavor. Combining these ingredients results in a symphony of flavors, balancing the sourness of batuan with the savory depth of the meat.
Various regions within Negros Oriental may put their unique spin on Kansi, adding local ingredients or tweaking the recipe to suit regional preferences. However, this diversity only enriches the dish's identity, proving its deliciousness.
Negros staple
Negrenses enjoy hot, soupy comfort meals. Kansi satisfies one's appetite, provides relief after or during a long day at work, and lifts one's spirits.
Restaurants in Bacolod, like Sharyn's Cansi House, Eron's Cansi House, and Conee's Cansi & Sugba, have long been noted for refining this dish. However, besides being a household favorite, the dish has become popular in other places.
Kansi is also a popular dish among night shift workers, providing them with a comfortable and filling food. It also entices visitors to Bacolod City who want to sample its gastronomic delicacies.
Kansi, like other famous soup recipes, transforms into a versatile meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Kansi embodies the continuing character of Negros Oriental's cuisine. As the province continues to share the delicious joys of Kansi with both locals and visitors, it cements its position as a culinary destination where tradition, flavor, and community come together.
