Known as the "Queen City of the South," Cebu City boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage that stems from its history of foreign trade and colonial influences. Cebu's cuisine is a blend of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and local Visayan flavors. The island's history is a testament to a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its traditional dishes. Cebu is also known for its abundant seafood due to its surrounding waters, as well as for its tropical fruits such as mangoes which are considered the sweetest in the Philippines.
1. Lechon (Non-Veg): Cebu is famous for its lechon, a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and tender meat, often served with a savory liver-based sauce.
2. Puso (Veg): Also known as "hanging rice," puso is rice wrapped and cooked in woven coconut leaves, often eaten as a staple accompaniment to meals.
3. SuTuKil (Non-Veg): An acronym for Sugba (grill), Tula (soup), and Kilaw (raw seafood), this is a trio of cooking methods used to prepare seafood in Cebu.
4. Sinuglaw (Non-Veg): A combination of "sinugba" (grilled pork) and "kinilaw" (raw fish in vinegar), this dish is a testament to Cebu's love for meat and seafood.
5. Ngohiong (Non-Veg): A local spring roll filled with a mixture of ground pork, ubod (heart of palm), and spices, deep-fried to a golden crisp and serves with a dipping sauce.
6. Biko (Veg): A sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
7. Pozole (Veg): A Filipino-style corn soup originally rooted in Mexican cuisine, adapted by Cebuanos with local ingredients.
8. Bibingka (Veg): A type of baked rice cake that's especially popular during the Christmas season, topped with butter, cheese, and sometimes coconut shavings.
9. Budbud Kabog (Veg): A delicacy made from millet seeds instead of regular rice, wrapped in banana leaves and usually enjoyed with hot chocolate.
10. Cassava Cake (Veg): A dessert made from grated cassava (manioc), coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, it's a sweet and dense cake with a custardy texture.
Abaca Restaurant
Mactan Island, Cebu Famous Food: House specials like pizzas and pastas (Veg and Non-Veg options available)
