Upon our arrival in Cebu City under the veil of nightfall, our first stop was the bustling Night Food Park, where the aroma of sizzling barbecue and the buzz of conversation filled the air. Surrounded by twinkling lights and the lively atmosphere, we indulged in an array of delicious street foods and local delicacies including pork sisig and chicharon bulaklak. Among the city's renowned street food offerings is Tuslob Buwa, a unique delicacy crafted from a fusion of pig's brain and liver sautéed with garlic, onions, shrimp paste, and chilis. It’s consumed by sopping pusô, or hanging rice (cooked rice wrapped in coconut or pandan leaves).
We went on a morning exploration making our way to Taboan Market. Here, amidst the maze of stalls, we delighted in the sights and smells of dried fish and Cebu's famous chorizo, stocking up on local delicacies to savor later. Among the dried fish we purchased were dried pusit, danggit, dilis and sapsap. Taboan Market provided favorable prices owing to its close proximity to fishing areas and local production. We suggest purchasing from Kristine's store, as we received a discount and found the quality of dried fish to be excellent.
After our lunch, we set out on foot from our hotel in Bonifacio Street, eager to discover the city's rich history. Our trip took us to the iconic Heritage of Cebu Monument, where intricate sculptures immortalized the city's past. We then paused in awe at the grandeur of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens.
Along the road, we opted to sample another local delicacy, the Pater, originally a traditional dish from Mindanao. It is a dish consisting of steaming hot rice and tender shreds of mouthwatering beef wrapped up in a wilted banana leaf. It has different variations in different parts of Mindanao, such as Maranao and Maguindanao. This rice meal is accompanied by the appetizing Maranao condiment called “palapa,” which adds a burst of flavor with its thinly sliced spices.
Continuing our exploration, we made our way to the historic Magellan's Cross, a symbol of Cebu's enduring legacy. Here, amidst the throngs of tourists, we soaked in the significance of this cultural landmark, marveling at its storied past.
Our adventure didn't end there; we made our way to Carbon Market, immersing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of this vibrant marketplace. From fresh produce to handicrafts, the market offered a glimpse into the everyday life of Cebuanos.
As night descended once again, we found ourselves drawn to Moo Kandingan, a local eatery just across from our hotel. We indulged in a feast of flavorful dishes, savoring each bite as we reflected on the day's adventures. This restaurant is a must for those balikbayans looking for Kanding (goat).
On our way to the airport, we decided to get some of Cebu’s famous lechon to bring back as pasalubong (gifts) to our families. We purchased it from Ayer’s Lechon which had a kiosk conveniently located outside the departure area of Mactan-Cebu international airport. The price is Php 1,180 per kilo packed in travel-friendly box making it possible for you to carry the lechon onto the plane without causing it to smell.
We concluded our Cebu trip with a feeling content in our hearts and satisfied in our stomachs, grateful for the unforgettable experiences and memories made in the vibrant streets of Cebu City. Truly, it was a day filled with discovery, culture, and culinary delights—a testament to the magic of this captivating destination.
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