Aside from souvenir shirts and locally produced guitars, Cebu City has a wide selection of pasalubong items you can buy to remember your vacation down south. These native delicacies will remind you of your relaxing days on the white sandy beaches of Cebu.
They will also allow you to experience the culture of Cebu. To paraphrase an old adage, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The following are some native delicacies in Cebu that are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds.
Lechon
When one mentions Cebu City, one of the first things that come to mind of every food-loving wanderlust is the Cebu lechon. The name lechon is based on the Spanish term for “roasted suckling pig.” It is the centerpiece of many celebrations in the Philippines.
While lechon is offered in many parts of the Philippines, the lechon from Cebu is hailed to be the best. No less than renowned TV host and chef Anthony Bourdain proclaimed that the Cebu lechon is the “best pig ever”. Cebuanos always say if you need sauce for your lechon, it is not Cebu lechon.
Masareal
Despite its plain and simple ingredients, the masareal is a well-loved delicacy in Cebu City. Made up of ground peanuts, sugar, and water, this popular delicacy from Mandaue City is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
The name of the delicacy is a combination of two Castilian words: masa (dough), and real (fine). It is essentially a peanut bar with different levels of sweetness, depending on the brand. While it typically comes in a rectangular shape, it is not surprising to see this treat shaped like a heart for Valentine’s Day.
Rosquillos
The rosquillos is a thin, round cookie with a hole in the middle making it look like a ring. It was first made by Margarita “Titay” Frasco, who used ingredients she found in her kitchen. She initially gave it as a freebie to people who bought soda [2]. Now, it is among the most popular delicacies in Cebu.
The only Cebuano president in history, Sergio Osmeña, gave this delicacy its name. The name of this treat is based on the Spanish word rosca, which means ring. It is best paired with coffee for an early morning snack.
Hungry for more native delicacies of Cebu City? Check out this link below:
Make sure to visit Yoorekka to learn and find out more about the best pasalubongs in Cebu.
