A Taste of Cebu: Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods

Are you craving some tasty, crispy, and delicious delicacies right now? Introducing Cebu’s best street foods that are pocket-friendly.

Welcome to the vibrant streets of Cebu, where every corner is a feast for the senses! If you’re a food enthusiast or just someone with a penchant for trying new and exciting flavors, Cebu’s street food scene is an absolute paradise.

From savory to sweet, the bustling streets offer a symphony of aromas and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a mouthwatering journey through Cebu’s top 10 must-try street foods. Get ready to savor the flavors that define the culinary heartbeat of this beautiful island!

1. Lechon Manok

There’s something magical about the aroma of Lechon Manok wafting through the air. This Filipino-style roasted chicken is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and various spices, the chicken is slowly roasted until the skin is crispy and golden, while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful.

You can find Lechon Manok being grilled on makeshift stalls along the streets. A whole chicken usually costs around PHP 200-300, depending on the size.

Best place to find: For an authentic experience, head to Larsian sa Fuente in Cebu City.

2. Tuslob Buwa

If you’re up for a unique culinary adventure, Tuslob Buwa is a must-try. Translating to “dipping in bubbles,” this dish is a delightful mix of pig brains and liver sautéed in garlic, onions, and spices. The savory mixture is then dipped in a bubbling broth, creating a thick, flavorful sauce.

For the full experience, grab some puso (hanging rice) to dip into this delectable concoction. Prices range from PHP 50-100—very affordable, right?

Don’t forget to watch out for Colon Night Market where small street vendors serve the best Tuslob Buwa during the Christmas season!

Best place to find: Have your best Tuslob Buwa experience at Azul on Gorordo Avenue.

3. Balut

Brace yourself for a classic Filipino street food adventure with Balut. While it might be an acquired taste for some, locals swear by its unique flavor. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside.

Typically seasoned with salt or a dash of vinegar, it’s a snack that combines various textures and flavors. Prices vary, but you can usually find Balut for around PHP 15-20. You can easily spot these Balut vendors carrying baskets and shouting “Balut!” 

Best place to find: Head to Fuente Osmeña Circle for a wide selection

4. Ngohiong

Ngohiong, a popular Cebuano street food, has its roots in Chinese cuisine. The name “Ngohiong” itself is derived from the Hokkien term “ngoh hiang,” which refers to a type of five-spice meat roll.

Chinese immigrants brought this culinary concept to Cebu, Philippines, and over time, it evolved into the distinctive local street food known as Ngohiong.

A popular Cebuano spring roll, Ngohiong is a delicious blend of ground pork, vegetables, and various spices wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. Deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.

The combination of crunchy exterior and savory interior makes Ngohiong a favorite snack or quick meal. Prices range from PHP 10-20 per piece.

Best place to find: For an authentic experience, try the famous Otap Ngohiong at the White Gold Club in Cebu City.

5. Siomai sa Tisa

Siomai, a well-loved dim sum dish, gets a unique twist in Cebu. Siomai sa Tisa is known for its large, flavorful dumplings filled with a generous amount of ground pork and served with a special garlic-infused soy sauce.

These plump and succulent dumplings are a snack you can’t pass up. Prices are incredibly budget-friendly, usually between PHP 5-10 per piece.

Best place to find: Head to the Tisa district in Cebu City for the best Siomai sa Tisa experience.

6. Danggit Lamayo

For seafood lovers, Danggit Lamayo is a crispy and flavorful treat that captures the essence of Cebu’s coastal cuisine. Danggit, a salted and dried rabbitfish, is perfectly marinated and sun-dried.

The result is a crispy, golden-brown delicacy that pairs wonderfully with vinegar or a side of atchara (pickled papaya). Prices vary depending on the quantity, but a pack of Danggit Lamayo usually costs around PHP 200-300. Head to Taboan Public Market for the freshest selection.

Best place to find: Head to Taboan Public Market for the freshest selection.

7. Chorizo de Cebu

No trip to Cebu is complete without savoring the unique flavors of Chorizo de Cebu. These sweet and savory sausages are made from ground pork, seasoned with native spices, and cured to perfection.

Grilled or fried, Chorizo de Cebu is often enjoyed with a side of puso or rice. Prices range from PHP 10-20 per piece. Be sure to savor the taste as you take each piece!

Best place to find: You can find these delicious sausages at Taboan Public Market or Larsian sa Fuente.

8. Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong

When it comes to refreshing street snacks, Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong takes the crown. Fresh slices of green mango are paired with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for a delightful combination of sweet and savory.

The contrast in flavors creates a taste explosion that will leave you craving for more. Prices usually range from PHP 10-20, and you’ll be sure to be more than satisfied!

Best place to find: You can find vendors selling this delightful treat on almost every street corner, particularly on Colon Street.

9. Fishball

Fishball, a street food classic, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. These deep-fried fish balls are skewered on sticks and served with a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from sweet to spicy.

The affordability of fishballs, usually priced at PHP 5-10 per stick, makes them a popular choice for those looking for a quick and tasty snack. Street vendors are ubiquitous, so you’ll find Fishball almost anywhere in Cebu.

Best place to find: Anywhere in Cebu

10. Banana Cue

Ending our street food journey on a sweet note, Banana Cue is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of Filipino flavors. Deep-fried caramelized bananas on sticks, Banana Cue is the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy. Prices typically range from PHP 10-20 per stick.

Best place to find: You can find this delightful treat in various street corners or at the Taboan Public Market.

There you have it, the top 10 must-try street foods that define the culinary landscape of Cebu. From savory delights to sweet treats, each bite tells a story of the rich and diverse flavors that make Cebuano street food a gastronomic adventure.

So, grab your appetite and hit the streets of Cebu to experience the true essence of Filipino street food culture!