.jpg "Foods I Miss in Cebu, Philippines")
My Top Pinoy Chow Delights: A Blast from the Past
Exploring the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine is like taking a flavorful journey through my childhood memories. Each dish holds a special place in my heart, bringing back moments spent with family and friends. Here, I'll share some of my favorite Filipino foods that have left a lasting impression on me. Let’s go!
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My Favorite Filipino Foods: Must-Try Foods in Cebu
This treat is soft bread with a tiny piece of cheese in the center. The cheese bread has a soft and slightly sweet taste, with just a hint of cheese.
The thrill of discovering that tiny piece of cheese brings a smile to my face. While it may be frustrating, but now that I'm grown up, I find it funny and nostalgic. It reminds me of when my mom would pick me up after school and buy me some bread on our way home. You can try this at any Julie's Bakeshop in Cebu.
Pork barbecue is skewers of pork soaked in a tasty mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. There’s a lot of meat selection: pork belly, chicken, squid, pig's blood, bangus or milkfish, then my other favorites like the liver, squid and intestines - for the brave and adventurous!
3. Steamed Peanuts
11. Adobo
2. Pork Barbecue and Puso
Sinugba or Grilled Meat
Sinugba or Grilled Meat
Pork barbecue is skewers of pork soaked in a tasty mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. There’s a lot of meat selection: pork belly, chicken, squid, pig's blood, bangus or milkfish, then my other favorites like the liver, squid and intestines - for the brave and adventurous!
Puso or Hanging Rice
Puso, or hanging rice, is Cebu’s iconic steamed rice wrapped in palm leaves. This traditional Filipino method gives the rice a special flavor and texture by boiling it in these woven pouches.
A match made in heaven! A combination that is both delicious and satisfying. Growing up, my mom would buy just the right amount of meat, and despite its small size, which you can devour in a flash, I could always pair it with plenty of puso. This meal always made me feel full and happy.
These tasty treats are available at street vendors, eateries, and restaurants all over Cebu. A popular spot to enjoy this dish is Larsian, favored by both locals and tourists.
A match made in heaven! A combination that is both delicious and satisfying. Growing up, my mom would buy just the right amount of meat, and despite its small size, which you can devour in a flash, I could always pair it with plenty of puso. This meal always made me feel full and happy.
These tasty treats are available at street vendors, eateries, and restaurants all over Cebu. A popular spot to enjoy this dish is Larsian, favored by both locals and tourists.
Steamed peanuts, made from raw peanuts with a bit of salt, were a favorite childhood snack.
My brother finds peeling them annoying and prefers the ready-to-eat kind from street vendors. These vendors offer three tasty types: sweet, salty, and spicy. I like the spicy ones, but I still have a soft spot for steamed peanuts.
Look for them from street vendors outside schools, churches, or local markets in Cebu.
5. Pancit
Pancit Guisado
4. Lechon sa Carcar
Lechon is the legendary must-try food in Cebu, and the one I really like is the Lechon in Carcar. A whole roasted pig with crispy skin and tender meat. I first tasted it on a road trip to Moalboal, and it changed my lechon experience forever.
For the real taste, go to Carcar City in Cebu.
Pancit Guisado
Pancit Guisado is stir-fried noodles with vegetables, meat, and soy sauce.
I didn’t always like it, but during my first pregnancy, I couldn’t get enough of its savory taste. Now, it's a favorite dish. The best place to try it is at a local eatery or "carinderia"; here’s a fun fact: it’s often called a “turo-turo,” meaning “point-point” in the US. This is because customers point to the dishes they want instead of ordering from a menu, similar to choosing ice cream flavors.
You can find it at many restaurants and local eateries in Cebu.
7. Siomai sa Tisa
Pancit Bihon
Pancit Bihon, with thin rice noodles, chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce, reminds me of my mom's cooking.
My mom would make this all the time, and I started calling it “ma bihon,” as I find it reminiscent of my childhood days eating bihon and not worrying about bills to pay. Ah! The best years!
This light dish is available in most Filipino dining places in Cebu.
6. Chicharon sa Carcar
Chicharon sa Carcar is deep-fried pork rinds, crunchy and salty. I first tried them on our way to Simala church, and they were the best!
For the freshest taste, visit Carcar City in Cebu.
Known as Cebu’s best, Siomai sa Tisa has juicy ground pork wrapped in wonton wrappers, often enjoyed with chili garlic oil.
This dish is so loved that it’s mentioned in the popular Bisaya song "Boklove."I love that they are big, juicy, and the sauce is to die for!
For the best siomai, visit Tisa in Labangon, Cebu City.
9. Palabok
8. Grilled Pusit
Grilled pusit, or squid, is marinated and grilled, offering a smoky and tender flavor. It's my favorite grilled food and a must-have every time I return home. It's also the top featured picture in this post.
For a delicious meal, visit Gerry’s Grill in Cebu; their sizzling gambas is another favorite, too!
Palabok is made from rice noodles with shrimp sauce and topped with chicharrón, boiled eggs, and green onions.
At first, it wasn’t my favorite, but after trying it on a bamboo tray (bilao) during a visit to my cousins in Manila, my life changed, and now I associate the dish with home.
Its rich flavor, with a hint of seafood, is found in many Filipino restaurants in Cebu.
10. Junk Food
Mr Chips, Blue Chippy, and Piattos are my favorite snacks, with flavors from cheese to barbecue. I found them during a trip to Seafood City in Panorama, California.
They’re available in supermarkets and convenience stores in Cebu.
More Must-try Foods in Cebu for First-time visitors:11. Adobo
Adobo is a savory dish made with chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then simmered to perfection. This was the first dish I introduced to my kids when it comes to Filipino foods, and they loved it!
You can find it in almost every Filipino household and restaurant.
12. Humba
Humba is a sweet and savory braised pork dish similar to adobo, but with the addition of sugar or pineapple. It’s often served in Cebuano homes, restaurants, and local eateries.
13. Utan Bisaya
12. Humba
Humba is a sweet and savory braised pork dish similar to adobo, but with the addition of sugar or pineapple. It’s often served in Cebuano homes, restaurants, and local eateries.
13. Utan Bisaya
Utan Bisaya is a vegetable soup made with a variety of fresh local vegetables, often including malunggay and squash. It's a healthy and comforting dish found in many Cebuano homes, restaurants, and local eateries.
14. Tinola
Tinola is a ginger-based soup with chicken, green papaya, and sometimes with chili leaves. Try it with a native chicken style for a next-level dining experience!
It's a warm and hearty dish that’s a staple in Filipino households, restaurants, and local eateries.
15. Fresh Lumpia
Fresh lumpia is a spring roll filled with a mix of sautéed vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in a soft crepe. It's a light and healthy snack available in local markets and restaurants.
16. Ngohoing
Cebu-style Ngohoing is a deep-fried snack made from ground pork, vegetables, and spices wrapped in bean curd sheets. It's a crispy and flavorful treat often enjoyed with a special dipping sauce. This is a popular street food in Cebu.
18. Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour soup made with pork or shrimp, tamarind, and various vegetables. It's a staple in Filipino kitchens and can be found in many Cebu restaurants.
19. Rice Porridge
Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge often served hot for breakfast and as a snack. It's rich and comforting, perfect for rainy days, and can be found in many local eateries. This is like a homemade dish. You can use tablea, pure cacao pressed into disks or blocks, and add sugar to taste, or go more Filipino and use Milo so you won't need to add sugar.
Arroz Caldo
Arroz Caldo is a comforting rice porridge made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and a hint of saffron or kasubha (safflower). It's often garnished with toasted garlic, green onions, and sometimes a boiled egg. This hearty dish is perfect for a rainy day or when you feel under the weather, and you can find it in many local eateries and street food stalls throughout Cebu.
20. Shrimp in a Bag
This dish is a pound of fresh shrimp cooked in a bag with tasty sauces, including garlic butter, lemon, and Cajun spices. You can try this at my favorite restaurant, Choobi Choobi, as they are unbeatable!
21. Baked Scallops
They are made with fresh scallops, topped with a creamy cheese sauce, and garnished with herbs. The best ones I've had are at Golden Cowrie, a sister restaurant of Hukad that also serves amazing Filipino dishes.
.jpg "Foods I Miss in Cebu, Philippines")
For the Brave: Exotic Dishes
22. Balut
Balut is a fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten directly from the shell. It's a unique and adventurous street food experience found in many areas around Cebu, it’s more exciting to eat it at night - I wouldn’t have it in daylight.
23. Nokos Adobo
Nokos Adobo is a variation of adobo using squid. The squid is cooked in a savory sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, offering a unique twist on the traditional adobo. Available in restaurants and local eateries in Cebu.
24. Kinilaw
Kinilaw, or Filipino-style ceviche, is a dish of raw fish marinated in vinegar, ginger, onions, and sometimes with chili peppers if you want it spicy. It’s a refreshing and tangy dish perfect for those hot Cebu days and when you're out at the beach with family and friends. You can find it in many Cebuano restaurants and eateries.
25. Goso
Goso is a delightful seaweed salad often served fresh and tossed with vinegar, onions, and tomatoes. It's a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. Available in many Cebuano seafood restaurants and markets.
27. Ginabot
Ginabot, similar to chicharon, is deep-fried pork intestines that are crispy and savory. It's a favorite pulutan, or appetizer, often enjoyed with a cold beer. You can find it in many local eateries and street food stalls around Cebu.
15. Fresh Lumpia
Fresh lumpia is a spring roll filled with a mix of sautéed vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in a soft crepe. It's a light and healthy snack available in local markets and restaurants.
16. Ngohoing
Cebu-style Ngohoing is a deep-fried snack made from ground pork, vegetables, and spices wrapped in bean curd sheets. It's a crispy and flavorful treat often enjoyed with a special dipping sauce. This is a popular street food in Cebu.
17. Grilled Tangigue
Grilled tangigue, or mackerel, is seasoned and grilled to perfection, providing a savory and satisfying seafood experience. This dish is available at many local grills and seafood places around Cebu.
Grilled tangigue, or mackerel, is seasoned and grilled to perfection, providing a savory and satisfying seafood experience. This dish is available at many local grills and seafood places around Cebu.
18. Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour soup made with pork or shrimp, tamarind, and various vegetables. It's a staple in Filipino kitchens and can be found in many Cebu restaurants.
19. Rice Porridge
Champorado
Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge often served hot for breakfast and as a snack. It's rich and comforting, perfect for rainy days, and can be found in many local eateries. This is like a homemade dish. You can use tablea, pure cacao pressed into disks or blocks, and add sugar to taste, or go more Filipino and use Milo so you won't need to add sugar.
Arroz Caldo
Arroz Caldo is a comforting rice porridge made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and a hint of saffron or kasubha (safflower). It's often garnished with toasted garlic, green onions, and sometimes a boiled egg. This hearty dish is perfect for a rainy day or when you feel under the weather, and you can find it in many local eateries and street food stalls throughout Cebu.
20. Shrimp in a Bag
This dish is a pound of fresh shrimp cooked in a bag with tasty sauces, including garlic butter, lemon, and Cajun spices. You can try this at my favorite restaurant, Choobi Choobi, as they are unbeatable!
21. Baked Scallops
They are made with fresh scallops, topped with a creamy cheese sauce, and garnished with herbs. The best ones I've had are at Golden Cowrie, a sister restaurant of Hukad that also serves amazing Filipino dishes.
.jpg "Foods I Miss in Cebu, Philippines")
22. Balut
Balut is a fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten directly from the shell. It's a unique and adventurous street food experience found in many areas around Cebu, it’s more exciting to eat it at night - I wouldn’t have it in daylight.
23. Nokos Adobo
Nokos Adobo is a variation of adobo using squid. The squid is cooked in a savory sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, offering a unique twist on the traditional adobo. Available in restaurants and local eateries in Cebu.
24. Kinilaw
Kinilaw, or Filipino-style ceviche, is a dish of raw fish marinated in vinegar, ginger, onions, and sometimes with chili peppers if you want it spicy. It’s a refreshing and tangy dish perfect for those hot Cebu days and when you're out at the beach with family and friends. You can find it in many Cebuano restaurants and eateries.
25. Goso
Goso is a delightful seaweed salad often served fresh and tossed with vinegar, onions, and tomatoes. It's a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. Available in many Cebuano seafood restaurants and markets.
26. Pork Sisig
Pork sisig is a sizzling dish made from chopped pig's head, liver, and spices, often garnished with a fresh egg, also best paired with Red Horse Beer or San Miguel Beer during karaoke nights.
Pork sisig is a sizzling dish made from chopped pig's head, liver, and spices, often garnished with a fresh egg, also best paired with Red Horse Beer or San Miguel Beer during karaoke nights.
It’s popular in Cebu’s lively bars, restaurants, and food stalls.
Ginabot, similar to chicharon, is deep-fried pork intestines that are crispy and savory. It's a favorite pulutan, or appetizer, often enjoyed with a cold beer. You can find it in many local eateries and street food stalls around Cebu.
28. Dried Danggit
Danggit is a type of dried fish, specifically rabbitfish, known for its salty taste and crispy texture when fried, popular when paired with warm rice and a cold drink. It is often bought at the Taboan Public Market as a pasalubong or souvenir; it’s widely available in supermarkets in Cebu too.
29. Dried Pusit (Squid)
Dried squid is a tasty dish with a chewy texture and salty, savory flavor. It's usually eaten with warm rice and dipped in spiced vinegar, like Pinakurat, which is made with chili's and garlic for a unique, tangy taste.
Danggit is a type of dried fish, specifically rabbitfish, known for its salty taste and crispy texture when fried, popular when paired with warm rice and a cold drink. It is often bought at the Taboan Public Market as a pasalubong or souvenir; it’s widely available in supermarkets in Cebu too.
29. Dried Pusit (Squid)
Dried squid is a tasty dish with a chewy texture and salty, savory flavor. It's usually eaten with warm rice and dipped in spiced vinegar, like Pinakurat, which is made with chili's and garlic for a unique, tangy taste.
.jpg "Shangri-La Mactan Restaurants")
Puto Maya and Sikwate’ section at Shangri-La Mactan Cebu Beach Getaway, Philippines.
Puto Maya and Sikwate mean rice cake and hot chocolate in Cebuano. It’s a traditional Filipino breakfast or snack made of glutinous rice paired with a cup of thick hot chocolate, a side of sliced mangoes, and an optional drizzle of ‘muscovado’ or organic raw cane brown sugar.
You can enjoy this traditional treat at many local eateries throughout Cebu.
31. Bibingka
Bibingka is a rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, often topped with salted eggs and cheese. Find this delightful dessert at local markets and during festive seasons in Cebu.
32. Budbud
Budbud is a famous rice-based sweet delicacy; it’s made with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. It’s best enjoyed in the morning, often found at street vendors and local markets in Cebu.
33. Biko
Biko is a sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. This sticky dessert is often topped with latik (coconut curds) and is a favorite during special occasions. You can find it in local markets and eateries throughout Cebu.
34. Masi
Masi is a delightful dessert made of glutinous rice balls filled with sweetened peanut paste. This treat is particularly popular in Liloan, Cebu, where you can find it freshly made and delicious.
35. Palitaw
Palitaw is a chewy and sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, boiled and then coated with coconut, sugar, and sesame seeds. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that can be found in various local markets in Cebu.
36. Kutsinta or Puto Cuchinta
Kutsinta is a sticky rice cake with a slightly sweet and chewy texture, often topped with grated coconut. It’s a classic Filipino treat enjoyed as a snack or dessert and can be found in many local markets and bakeries.
More Filipino desserts you can't miss!
37. Torta de Cebuano
This is a sweet and spongy cake made with flour, sugar, and eggs, infused with tuba (coconut wine). It's a specialty of Argao, Cebu, where you can taste the authentic version.
38. Halo-Halo
39. Banana and Nangka Turon
Turon is a crispy snack made from saba banana and jackfruit wrapped in spring roll pastry and fried. This sweet treat is readily available from street vendors and local eateries across Cebu.
Another Version: Made with saba banana and deep-fried
Banana Cue or Camote Cue
Banana cue or camote cue is a popular street food snack in the Philippines. It consists of saba bananas or sweet potatoes coated in caramelized sugar and deep-fried to perfection. It's a sweet and satisfying treat you can find at street vendors throughout Cebu.
Banana cue or camote cue is a popular street food snack in the Philippines. It consists of saba bananas or sweet potatoes coated in caramelized sugar and deep-fried to perfection. It's a sweet and satisfying treat you can find at street vendors throughout Cebu.
40. Binignit
Cebu's Binignit is a sweet, creamy dessert made with coconut milk, glutinous rice, saba bananas, sweet potatoes, and tapioca pearls. It’s especially popular during Holy Week but can be enjoyed year-round. You can enjoy this treat at some local eateries and restaurants throughout Cebu.
41. Mango Float
Mango float is a delightful dessert layered with graham crackers, cream, and ripe mangoes. I love making this at home; here’s my Mango Float Recipe, as it's one of my ultimate favorites. You can find it in dessert shops and restaurants in Cebu.
42. Filipino Macaroni Salad
Filipino macaroni salad is a creamy dish with elbow macaroni; sometimes you find it mixed with cheese, chicken, pineapple, and raisins. I often make this at home too; check out my Filipino Macaroni Salad Recipe, because it's another personal favorite and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy this dish at most restaurants in Cebu.
41. Mango Float
Mango float is a delightful dessert layered with graham crackers, cream, and ripe mangoes. I love making this at home; here’s my Mango Float Recipe, as it's one of my ultimate favorites. You can find it in dessert shops and restaurants in Cebu.
42. Filipino Macaroni Salad
Filipino macaroni salad is a creamy dish with elbow macaroni; sometimes you find it mixed with cheese, chicken, pineapple, and raisins. I often make this at home too; check out my Filipino Macaroni Salad Recipe, because it's another personal favorite and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy this dish at most restaurants in Cebu.
.jpg "Foods I Miss in Cebu, Philippines")
Other Notable Snacks: Great for Pasalubong/Souvenirs
43. Dried Mangoes
Dried mangoes are a popular sweet treat from Cebu, known for their chewy texture and rich, sweet flavor. They’re perfect for snacking and make a great souvenir to bring as souvenirs. It is a popular pasalubong item and can be found in most supermarkets and pasalubong (souvenir) centers across Cebu.
Dried mangoes are a popular sweet treat from Cebu, known for their chewy texture and rich, sweet flavor. They’re perfect for snacking and make a great souvenir to bring as souvenirs. It is a popular pasalubong item and can be found in most supermarkets and pasalubong (souvenir) centers across Cebu.
44. Otap
Otap is a crispy, flaky pastry made with flour, sugar, and shortening. This snack is a Cebuano favorite and can be found in bakeries and pasalubong (souvenir) centers throughout Cebu.
45. Rosquillo
Rosquillo is a delightful cookie known for its ring shape and buttery flavor. This treat is a popular snack found in local supermarkets and pasalubong centers around Cebu.
Otap is a crispy, flaky pastry made with flour, sugar, and shortening. This snack is a Cebuano favorite and can be found in bakeries and pasalubong (souvenir) centers throughout Cebu.
45. Rosquillo
Rosquillo is a delightful cookie known for its ring shape and buttery flavor. This treat is a popular snack found in local supermarkets and pasalubong centers around Cebu.
If I missed your favorite Cebu food, please let me know in the comments so I can add it. I know there's so much more! Cebu has so much to offer when it comes to great food; it’s hard to keep track!
Filipino cuisine is a fusion of flavors, each dish telling a story from my past. These foods not only satisfy my taste buds but also connect me to my roots, family, and the vibrant culture of the Philippines. Whether you're in Cebu or exploring Filipino eateries elsewhere, these dishes are sure to offer a taste of wonder.
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Southeastern side:
Explore Mactan Island, Cebu's Top Resort Destination
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. It ensures I don’t forget essentials and prevents frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Cebu: Must-See Places
Southwestern side:
- Sumilon Island (Oslob): Known for its white sandbar and clear waters.
- Tumalog Falls (Oslob): "Curtain" waterfall near the whale shark area.
- Aguinid Falls (Samboan): Offers a five-level climbing adventure.
- Dau Falls (Samboan): Unique waterfall, featuring a turquoise pool.
- Inambakan Falls (Ginatilan): Multi-tiered waterfall with a large pool.
- Kawasan Falls (Badian): Famous for its turquoise water.
- Basdaku (Moalboal): Unspoiled long stretch of white sandy beach - stay here for accessibility!
- Tingko Beach (Alcoy) is a serene, scenic beach, a low-key mini Boracay. Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete): Highest point in Cebu with panoramic views.
Northern Cebu:
- Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan): Famous for thresher shark diving and white-sand beaches.
- Bantayan Island: Offers a relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets.
- Camotes Island: Known for lake swimming, underground caves, and beaches.
- Mactan Island: Amazing Island-hopping tours to marine sanctuaries.
- Pandanon Island (between Cebu and Bohol): Famous for its beautiful, powdery white sandbar.
Experience Mactan's world-class resort amenities:
Do you want more adventure?
- If you still have one more day to spare, check out more Tourist spots in Cebu, Philippines.
Where am I going next?
- My next adventure is to check out a UNESCO World Heritage, The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines.
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