One of the best dining experiences we had in Panglao, Bohol was at Barwoo, an Asian fusion restaurant so popular that people line up for hours just to get a seat. We first attempted to dine there around 7 PM on a Friday, but the place was packed, and the wait time was at least 45 minutes. Instead of waiting, my husband and I decided to return the next day, just after the lunch peak at around 1:30 PM – and it was well worth it.
Tropical Korean Flavours That Hit the Spot
The first dish that caught our eye was the mango wings. These were deep-fried chicken wings topped with a sweet mango salsa and served with a creamy ranch dipping sauce. The combination was perfect – the tangy sweetness of the mango salsa balanced out the salty and spicy wings.
Now, I must admit, I’m a picky seafood eater. Growing up, I wasn’t a fan because of the mushy texture and strong fishy taste that often comes with seafood. But the next two dishes we tried completely worked some magic on me.
First was the seafood fried rice loaded with succulent prawns and squid, seasoned with oyster sauce and spiced coconut vinegar. It was a little salty but when mixed well, it delivered a deep, umami-rich flavour that lingered pleasantly on the palate and had me reaching for seconds… and thirds (no shame there!).
Next was the chili prawn dish, generously drizzled with their homemade chili sauce. The prawns were juicy and the sauce had a melt-in-your-mouth quality that I still can’t quite describe but absolutely loved.
To wrap up our meal, we shared the spare ribs platter, marinated in their homemade barbecue sauce and served with crispy fries and a side salad. The ribs were incredibly tender, falling right off the bone. Again, their sauce was the star – rich, smoky, sweet and downright addictive.
With all the bold flavours, things did start to feel a bit “nakakaumay” – that Filipino term for when something’s so rich you almost can’t take another bite. Thankfully, we also ordered refreshing mango and yellow watermelon smoothies. They were ice cold, semi-sweet, and fresh – ideal for cleansing the palate between bites.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had such an enjoyable experience at Barwoo. If you’re planning to visit, try to go outside of lunch or dinner peak hours to avoid the long wait. But honestly, even if you have to wait, it’s absolutely worth it!
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