Top 10 Local Foods To Enjoy in Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, Philippines is the second largest urban center of the country with thousands of islands– the Philippines, including Cebu’s main islands and 167 surrounding islands. It is known for its unique tourist elements. This beautiful island is more and more attractive to tourists not only by romantic beaches but also by the unique cuisine. Although the food of the Philippines in general and Cebu, in particular, do not have many differences compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, it has many lovely dishes. Most dishes have quite prominent colors such as curry red, yellow of turmeric, orange of cashew nuts. Particularly, Filipino cuisine does not taste spicy, but visitors can request more while they prepare food. Today’s article will suggest ten local foods of Cebu, Philippines; you should try if you have a chance to visit here.
1. Lechon Barbecue
It is an indispensable dish in essential festivals in Cebu Philippines. Referring to Cebu street food, it is impossible to mention Lechon Barbecue. Beautiful little pigs are carefully selected, and after preliminary treatment, they are baked or roasted whole on a pink flame, for a few hours. The cooking process makes pigskin crispy and is a particular feature of the dish. If you take a close look at the stages of making this unique dish, you will be impressed. Visitors to Cebu can find Lechon anywhere in the city, especially in alleys or on coastal roads.
2. Mami Noodles
Mami noodle is considered a prominent dish in Cebu’s cuisine. Imported from China, Mami noodles have been transformed by the local people into eating with the characteristics of the Philippines. Noodles made from the best wheat flour, combined with meats and broth from bones and special spices, will produce a lovely delicious dish. As a course with a long history, visitors can enjoy Mani noodles at any restaurant in Cebu, Philippines. In addition, you should eat Mami noodles with dumplings; you will be impressed by the rich flavor and unique cuisine of this country.
3.Tsitsaron
Tsitsaron sounds strange, according to the “dictionary,” it is a dish of “fat” in a very Filipino style that the Spaniards call chicharrón. After slicing a little piece of lard with “sticky” meat, the chef will marinate with salt and spices to infuse and then “fry” them in a pan of oil until well-cooked and giving off the aroma. This unique dish is often served with green papaya soaked in chili vinegar to reduce fat.
4.Taho Douhua
Taho is a dish created by Filipinos. Taho is the easiest breakfast dish to prepare in Cebu, Philippines. You can find these bowls in bustling streets of vehicles and passersby. You easily catch the seller of Taho. The main ingredient to make this dish is tofu, which is “scored” by the sweet, fragrant sweetness of fresh custard-apple mixed with vanilla or caramel and a bit chewy of pearl. According to the experience of enjoying delicious street food, the custard-apple with caramel or vanilla and pearls are the best.
5.Isaw Grilled Chicken
Isaw grilled chicken of the Philippines is quite rich. The chef makes use of all the parts of the chicken to cook a delicious grilled chicken dish. After cleaning chicken feet, neck, wings, and head, they are marinated and skewered on wooden stick and grilled on a charcoal stove until a crispy aroma. It will be perfect if you enjoy Isaw while still hot with chili sauce and sour vinegar.
6.Grilled Banana
Grilled banana is a unique street food only available in a few cities in the Philippines. In a “home-grown” style, grilled banana served with grilled pork is a typical dish in Cebu. Is it strange? After being sliced and grilled, pork will be skewered alternately with each slice of ripe bananas circled, the restaurant spreads the skewers of the caramel paste with a thick and sweet taste after the order. It is considered a “home-grown” dish of the Philippines and is also a street food that attracts lots of international visitors.
7. Adobo
Adobo is a very popular dish, appearing in the meals of Cebu people. Filipinos prepare this meal by cooking meat (usually chicken and pork) with vinegar, salt, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and some other spices. Adobo is often used with rice and some fresh vegetables.
8.Arroz Caldo
Arroz Caldo is porridge cooked with a thick piece of chicken, combined with ginger. Some people also add boiled chicken eggs, roasted garlic and green onions to make it more and more attractive. You can catch it on the pavement in the Philippines.
9.Karoma
A dish made from an insect. Clean leg and wings then boil with mashed garlic and finally, stir-fry with cooking oil and tomatoes and onions.
10. Ocean Tuna
The specialty of the Philippines is “ocean tuna,” a dish that often appears in family meals. It is also a popular choice of diners when coming to the Philippines. Fresh tuna is picked up, cleaned and sliced to eat right away with mustard. If you want to eat better, it will be spiced and grilled on a charcoal stove. This dish will be served with vegetables such as lettuce or herbs. Almost all restaurants and eateries have this popular dish.
Do you find this information useful? Don’t miss enjoying local Cebu food when you come to this beautiful island in the Philippines. We hope you will have a great trip to Cebu.
Author bio:
I am Emily Pham. I was born in Vietnam – a country with many unknown beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions. Understanding that Vietnam nowadays is a famous destination, I establish the blog site vina.com with the purpose of introducing the elegant beauty of Vietnam to friends around the world. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam in the near future, our blog will provide you with essential information on where to go and what to do in our country.
Nothing Familiar Travel says
The Philippines is a country that’s been on our travel list for a long time! Some people have told us they didn’t like the food that much, but now we’re so excited to try it for ourselves. This all looks so delicious!
-Brigitte & Jake
Kristin Paradero says
Being Filipino, you absolutely nailed it with this list! My dad is from Cebu and I hope to visit his home town someday. Love it!
Peter says
My last meal on this glorious Earth would be that grilled banana, it looks so good!
Emma says
I’ve been wanting to go to the Philippines and all these dishes make me want to go way more!
Jo says
Have you tried making any of these? The mami noodles look amazing!
April says
I thought Kit is the one who wrote this lol. I’m from Cebu. But still cool that this content is in your website Kit. I love it. It’s inspiring .
Best,
April
http://www.aprilwashere.com
kitstanwood@gmail.com says
Yes, one of my first guest post ! I am still researching the best way to implement them. Super exciting to connect with people from all over the world and learn more about local places, culture, and food. Thank you for your comment!
Taylor Deer says
All of this looks amazing! The Philippines are so high on my bucket list.
Alison says
I’d love to visit the Philippines someday! Beautiful pictures!
Christian Karega says
Wow, these dishes look incredible. I’ve always loved Filipino cuisine, especially because it implements the spices and cuisine of multiple other countries like China and Spain. I think I want the Taho Douhua to replace my morning yogurt and oats! 🙂
kelly says
I cant wait to visit someday!