Affordable Local Delicacies Must-Eat in Cebu

Discover the Best Affordable and Delicious Street Food in Cebu!

  
If you're exploring Cebu and craving something uniquely local, you're in for a treat! Cebu's street food scene offers an array of affordable and mouth-watering snacks that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you're navigating roadside stalls or shopping in supermarkets, here’s a guide to some of the most iconic and budget-friendly street eats in Cebu.
  

Puto Balanghoy: A Traditional Delight

Price: 30-40 pesos for a 15 cm diameter

Known locally as “steam cassava,” Puto Balanghoy is a quintessential Cebuano snack made from cassava, coconut, and brown sugar. Cassava, a starchy root vegetable like potato, adds a hearty texture to this sweet treat. At just 20 pesos for a 15-centimeter slice, it’s both a satisfying snack and an affordable souvenir. Find it at local markets, including Lapu-Lapu Market on Mactan Island.

Puto Maya: A Sticky Rice

Price: 8-15 pesos per piece

Wrapped in banana leaves, Puto Maya is a rice-based delicacy with a flavor reminiscent of Kashiwa Mochi. Filipinos pairs it with sweet mango or “Sikwate” a hot chocolate drink, making it a great bite for snacks, breakfast, or dinner. It’s a wonderful way to experience a classic Filipino flavor.

Buko Pie: Coconut Perfection

Price: 35 pesos per piece; 280 pesos for a whole pie

Buko Pie, filled with tender coconut pulp, offers a moderate sweetness that appeals to many palates, including those of Japanese visitors. You can buy it by the slice or as a whole pie (8 slices), making it an ideal gift or a personal treat. Head to Colette's Buko Pie and Pasalubong in SM City to sample this popular dessert

Available at SM City ‘Colette's Buko Pie and Pasalubong’

Turon Banana (Turon Saging): Crispy Banana Rolls

Price: 10-20 pesos per piece  

Turon Banana, or Turon Saging as it’s known in Visayan, features a crispy exterior and a juicy banana interior. The bananas are coated with brown sugar, wrapped in spring roll skin and deep fried. This easy-to-eat street food is perfect for munching while exploring the city. It’s a delightful combination of texture and taste that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Empanada: Savory Pastry Pleasures

Price: 10-25 pesos per piece

Empanadas are deep-fried pastries shaped like a dumpling and filled with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, pork, potatoes, and carrots. The crispy, slightly sweet dough encases savory fillings, creating a deliciously satisfying snack. They’re a great choice for a quick and flavorful bite on the go.

Bibingka: Fluffy Rice Cake

Price: 10-30 pesos per piece

A perfect snack, especially when freshly baked, Bibingka is delightfully fluffy with a texture like steamed bread. Priced at just 10 pesos per piece, it's the kind of treat you'll crave every morning! This simple yet delicious delicacy is made from a batter of rice flour, egg whites, sugar, and coconut milk, which is poured into banana leaf cups and baked to perfection.

Buko (Coconut Water): Nature’s Hydration

Price: 20-40 pesos per piece

Street-side Buko juice stalls are a common sight in Cebu, offering fresh coconut water that's both refreshing and nutritious. This natural beverage is packed with essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, yeast, and lactic acid bacteria and is renowned for its hydrating and detoxifying properties, which helps to quickly recover from fatigue! Often referred to as the “water of life,” it’s a great way to replenish your body while enjoying a delicious drink.

Buko (coconut) benefits and effects

• Yeast and lactobacilli - increase in good bacteria in the intestines, constipation relief, etc.
• Potassium: Regulates heart and muscle function, improves swelling
• Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth, prevents irritability and improves concentration
• Magnesium - enhances energy metabolism

Cebu’s street food scene is brimming with delicious, budget-friendly options that showcase the island's rich culinary heritage. Most street vendors offer their fare for under 30 pesos, making it easy to sample a variety of local specialties without breaking the bank. Embrace the flavors of Cebu and indulge in these delectable treats during your visit!