When it comes to food, Cebu has a lot to offer. From savory roast pork to sweet desserts, the city is a foodie's paradise. Cebu's cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and culture, with influences from Spanish, Chinese, and Malay cuisine. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best places to find Cebu's most famous dishes, including the world-renowned lechon.
Lechon
No foodie's guide to Cebu would be complete without a mention of lechon. Cebu's lechon is known throughout the country and even around the world for its crispy skin and tender meat. The traditional way of cooking lechon involves roasting a whole pig over an open flame, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. One of the most famous places to try lechon in Cebu is Zubuchon, which has been featured in numerous food publications and has even been recognized by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
Another popular spot for lechon in Cebu is Rico's Lechon, which has been serving up its signature dish for over 20 years. Rico's Lechon prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients and cooking its lechon over charcoal for a truly authentic flavor.
For affordable and delicious local lechon, you may try Talisay Lechon Food Park. The place is always full during weekends so make sure to be early. Fun fact, Talisay City is known as the home of most delicious lechon in the Philippines.
Seafood
As an island city, it's no surprise that Cebu is home to some of the freshest seafood in the Philippines. One of the best places to try seafood in Cebu is the Sugbo Mercado, a food hall that features a variety of local dishes and street food. The Sugbo Mercado is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, and its seafood offerings include grilled squid, kinilaw (a type of ceviche), and fish cooked in various styles.
Another must-visit seafood spot in Cebu is the Sutukil Market, located in the city's south. Sutukil is short for "sugba, tula, kilaw" – which translates to grilled, soup, and ceviche. The market features a range of fresh seafood that can be cooked to your preference, whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, or raw. The market also offers a range of dipping sauces and sides to accompany your seafood feast.
Local Delicacies
Aside from lechon and seafood, Cebu is also known for its unique local delicacies. One of these is the puso, which is rice that has been cooked in a woven pouch made from coconut leaves. Puso is often served with grilled meat or seafood and is a staple in many local restaurants and food stalls.
Another popular local delicacy is the dried mango. Cebu is home to some of the best mangoes in the world, and its dried mangoes are no exception. The dried mangoes are made from the city's famous carabao mangoes, which are sliced and dried under the sun for a sweet and chewy treat.
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll definitely want to try the otap, a flaky and crunchy pastry that's often served as a snack or dessert. Otap is made from flour, sugar, and lard, and is often flavored with sesame seeds or cinnamon.
Where to Find Local Delights
To try all these local delicacies, one of the best places to visit is the Taboan Market, located in downtown Cebu. The market is known for its dried fish and other local food products, including dried mangoes, otap, and puso. The market is a great place to sample Cebu's local flavors and stock up on souvenirs to take home.
Photo Credits:
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