BLOG 27: A Taste of Cebu: Top Food Picks to Try in the Queen City of the South

A culinary paradise with a wide variety of cuisines, Cebu City often referred to as the Queen City of the South is more than just a center of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From its well-known lechon to lesser-known treats, Cebu's culinary scene combines local specialties with traditional Filipino cuisine to enchant your palate. Certain foods are a must-try for any traveler, regardless of experience level, as they offer a genuine taste of the place. We're taking you on a culinary tour of Cebu's best restaurants in this blog, which you just must not miss. Prepare to savor some of the most delectable and recognizable dishes that characterize the culinary uniqueness of this energetic city!

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog. In today’s episode, I will share with you some of my favorite food trips that we usually enjoy whenever we're craving something that's not only delicious but also affordable. After reading my blog, I recommend giving them a try to satisfy your cravings!

PS: If you notice captions in the pictures, please don’t mind them. I got those from my Instagram stories and archives, as I often feature these foods on my Instagram stories.

Food 1: Famous Siomai sa Tisa

In Cebu's street food scene, Siomai sa Tisa is a well-known and delicious taste of siomai. This popular local delicacy, which is well-known for its delicious flavor, captivating aroma, and affordable price, has become a must-try for locals as well as visitors. This unique variation on siomai (steamed dumplings) comes from Cebu City's famous Tisa and has won over many hearts with its juicy meat filling and well-balanced spice blend. We dined at Kuya Jeff's Siomayan D' Original SIOMAI SA TISA, where every mouthful of their siomai genuinely lives up to its name. There is a variety of food, not just siomai. They also offer lumpia togue, fresh lumpia, lumpia shanghai, Japanese siomai, beef siomai, pork siomai, and more. Their siomai sauce is also very delicious, not just the typical chili-garlic taste, but it also has ground pork for added flavor.

Food 2: Milky Iced Scramble

Milky Iced Scramble is a delicious and sweet dessert that you have probably encountered if you have ever strolled through the streets of Cebu . With its ideal combination of crushed ice, creamy milk, and a range of sweet toppings, this delightful frozen treat is a favorite among people of all ages. It is a lovely option for cooling off on a hot day because of its creamy, milky texture and vivid pink hue. Milky Iced Scramble's enticing sweetness and creamy richness will satisfy your cravings whether you're eating it as a sweet dessert. If you are a diabetic person, I suggest not to try this because it is very sweet.

Food 3: Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente

Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente is the place to go if you want to get a taste of Cebu's fried food. Located on the Fuente Osmeña Circle, this well-known eatery is a favorite among both locals and visitors, providing a unique authentic Cebuano dining experience. A variety of deep-fried Filipino food, such as crispy lumpia, ngoiong, chorizo, crab meat, stuff eggs and the famous a mountain like chicharong bulaklak and more, are served with hanging rice and tasty dipping sauces with lots of chili and white onion in front of you. This dining style is known as "pungko-pungko." Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente is a must-visit location for anybody wishing to experience Cebu's street cuisine at its best because of its bustling environment and mouthwatering, reasonably priced meals.

Food 4: Famous Tuslob Buwa

Tuslob Buwa is one of the most unique and delicious foods you should try when you're in Cebu. The pig's brain is sautéed with garlic, onions, and a unique blend of spices to create this savory, rich, and fragrant traditional Cebuano treat. "Dip the bubbles," as the name suggests, is the mouthwatering of dipping rice (poso) into the bubbling sauce. The dish has a strong flavor that cannot be replicated somewhere else, along with a thick, creamy texture. We enjoyed eating at Sit-Sit IT Park, where the warm, lively atmosphere made for the ideal setting for indulging in this traditional Cebuano meal. Tuslob Buwa at Sit-Sit IT Park is a must-try dining experience that will delight both locals and tourists.

Food 5: Seafood Boil at Carbon Night Market

The Carbon Night Market in Cebu is well-known for its lively ambiance and mouth watering street cuisine, including the Seafood Boil being one of its signature dishes. This tasty dish, which costs just 150 PHP, combines a variety of locally sourced, fresh seafood shrimp, crabs, mussels, squid and corn that has been perfectly boiled and covered in a tasty sauce. It's a popular choice for both locals and visitors since it's a hands-on feast that lets you dig in and savor the strong tastes with every bite. The Seafood Boil at Carbon Night Market provides a tasty and reasonably priced dining experience that perfectly encapsulates Cebu's passion for fresh seafood, whether you're hosting a get-together with friends or family. Not only can you enjoy the seafood boil, but you also have a variety of food to choose from, as there are many food stalls. However, if you plan to visit, it's best to go in the early afternoon, as it can get crowded later, making it difficult to find a table to eat.

Food 6: Chef Marquin’s Burger

Chef Marquin's Flaming and Melted Cheese Burger at IT Park is a must-try for every burger lover. The juicy, perfectly cooked patties in the delicious dish are covered in a coating of melting cheese that spills with every bite. The "flaming" touch, a thrilling flash of heat that gives the rich, savory flavors a peppery kick is what makes it unique. This burger is a real standout due to the combination of heat and melt-in-your-mouth cheese, providing a singular experience for anyone seeking a tasty and memorable lunch. The ideal spot to sate your burger desires in style is Chef Marquin's Burger, which is situated in the IT Park beside Qualfon. Prices start at 99 PHP, and with that price, you will get full.

Food 7: Zark’s Burger at SM City Cebu

SM City Cebu's Zark's Burger is the place to go if you're craving flavorful burgers in big servings. Burger enthusiasts looking for a filling dinner have come to adore Zark's because of its massive, delicious burgers that never let them down. Every dish is made with premium, fresh ingredients and bursting with delicious flavors, whether you're a lover of traditional beef burgers or want to try something daring like Zark's Monster Burger. Zark's Burger, which is situated in SM City Cebu ground floor, has a relaxed and friendly ambiance that is ideal for dining with friends or for a fast dinner. For anyone who wants to enjoy a burger experience unlike any other, this is the place to go!

Food 8: Boss Manok Unlimited Chicken Wings, Fries and Drinks

As a lover of chicken, I highly recommend this one Boss Manok located at Lahug, Cebu. Boss Manok provides the ideal eating experience for individuals who are addicted to juicy, tasty chicken wings, including endless chicken wings, fries, and drinks. This unlimited offer is ideal for wing lovers because it allows you to savor a selection of delectable wing varieties together with crisp fries and cool beverages. There is a taste for everyone, regardless of whether you want your wings juicy, tart, or spicy. Boss Manok gives the ideal environment for family and friends to get together, socialize, and indulge their needs without going over budget. It's no surprise that Boss Manok has become a popular destination for people looking for a tasty and satisfying lunch because of its unlimited servings and relaxed, enjoyable ambiance.

Food 9: Barangay Seoul Express

Are you craving authentic Korean food in Cebu? Barangay Seoul Express in IT Park is the only place to go. With a range of delectable meals that perfectly define Korean street food, this lively restaurant delivers the rich, strong aromas of Korea straight to your plate. Every meal, from juicy bulgogi and kimchi to savory korean chicken, japchae, and many more side dishes, is prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. All you need to do is to pay at the cashier then you will just fall in line and the staff will serve you, they just let you choose from many varieties of korean foods. Barangay Seoul Express provides an original Korean canteen experience. It's the ideal spot to sate your appetites and experience a little bit of Seoul right here in Cebu, situated in the IT Park.

Food 10: Domino’s Pizza

Domino's Pizza is known for its hot, fresh, and delicious pizza, and it has established this image by satisfying your cravings for pizza. Domino's has something for every pizza enthusiast thanks to their extensive selection of delectable toppings, crispy dough, and customizable options. Domino's promises a flavorful experience with every bite, whether you're craving a strong and spicy specialty pizza. It's simple to turn every meal into a feast with prompt delivery and an assortment of sides like pasta, baked chicken wings, and cheesy bread. Domino's Pizza guarantees that you'll always get the ideal slice to enjoy with friends, family, or by yourself, whether you're ordering for delivery or dining in.

Actually, there are a lot of foods and delicacies of Cebu City that we should try. Life is basically about achieving balance, and sometimes eating in the food you want is exactly what you need to feel better. Food has the ability to make you happy and satisfied, whether it's a hearty bowl of your favorite food or the decadent treat you've been eyeing. Enjoying the flavors that bring you delight is a straightforward method to appreciate life's small joys, so don't be afraid to treat yourself occasionally. So indulge your cravings and allow food to be a source of solace, happiness, and self-care!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!