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My Food Trip: Indulging in the Delightful Cebuano Cuisine

Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is a province in the Visayas region of the Philippines that boasts of stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine. As a food enthusiast, I had the pleasure of indulging in the delightful Cebuano cuisine during my recent visit to the province, and I must say, it was a culinary journey like no other.

Lechon

From lechon to seafood, Cebu has a wide variety of dishes that cater to every palate. One of the most popular dishes in Cebu is the lechon, a roasted pig that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The best place to try this dish is at the famous CNT Lechon, which has been serving up some of the best lechon in Cebu for over 20 years. The meat is cooked to perfection, and the skin is so crispy that you can hear it crunch with every bite. 

This roasted pig dish is a must-try for food lovers visiting the city, and for the locals, it's a source of pride and a centerpiece of any celebration. The traditional method of preparing Lechon Cebu involves slow-roasting a whole pig over an open flame for several hours. The pig is first seasoned with a blend of spices, including salt, garlic, and lemongrass, which infuses it with a savory and aromatic flavor. As it cooks, the pig is basted with a mixture of water and vinegar, which helps to keep the meat moist and tender while also imparting a tangy taste. #LechonCebu #CebuCity #Philippines #RoastedPig #LocalCuisine #Foodies #Flavorful #TastyTreat #CrispyPork #CelebrationFood #MustTryDish
CnT Lechon/Facebook

Kinilaw

Another must-try dish in Cebu is the kinilaw, a Filipino version of ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, and spices. The kinilaw at the Zubuchon restaurant is one of the best I’ve ever had. The fish is incredibly fresh, and the combination of vinegar, ginger, and onions gives it a tangy and refreshing taste that is perfect for a hot day.

Is a popular delicacy in Cebu City that's perfect for those looking for a refreshing and flavorful meal. This dish is made up of raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar or citrus juices, mixed with onions, ginger, chili peppers, and other seasonings. #Kinilaw #CebuCity #Philippines #Seafood #LocalCuisine #Refreshing #Flavorful #HealthyEating #Appetizer #MainCourse #Foodie #CulinaryHeritage

Sutukil

For those who love seafood, the sutukil is a must-try. Sutukil is a combination of three different dishes – sugba (grilled), tuwa (stewed), and kilaw (ceviche) – served on one plate. The Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova is the perfect place to try sutukil while enjoying the stunning view of the sea. 

Is a popular dining experience in Cebu City that features fresh seafood cooked three ways: Sugba (grilled), Tuwa (soup), and Kilaw (ceviche). This unique culinary experience is named after the three cooking methods, which are all commonly used in Cebuano cuisine. is a popular dining experience in Cebu City that features fresh seafood cooked three ways: Sugba (grilled), Tuwa (soup), and Kilaw (ceviche). This unique culinary experience is named after the three cooking methods, which are all commonly used in Cebuano cuisine.
Is a popular restaurant in Cebu City that offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline and delicious seafood dishes. Located in the mountains of Busay, the restaurant offers an outdoor dining experience surrounded by lush greenery and a panoramic view of the city. #LantawSeafoodAndGrill #CebuCity #Seafood #GrilledSeafood #FilipinoCuisine #ViewDeck #Busay #PanoramicView #SunsetView #TouristDestination #Philippines

Street Foods (Ngohiong)

Cebu is also famous for its street food. The city has many food stalls and night markets where you can find a variety of affordable and delicious snacks. The most popular street food in Cebu is the ngohiong, a fried spring roll filled with vegetables and meat, served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Is a classic street food that originated in Cebu City. It is a deep-fried roll that is made from ground pork, water chestnuts, onions, and other spices that are wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. This delicious and flavorful snack is a staple in the local street food scene and can be found in many food stalls and restaurants throughout the city. #Ngohiong #CebuCity #CebuStreetFood #DeepFriedRoll #FiveSpicePowder #SweetAndSpicySauce #Hokkien #ChineseInfluence #LocalDelight #FoodStalls #Restaurants #AffordableEats #Philippines
Ngohiong Express/Facebook

Dried Mangoes

Lastly, no trip to Cebu is complete without trying the famous dried mangoes. The dried mangoes from Cebu are known for their sweet and tangy taste, and they make the perfect souvenir to bring back home.
Are a well-known export product of the Philippines, with Cebu City being the center of the industry. This delicious snack is made by drying fresh mangoes in the sun or in a dehydrator until they are chewy and have a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor. #DriedMangoes #CebuCity #Philippines #ExportProduct #MangoProduction #HealthySnack #SweetAndTangy #Versatile #Organic #PreservativeFree #Souvenir #GiftItem #PhilippineFruits #TropicalDelight
Cebuano cuisine is a fusion of different flavors and influences that make it unique and distinct from other Filipino cuisines. From lechon to seafood, kinilaw to sutukil, Cebu has something to offer for every foodie. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, make sure to add Cebu to your list of must-visit destinations and indulge in the delightful Cebuano cuisine.

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