Bacolod Cansi: Beef Bone-Marrow Soup in Riyadh

What is cansi?

Cansi (sometimes spelled kansi) is a beef soup from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental in the Western Visayas. It's often described as a cross between bulalo and sinigang: the rich beef shank and bone marrow of a bulalo, in the sour broth of a sinigang. What gives cansi its character is batwan, a sour fruit native to the Visayas that adds a gentle, fruity tartness. Traditional recipes also use annatto and lemongrass to colour and perfume the broth, and the soup is simmered for hours until the beef is tender and the marrow is soft.

How we serve it at Fiestahan

At Fiestahan, Bacolod Cansi is one of our most ordered dishes. It's Bacolod-style beef shank and bone-marrow soup, soured with batwan, and it comes to the table steaming hot and meant to be shared. The menu also lists a Super Cansi for bigger tables — ask our team which suits your group. Cansi sits in the beef section of our menu, next to Batangas Bulalo, Kare-Kare Ribs and Sinigang na Ribs.

How to eat cansi

Filipinos eat cansi with plenty of steamed rice. Spoon the sour broth over your rice, scoop the marrow out of the bone while it's hot, and pull the beef off with your spoon. Some people like a dash of fish sauce or a little chilli on the side. It's a dish for slowing down and talking — perfect after a long week, or on one of Riyadh's cooler evenings.

Cansi or bulalo?

Both are beef shank and marrow soups, so it's a fair question. Batangas Bulalo is clear, savoury and gentle — pure comfort. Bacolod Cansi is bolder and sour thanks to the batwan. Can't decide? Order both for the table, add a Iniwow sa Bilao platter and a sizzling Fiesta Sisig, and let everyone pick a favourite.

Dine in, pick up or order delivery

Enjoy cansi at our restaurant inside Al Jazeera Supermarket on Musa Bin Naseer St, with free parking and a family section. Prefer to eat at home? Fiestahan is available for pick-up and for delivery on HungerStation, Keeta, Ninja, Jahez and The Chefz.