What To Eat in Cebu City, Philippines

Top Foodgasmic Must-Try in Cebu

Here's a list of the must-try foods in the Queen City of the South, narrowing down the list from authenticity, its a unique flavor, and the crowd's favorite.  Let's go!

1. Bisaya na Lechon Manok with Puso + Kinamot (using your hands)

Not all chickens are made equal. Trust me. I have tasted different kinds of lechon manok that stretch from different cooking techniques of rotisseried, fried, grilled, and baked. You have to try your best and it's found here in Cebu. Some locals would recommend Sr. Pedro as the Lechon Manok of Cebu but I assure you almost all the stores in the malls, kiosks, and street grills that offer quality Lechon Manok. 

Don't forget to dip it in sweet and sour sauce. The liquid sauce is made of vinegar, soy sauce, a few onions and garlic, some condiments, and optional for chili flavor. 

2. Dried Mango with a Twist (covered in Belgian Chocolate)

Heard of Cebu's famous Dried Mangoes, eh? But I am sure you haven't seen and tasted the newest version of dried mangoes that is covered in rich Belgian Chocolate -It's true! The fusion of sweet chocolate and acidic mango gives a delicate taste to your usual dried mangoes. They are available in malls and sold in boxes and packs. Great for "pasalubong" or souvenirs for family and friends.

3. Casa Verde's "Brian's Ribs"

Delectable, fancy, and juicy. Have a bite of Casa Verde's Brian's Ribs. Visit the first restaurant where it all started at 69 Lim Tian Teng, Ramos Street, Cebu City. It's an old and stylish home which surely adds to the wonderful sensation that the ribs offer to your delicate palate. 

4. Alberto's Pizza

Alberto's may not be the same as other famous pizza brands out there but the kind of affordable pizza they serve to Cebuanos is worth commemorating. They have flexible selections for their pizza, from 9" to 11" of pizza size and a choice of the cheese base, you can either have Quickmelt or Mozarella... I recommend that you try Diavolos, Hawaiian, and Alberto's Supreme. If you want something weird, try their Cookies and Cheese pizza. 

5. Siomai sa Tisa

If you haven't heard of Siomai sa Tisa in Cebu, then you gotta try one. It's affordable and delicious at the price of 5 pesos to 50 pesos depending on your choice. Siomai is made of ground pork, beef, shrimp, and mixed vegetables. Siomai sa Tisa offer's a pure balance of savory and classic taste that you will never forget. 

6. Larsian

Planning for a group barbecue night out? Well, you will surely enjoy Larsian the place is located near Chong Hua's Hospital at Fuente Osmena. It's a huge market of barbecue vendors where the vendors will try to seduce you with their free offers: from free Coke drinks, free wifi, free soup, and many more! Come in groups and I assure you the vendors would do their very best to capture your hearts. Barbecue prices range from 10php to 200php were a variety of meat, seafood, and intestines to choose from. 

7. Orange Brutus's Sizzling Steak

If you haven't heard of Orange Brutus? Well, you gotta try their Sizzling Burger Steak. It's juicy, meaty, and deliciously sizzling hot for the only 99php. Orange Brutus is the first successful hamburger chain in Cebu since 1980 and is growing stronger each year. 

8. Dried Fish

Did you pass by Taboan during your city tour? It's a very special market where a variety of dried fishes are being sold. From danguet, tocino-tasting fish, squid, and all those salted fish out there. Buy a few grams and simply cook them under medium heat, as soon as they're golden brown, you're in it for a crisp. How to get there? From SM Mall, just take the jeepney number 10H and the driver can drop you off at Taboan. Prices are negotiable. 

9. Rosquillos

Surely, your Cebu experience will not be great without having a taste of the delicious cookies of Titay's Rosquillos. It leaves a good aftertaste on your mouth that would let you crave more. Trust me, I'm a Rosquillos lover and I ain't lying. This Cebuano delicacy is available in all supermarkets nationwide. Plus, you can visit the original factory in Liloan, Cebu where they make fresh batches of Rosquillos. A wonderful "pasalubong" or souvenirs for family and friends.

10. Otap

Bite into every crisp of Shamrock's famous Otap, a special biscuit covered with soft wafers and bits of sugar that makes every first bite feel magical. Every bite and crunch you hear will surely be a memorable one. This Cebuano delicacy is available in all supermarkets nationwide. Another suggestion for "pasalubong" or souvenirs for family and friends. 


Check out these places too:
11. Dolce (Dessert shop), Lahug 
12. Dessert Factory - Ayala Mall 
13. Spicy Lechon, Parkmall (infront of Chikahan)
14. Lantaw, Busay (Dine with a view)
15. La Vie Parisienne (Wine shop)
16. Manggahan,JY square (grilled food and beer)
17. Gerry's Grill (grilled food)
18. Chikaan/ Golden Courie/ Hukad (local dishes)
19. Balamban Liempo, Ayala Mall Food Choices 

20. Lastly, never leave Cebu without trying the Hanging Rice or also known as "Puso." It can be found all over the city most especially at BBQ stand vendors.

Have fun and be safe ^__^

A few words from my Guest Blogger:

Jace Trigo, a Psychology graduate from the University of the Philippines Cebu soon to become le future Neurosurgeon. 

Adventurer, Blogger, Debater, Events Organizer, Researcher, Writer, Full-time Youngest Sibling of 4 and looking for a decent job. 

Carpe Diem!

Do you want more adventure?

If you still have one more day to spare why not go do something unique and fun like Wall climbing or a Zip-line adventure in Cebu, Philippines.

Where am I going next?

My next adventure is to check out the Hidden Waterfalls on the Southside of Cebu, Philippines.