Cebu Restaurants: Carlo’s Batchoy

When I think about batchoy, it always reminds me of my college days wherein my friends and I would gather into this eatery to taste their own brand of batchoy. Fast forward today, it would serve as a reminder of what once was and for that distinctive taste of pure batchoy, it would be wise to go back to history and wonder how did the Ilocano’s popularized this delightful bowl of noodles.

So, I’m on my way to living life through work and work, then all of a sudden, enter Carlo’s Batchoy, one of the most popular eateries here in Cebu and through the suburbs of Mandaue. Of course, it didn’t take a while for me to decide and try out their version of the good ol’ batchoy. It simply gave the impression of how established this eatery is already since they not just serve batchoy but also their way of cooking calamares, breaded pork chop, lechon kawali, pork barbecue as well as sizzling plates for you to choose from.

So, I myself would indulge in this Carlo’s Batchoy experience as well as take my own cue on how the place performs according to my three major categories; food, service, ambiance, budget, and accessibility.

Accessibility

From what I know Carlo’s Batchoy has several branches, like their place in Capitol Site, Sotero Cabahug Street in Highway Mandaue and on the way towards Ibabao, Mandaue. I don’t know their other branches though but they simply got the crowded parts of the metropolis Cebu covered. In this case also, you might stumble into one of their branches later on spreading to the country side soon. Well, with the success they have now, who knows?

Ambiance

Ambiance is simply average since Carlo’s Batchoy is aimed for the masses and not some people who watch yearly telecasts of the Academy Awards. Their idea of putting air condition is simply a plus to the customers.

Budget

Fair enough. Carlo’s Batchoy has reasonable prices and that’s what we call as “sulit”, or worth it. It will never burn your pockets and is simply a plus if everybody wants to take the night off and spend the time at Carlo’s own brand of Batchoy.

Service

Well, not exactly sure though since the Carlo’s Batchoy branch that I visited in Ibabao, Mandaue leaves no mark of interest to sell something. Seriously, there’s this one time that my girlfriend and I went to eat there then we waited for 5-10 minutes sitting their for someone to take our orders. Oh, and I think they don’t know the words “thank you”. Well, maybe I’m just overreacting but the service goes down the drain for Carlo’s Batchoy in Ibabao, Mandaue. I might try the other branches soon.

Food

My favorite category of course. Carlo’s Batchoy breaks down the needed ingredients to fill the bowl (and your stomach) which is composed of beef, innards, savory broth, liver strips, a bit of additional tang added with bits of chicharon on top. I love their batchoy special with raw egg. Other than that, they have great hands on with their other meals that include the incredibly luscious lechon kawali (which is my favorite), breaded pork chop (my girlfriend’s favorite), pork barbecue, pork belly and other selections that you have to think for almost 5-10 minutes on which one should you savor for the moment.

Overall, Carlo’s Batchoy is undeniably the most solid eatery to ever hit in today’s striving Cebu and Mandaue. And unlike most “fancy” restaurants, they are open 24 hours which means you can spend your life their for breakfast, lunch, snacks and supper.