Taste the flavors of Cebu in Araneta City
Have you ever been to Cebu? It’s a significant part of the Philippines because of its rich history and culture, which many locals and foreigners visit today. There’s much to see and experience, from pristine beaches to visiting historical sights.
So, what do you do when craving Cebu cuisine but find yourself in Metro Manila? Simple. Head over to Araneta City and explore the various culinary options that capture the taste of Cebu.
Lechon
When we talk about Cebu, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is lechon. Who can resist the juicy meat and crunchy skin of a pig that has been slow-roasted for several hours? If you’re looking forward to that, try Mesa’s crispchon. The crispy pork skin and soft, juicy meat would go well with the sauces and greens the restaurant offers with the dish.
📍Mesa is located at Ground Floor, Ali Mall.
Speaking of elevating the flavors of lechon, Vikings Buffet serves a Binusog na Lechon option that explores the potential of taking the savory taste of Lechon a step further. Plus, with the other selections in the restaurant, you’ll be sure to enjoy the entire dining experience from start to finish.
📍Vikings Buffet is located at Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2.
Bam-i
Apart from rice, a noodle dish is a staple during most meals or celebrations. In Cebu, the version of the pancit canton is bam-i. It originated in the Visayan and Cebuano regions and made with egg noodles and vermicelli or sotanghon. It typically includes meat, vegetables, and a savory broth. You can indulge in its burst of flavors at Via Mare, which offers Filipino favorites that can satisfy anyone’s cravings.
📍Via Mare is located at Upper Ground A, Gateway Mall 2.
Kinilaw
Cebu has more culinary delights than just lechon. One Filipino favorite is kinilaw. It comes from the word “kilaw,” which means “eaten fresh or raw” in Cebuano. On the contrary, kinilaw is a typical Visayan dish that uses vinegar and local spices to make raw and fresh fish. If you want a modern twist to the well-loved dish, head to Grace Park to witness how the restaurant adds other colors, textures, and flavors to create an entirely different take on kinilaw.
📍Grace Park is located at Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2.
Humba
Nearly every province in the Philippines has its version of the well-renowned adobo. In Cebu, it’s humba. It uses fatty pork belly cuts slow-cooked with vinegar, black peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, and fermented black beans (tausi) sweetened with muscovado sugar until tender. It also frequently contains banana blossoms and hard-boiled eggs. The taste is an ideal blend of sweet and savory. Abé captures the essence of the Cebuano dish, giving diners from other areas a chance to savor what Cebu offers in the culinary scene.
📍Abé is located at Ground Floor, Gateway Mall 2.
Longganisa Bisaya
Since it’s a typical breakfast option, provinces across the Philippines have their respective take on longganisa. In Cebu, their longganisa has a distinct, bright red color that’s already eye-catching. As for the flavor, it perfectly blends the usual garlicky, umami, and savory flavors of many longganisa variants with a touch of sweetness. Now, that’s an explosion of flavor in every bite, which improves when paired with garlic rice and vinegar, making it a top-tier breakfast meal. Spicy versions of the longganisa Bisaya are also used to satisfy those who prefer theirs with a punch. If you want to taste the balanced blend of flavors of the Longganisa Bisaya, Tindeli by Chef Tatung is the place to go. Bonus: They offer an all-day breakfast, so you don’t have to worry about the time.
📍Tindeli by Chef Tatung is located at Palenque, Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2.
