"What to Eat in Cebu — and How to Order It"

Cebu is easiest to taste one counter, market stall, or shared table at a time. You do not need a long vocabulary to ask what something is, order a portion, or say that you enjoyed it.

Cebu lechon

Litson is roasted pig and one of Cebu's best-known dishes. It is sold by portion or weight and commonly eaten with rice or puso — rice cooked in a woven coconut-leaf pouch.

Useful phrases:

• Usa niini, palihog. — One of these, please.
• Tagpila ang quarter kilo? — How much is a quarter kilo?
• Lami kaayo. — Very delicious.

Seafood and sutukil

Sutukil is a Cebuano shorthand associated with common ways of preparing seafood: grilled, cooked in broth, or prepared with vinegar and seasonings. Ask the price and preparation before ordering, especially when seafood is priced by weight.

• Unsa ni? — What is this?
• Pila tanan? — How much is everything?
• Ayaw halang, palihog. — Not spicy, please.

Markets, carinderias, and snacks

A merkado is a market. A carinderia is a casual eatery where prepared dishes are displayed and you point to what you want. Cebu is also known for dried mangoes, otap, rosquillos, masareal, and tablea used for hot chocolate.

Pointing and saying “Kini, palihog” — “This one, please” — works in many casual settings.

Explain allergies clearly

If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, explain it clearly in English as well as any Cebuano phrase you know. Do not assume a sauce, broth, or vegetable dish is free of seafood, meat, peanuts, or another allergen.

The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office includes local food among its visitor highlights. Continue with the Cebuano numbers guide so market prices and portions are easier to follow.