Cebu street food like lechon-Cebu and balut is a big part of life in this Filipino city. The food you can buy on the streets here is tasty, cheap, and shows you what Cebu is really like. You can find these foods in busy markets like Colon and Carbon or from small stalls on the street.
Eating street food in Cebu is fun and good for the city. When you buy food from street vendors, you help them make money for their families. Also, you’re trying old recipes that people have made for many years. This keeps Cebu’s food culture alive.
What Is Cebu Street Food?
Cebu street food is all the yummy things you can buy and eat while walking around the city. It’s food made by local people, often cooked right in front of you. This food is usually cheap, really tasty, and gives you a real taste of what life in Cebu is like.
The food here is special because it’s a mix of different tastes. Long ago, people from Spain, China, and America came to the Philippines and brought their own ways of cooking. These mixed with the local Filipino way of making food.
Cebu street food is a must-try, especially when you’re also visiting the 11 best places to visit in Cebu in 2024. It will make your trip even more enjoyable.
Where to Find the Best Street Foods in Cebu
Now, let’s talk about the best places to find street food in Cebu. Here’s a table to help you remember the differences between these markets:
| Market Name | What’s Famous | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colon Market | Pungko-Pungko, fried foods | 10-50 pesos per item | Quick, cheap meals |
| Carbon Market | Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat | Varies, but generally very cheap | Seeing local life, buying fresh food |
| Taboan Market | Dried fish (especially danggit) | 200-300 pesos per pack of dried fish | Buying food souvenirs |
Colon Street and Colon Market: The Oldest Food Place in Cebu
Colon Street is the oldest street in the Philippines. It was named after Christopher Columbus (his Spanish name is Cristóbal Colón). This street and the market on it are super important for Cebu’s street food. Here’s why:
- It’s been a busy place for hundreds of years. People have been buying and selling food here since the 1500s!
- You can find a special kind of food experience here called Pungko-Pungko. This means “squat” in the local language because you often have to squat or sit on low stools to eat.
- There are so many different foods to try here, from fried meats to sweet snacks.
One of the best things I ate on Colon Street was something called chicharon bulaklak. It’s crispy fried pork and it’s so good! They also have things like chicken intestines, which might sound weird, but they’re actually really tasty.
Most of the food in Colon Street costs between 10 to 50 pesos (that’s about $0.18 to $0.89 in US dollars). This means you can try lots of different things without spending too much money.
But I want to be honest with you – Colon Street can be a bit messy and crowded. You need to be careful with your bags and money because there might be people trying to steal. Don’t let this scare you though – just be aware and you’ll be fine.
Carbon Market: The Biggest Food Market in Cebu
Carbon Market is huge and it’s the oldest and biggest place where farmers sell their food in Cebu. Here’s what you need to know about Carbon Market:
- You can find almost any kind of food here – fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and more.
- This is where many local people do their shopping, so you get to see what real life in Cebu is like.
- The prices here are very low, which is great if you want to try lots of different things.
When I went to Carbon Market, I noticed there were men packing meat so fast that their hands were just a blur! It was amazing to watch. You can also find beautiful flowers here and handmade baskets that make great souvenirs.
But the Carbon Market can be very dirty, and you might see poor children playing in the streets. This is the real Cebu, not the fancy tourist version. Some people might find it too much, but if you want to see how local people really live, this is the place to go.
Taboan Market: The Place for Dried Fish in Cebu
If you like fish, especially dried fish, you’ll love Taboan Market. Here’s what’s special about it:
- It’s famous for a type of dried fish called danggit. Cebu is known for making the best danggit in all of the Philippines.
- You can find all sorts of dried seafood here, not just fish.
- It’s a great place to buy food gifts to take home with you.
I have to warn you though – the smell here is very strong! The dried fish smell might stick to your clothes, so maybe don’t wear your favorite shirt when you visit.
The Most Popular Cebu Street Foods You Must Try
Now, let’s talk about the actual food! I’ve tried so many delicious things, and these are the ones I think you absolutely must try when you’re in Cebu. Here’s a table summarizing these must-try foods:
| Food | What It Is | Where to Find It | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lechon | Roasted whole pig | Small local stalls | 100-150 pesos per portion |
| Puso | Rice wrapped in coconut leaves | Everywhere | 5-10 pesos per piece |
| Tuslob Buwa | Dip made from pig brains and liver | Azul on Gorordo Avenue | 50-100 pesos per serving |
| Ginabot | Fried pork intestines | Most street food stalls | 20-30 pesos per serving |
| Balut | Fertilized duck egg | Street vendors, especially near Fuente Osmeña Circle | 15-20 pesos per egg |
| Ngohiong | Chinese-inspired spring roll | White Gold Club, many street stalls | 10-20 pesos per piece |
| Siomai sa Tisa | Large pork dumplings | Tisa district | 5-10 pesos per piece |
| Danggit Lamayo | Marinated dried fish | Taboan Market | 200-300 pesos per pack |
| Chorizo de Cebu | Sweet pork sausage | Larsian sa Fuente, many markets | 50-70 pesos per pair |
| Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong | Green mango with shrimp paste | Street vendors, especially on Colon Street | 20-30 pesos per serving |
| Balbacua | Beef leg and tail stew | Taboan Public Market | 50-80 pesos per bowl |
1. Lechon: Cebu’s Famous Roasted Pig
Lechon is probably the most famous food in Cebu. It’s a whole pig that’s cooked slowly over a fire until the skin is super crispy. Here’s why lechon is so special:
- The skin is incredibly crispy, almost like a cracker, but the meat inside is still juicy and soft.
- They put special herbs and spices inside the pig before cooking it, which makes the meat taste amazing.
- You can find lechon all over Cebu, but many people say the best lechon comes from small local stalls rather than big restaurants.
I tried lechon at a small stand near Colon Street, and it was incredible! The skin was so crispy it made a loud crunch when I bit into it. The meat was so tender and full of flavor. A small portion of lechon usually costs about 100-150 pesos ($1.78-$2.66), and it’s enough for a filling meal.
2. Puso: Hanging Rice You Can Eat on the Go
Puso, which is also called hanging rice, is something you’ll see everywhere in Cebu. It’s also really interesting to look at. Here’s what you should know about puso:
- It’s rice that’s wrapped in woven coconut leaves. The package is shaped like a pointed oval or a diamond.
- The coconut leaves give the rice a special, slightly sweet flavor.
- It’s perfect for eating with your hands while you’re walking around or trying other street foods.
I love puso because it’s so easy to eat. You just unwrap it and enjoy! Each puso usually costs about 5-10 pesos ($0.09-$0.18). I always get puso to go with whatever other street food I’m trying.
3. Tuslob Buwa: Cebu’s Unique Brain and Liver Dip
Tuslob Buwa is something that might sound a little strange but tastes amazing. The name means “dip in bubbles” in the local language, and that’s exactly what you do when you eat it. Here’s what Tuslob Buwa is all about:
- It’s made from pig brains and liver. I know that might sound weird, but stay with me!
- The brains and liver are cooked in a big pan until they make lots of bubbles.
- You take your puso (remember the hanging rice?) and dip it into this bubbling mixture.
I was a bit nervous to try Tuslob Buwa at first, but I’m so glad I did! The taste is rich and creamy, and dipping the rice in is really fun.
The best place to try it is at a restaurant called Azul on Gorordo Avenue. A serving of Tuslob Buwa costs about 50-100 pesos ($0.89-$1.78), and it’s usually enough for two people to share.
4. Ginabot: Crispy Pork Intestines You Should Try
If you like crispy, meaty snacks, you’ve got to try Ginabot. It’s made from pork intestines that are cleaned really well and then deep-fried until they’re super crispy. Here’s what to expect with Ginabot:
- It’s very crispy on the outside but a little chewy on the inside.
- It’s usually served with a spicy vinegar sauce for dipping.
- You can find Ginabot at most street food stalls around Cebu.
I had Ginabot at a small stand in an area of Cebu called Pasil, and it was so good! The vinegar sauce helps cut through the richness of the pork. A serving of Ginabot usually costs about 20-30 pesos ($0.36-$0.53), and it’s perfect for a quick snack.
5. Balut: The Famous Filipino Egg Snack
Okay, I have to mention Balut. It’s probably the most famous (or maybe infamous) Filipino street food. Here’s what Balut is all about:
- It’s a duck egg that has been fertilized and allowed to develop for about 14-21 days.
- You eat it right out of the shell, usually with a little salt or vinegar.
- Many people in the Philippines consider it a delicacy and believe it’s good for your health.
Like any foreign visitor in the Philippines, I was a little scared to try Balut at first. But I decided to give it a try because it’s such an important part of Filipino food culture.
I found a Balut vendor near a big traffic circle called Fuente Osmeña Circle. The taste wasn’t as strong as I expected – it was kind of like a very rich, flavorful hard-boiled egg. Balut usually costs about 15-20 pesos ($0.27-$0.36) per egg.
6. Ngohiong: Cebu’s Chinese-Inspired Spring Roll
Ngohiong is a popular Cebuano street food that shows how Chinese cuisine has influenced local flavors. Here’s what you need to know about Ngohiong:
- It’s a spring roll filled with a mix of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
- The wrapper is dipped in a special five-spice powder before frying, which gives it a unique flavor.
- Ngohiong is usually served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
You can try Ngohiong at the White Gold Club in Cebu City, where they’re famous for their “Otap Ngohiong.” The outside was super crispy, and the inside was juicy and flavorful.
The five-spice powder gives it a taste that’s different from other spring rolls I’ve had. A piece of Ngohiong usually costs between 10-20 pesos ($0.18-$0.36), so you can easily try a few!
7. Siomai sa Tisa: Cebu’s Take on Chinese Dumplings
Siomai is a type of dumpling that you can find all over the Philippines, but Siomai sa Tisa is special to Cebu. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- It’s a pork dumpling that’s larger and more flavorful than regular siomai.
- The dumplings are usually served with a spicy-garlicky soy sauce.
- “Tisa” refers to the area in Cebu where this style of siomai became popular.
I went to the Tisa district to try the authentic Siomai sa Tisa, and it was delicious! The dumplings were plump and juicy, and the sauce had a perfect balance of spicy and salty flavors. Each piece costs about 5-10 pesos ($0.09-$0.18).
8. Danggit Lamayo: Cebu’s Favorite Dried Fish
Danggit Lamayo is a type of dried fish that Cebu is famous for. Here’s what makes it special:
- It’s made from a small, flat fish called rabbitfish or spinefoot.
- The fish is marinated in a mix of vinegar, garlic, and pepper before being dried in the sun.
- It’s usually fried until crispy and eaten for breakfast with rice and eggs.
I bought some Danggit Lamayo at Taboan Market, which is known for having the best dried fish in Cebu. When I fried it up, it was crispy and full of flavor – salty, a little tangy, and very savory.
A pack of Danggit Lamayo costs about 200-300 pesos ($3.55-$5.33), depending on the size and quality.
9. Chorizo de Cebu: Cebu’s Special Sausage
Chorizo de Cebu is a type of sausage that’s unique to this part of the Philippines. Here’s what you should know:
- It’s made from ground pork mixed with spices and packed into short links.
- Unlike Spanish chorizo, Cebu chorizo is usually sweet rather than spicy.
- It’s often grilled or fried and served with rice for breakfast.
Chorizo de Cebu at Larsian sa Fuente is a popular barbecue spot in Cebu City. The sausages were slightly sweet and very flavorful, with a texture that’s different from other chorizos I’ve had. A pair of chorizo links usually costs about 50-70 pesos ($0.89-$1.24).
10. Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong: A Tangy, Salty Snack
This is a simple but delicious snack that you’ll see people eating all over Cebu. Here’s the deal:
- Manggang Hilaw means “green mango” – it’s mango that isn’t ripe yet, so it’s sour rather than sweet.
- Bagoong is a salty paste made from fermented small shrimp or fish.
- You dip slices of the sour mango into the salty bagoong for a flavor explosion in your mouth.
The combination of sour mango and salty bagoong was really addictive! A serving of sliced green mango with bagoong usually costs about 20-30 pesos ($0.36-$0.53).
11. Balbacua: A Hearty Beef Stew
Balbacua is a rich, hearty stew that’s popular in Cebu, especially on cooler days. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s made from beef legs and tails, which are cooked for hours until very tender.
- The stew gets its dark color and unique flavor from annatto seeds and black beans.
- It’s usually eaten with puso (hanging rice) or over regular steamed rice.
Balbacua at Taboan Public Market is famous for serving amazing bowls of this rich stew. The meat was so tender it fell apart in my mouth, and the sauce was thick and flavorful. A bowl of Balbacua usually costs about 50-80 pesos ($0.89-$1.42).
Street Food Tour in Cebu One Day Itinerary
Want to know what a whole day of eating street food in Cebu might look like? Let me take you through my perfect food day in Cebu!
Morning: Breakfast at Colon Market
I start my day early at Colon Market. The streets are already busy with people getting ready for work. For breakfast, I get something called Silog. Silog is a combination of three things: sinangag (garlic fried rice), itlog (egg), and a meat of your choice.
I usually go for Tapsilog, which has tapa (sweet cured beef) as the meat. A plate of Silog usually costs about 50-70 pesos ($0.89-$1.24) and gives me plenty of energy for the day ahead.
Mid-Morning: Snack Time at Carbon Market
After walking around for a bit, I head to Carbon Market for a mid-morning snack. At this time, I usually try some fresh fruit – maybe some mangoes or a fruit called lanzones if they’re in season.
The fruit in Cebu is incredibly sweet and juicy! A small bag of fruit usually costs around 20-30 pesos ($0.36-$0.53).
Lunch: Lechon and Puso Feast
For lunch, I can’t resist having some Lechon. I always try to find a small stall near the market that sells it by weight.
I usually get about 250 grams (which is enough for a good meal) and a couple of puso to go with it. This typically costs around 200-250 pesos ($3.55-$4.44). I find a spot to sit and enjoy my crispy, juicy pork and rice. It’s the perfect Cebu lunch!
Afternoon: Sweet Treats and Coffee
In the afternoon, I look for something sweet. Banana Cue is perfect for this – it’s bananas that are coated in brown sugar and then deep-fried.
You can find Banana Cue on many street corners for about 10-20 pesos ($0.18-$0.36) per stick. I like to have my Banana Cue with a cup of strong Filipino coffee from a nearby café.
Evening: Street Food Adventure
As the sun starts to set, the street food scene in Cebu really comes alive. This is when I try some of the more unusual dishes.
I start with some Tuslob Buwa at Azul. It’s usually pretty busy in the evening, but the wait is worth it. Then I walk around and try some Ginabot from a street vendor. If I’m feeling brave, I might try a Balut.
Late Night: Sugbo Mercado Experience
I end my day at a place called Sugbo Mercado. It’s a popular night market where you can find all kinds of food. Here, you can get traditional street food but also more modern versions of Filipino dishes. I usually spend about 200-300 pesos ($3.55-$5.33) trying different small bites from various stalls.
Tips for Enjoying Cebu Street Food
After all my eating adventures in Cebu, I’ve learned a few things that might help you enjoy the street food even more. Here are my top tips:
- Bring small bills: Most food vendors don’t have change for large bills, so it’s best to have plenty of small bills and coins.
- Carry hand sanitizer: Not all places have somewhere to wash your hands, so it’s good to have your own hand sanitizer.
- Try new things: Don’t be afraid to try foods you’ve never heard of before. Some of the strangest-sounding dishes end up being the most delicious!
- Watch where the locals eat: If you see a stall with lots of local people eating there, it’s probably really good.
Cebuano Words to Use When Buying Street Food
Cebuano is the local language in Cebu. The vendors really appreciate it when you try to speak a little bit of their language. Here are a few useful phrases:
| Cebuano | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Asa ang lami nga pagkaon diri? | Where is the good food here? | Ah-sah ang lah-mee ngah pahg-kah-on dee-ree? |
| Tagpila ni? | How much is this? | Tahg-pee-lah nee? |
| Tagpila tanan? | How much for everything? | Tahg-pee-lah tah-nahn? |
| Pwede ko mo-tilaw? | Can I taste it? | Pwe-deh koh moh-tee-lahw? |
| Lami kaayo! | Very delicious! | Lah-mee kah-ah-yoh! |
| Gamay ra ang kan-anan. | Just a small portion, please. | Gah-my rah ang kahn-ah-nahn. |
| Asa ko maka-palitan ani? | Where can I buy this? | Ah-sah koh mah-kah-pah-lee-tahn ah-nee? |
| Unsa ni? | What is this? | Oon-sah nee? |
| Palihug, usa ra ka puso. | Please, one serving of hanging rice. | Pah-lee-hoog, oo-sah rah kah poo-soh. |
| Wala’y halang? | No spicy? | Wah-lah-ee hah-lang? |
| Salamat kaayo! | Thank you very much! | Sah-lah-maht kah-ah-yoh! |
| Unsa’y imong ika-rekomenda? | What do you recommend? | Oon-sah-ee ee-mohng ee-kah-reh-koh-mend-ahr? |
| Naa moy suka? | Do you have vinegar? | Nah-ah moy soo-kah? |
| Pila tanan? | How much for all of it? | Pee-lah tah-nahn? |
The Real Side of Cebu Street Food
I want to be completely honest with you. While the street food in Cebu is amazing, there are some things you should know that aren’t so nice. Here’s the real deal:
- It can be dirty: Some areas, especially in the big markets, can be really messy. You might see garbage on the streets or in the rivers.
- There’s poverty: You’ll probably see poor families and children in the market areas. This can be sad to see.
- You need to be careful: In crowded areas like Colon Street, you need to watch out for people who might try to steal your things.
- Some places smell bad: Places like Taboan Market have very strong smells that some people might not like.
But you know what? These things are part of what makes Cebu real. It’s not all pretty beaches and fancy restaurants. This is where real people live and work. It might be messy sometimes, but it’s honest.
Why Cebu Street Food Is Important
Eating street food in Cebu lets you understand the culture and help local people. When you buy food from small vendors, you’re helping families make money to live. You’re also helping to keep old recipes and cooking methods alive.
Also, by eating local street food, you’re not making as much trash as you might with packaged tourist food. This is really important because the Philippines has a big problem with trash, especially plastic.
Did you know that the Philippines makes 2.7 million tons of plastic trash every year? And 20% of that ends up in the ocean! By eating street food, you’re actually helping a little bit with this problem.
How to Stay Healthy While Enjoying Street Foods in Cebu
I know some people worry about getting sick from trying Cebu street foods. While it’s true that you need to be careful, there are ways to enjoy street food safely. Here are some tips:
- Look for busy stalls: Stalls with lots of customers usually have fresh food because they’re always cooking new batches.
- Watch how they handle money: Good vendors will have one person handle food and another handle money. Or they’ll wash their hands after touching money.
- Check if the food is hot: Hot food is usually safer because the heat kills germs.
- Bring your own utensils: If you’re worried about clean forks and spoons, bring your own.
- Drink bottled water: It’s best to avoid tap water in Cebu. Stick to bottled water or drinks in sealed containers.
Best Times to Eat Street Food in Cebu
Different times of day are good for different kinds of street food. Here’s a guide:
| Time of Day | Best Foods to Try | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (5-7 AM) | Hot soup like Lomi or Pork Sinigang | Warm soup is great for cool mornings |
| Breakfast (7-9 AM) | Silog meals | Filling breakfast to start your day |
| Mid-Morning (9-11 AM) | Fresh fruit from Carbon Market | Fruit is at its freshest in the morning |
| Lunch (11 AM – 1 PM) | Lechon | Many lechon stalls sell out by afternoon |
| Afternoon (2-5 PM) | Banana Cue or Turon | Sweet snacks are perfect for afternoon hunger |
| Evening (5-8 PM) | Barbecue skewers, Tuslob Buwa | Night markets come alive with these dishes |
| Late Night (8 PM onwards) | Balut, Ginabot | These are popular late-night snacks |
For more in-depth travel guides, insider tips, and detailed travel itineraries to various destinations, visit https://destination.com/. Make your vacations stress-free and perfectly planned!
Cebu Street Food for Vegetarians and Special Diets
If you have a special diet, you can still enjoy Cebu street food. Here are some options:
Vegetarian Options
- Banana Cue
- Turon (banana and jackfruit spring rolls)
- Kamote Cue (sweet potato fritters)
- Maruya (banana fritters)
Gluten-Free Options
- Lechon (just the meat, not the sauce)
- Puso (hanging rice)
- Grilled fish or chicken (without soy sauce)
Halal Options
While Cebu doesn’t have many Halal-certified street food stalls, you can find some Muslim-owned eateries that serve Halal food. Look for places that serve beef or chicken dishes without pork.
Cebu Food Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re lucky, you might visit Cebu during a food festival. Here are some to look out for:
- Cebu Food and Wine Festival (Usually in April): This festival includes street food along with fancier dishes.
- Sugbo Mercado Anniversary (Usually in November): This big night market celebrates its anniversary with special food stalls.
- Sinulog Festival (January): While this is mainly a religious and cultural festival, there’s lots of amazing street food around during this time.
Cebu Food Souvenirs to Take Home
Want to remember your Cebu street food adventure after you leave? Here are some things you can bring home:
- Dried mangoes: These sweet snacks are a Cebu specialty.
- Danggit: This dried fish is great for breakfast.
- Chicharon: Crispy pork rinds that make a great snack.
- Otap: A crispy, oval-shaped cookie that’s a Cebu specialty.
- Masareal: A candy made from ground peanuts and sugar.
Just remember to check your country’s rules about bringing in food before you pack these!
So there you have it – everything you need to know about street food in Cebu! Yes, it can be a bit messy and sometimes even surprising, but that’s what makes it real and exciting.
I hope this guide helps you feel ready to try all the yummy street food Cebu has to offer. Don’t be afraid to try new things – you might just find your new favorite Filipino food!
