Aside from taking in the sights and sounds of a place, travelers also want to take something home with them as a memento of their trip. From lechon to dried mangoes, Cebu has a lot to offer for tourists who love food. We came up with a list showing some of the Cebu pasalubong items you can bring home from Cebu, with information on where to buy them.
Lechon (Roasted Sucking Pig)
Value meal at Tatang’s Boneless Lechon (Photo by Writer)
Cebu is synonymous to lechon. The lechon in Cebu is so delectable that you can eat it without any sauce. In fact, the lechon Cebu is considered the best pig in the world by renowned chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain. If you want to bring home lechon as pasalubong for your loved ones back home, just tell the waiter you want it packed for your flight. The lechon is meticulously wrapped to ensure it maintains its crispiness during the trip. The price of lechon ranges from PhP480 to PhP550 per kilo. You can buy lechon in any of the lechon houses around the city.
Where to Buy:
The pig in the spotlight can be found at Zubuchon, a well-known lechon house in the city. The store has branches all around Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City. Other famous lechon houses include CNT Lechon, Tatang’s Boneless Lechon, and Rico’s Lechon.
Dried Mango
The Philippine Brand Dried Mango (Photo courtesy of Profood International Corporation)
Aside from lechon, Cebu is also known for its dried mangoes. These tasty treats have satisfied the sweet tooth of both locals and visitors for over three decades. They have also found their way into the homes of many households around the world. Profood International Corporation is one of the oldest dried mango manufacturers in Cebu. The company established the first Mango Museum in the country in 2012. The museum shows how dried mangoes are made from the time they are plucked out of the mango tree until they are packed for delivery.
Where to Buy:
Islands Pasalubong offers a good variety of Cebuano delicacies. There are four Islands Pasalubong branches conveniently located along the usual tourist routes, with their flagship store located within walking distance of Magellan’s Cross along Magallanes Street. You can also find Cebu dried mangoes at the grocery and on supermarket shelves as well as pasalubong centers around the city.
Rosquillos
Iconic Rosquillos from Titay’s (Photo courtesy of Titay’s)
Rosquillos are ringlet-shaped butter cookies made popular by Margarita “Titay” Frasco. Titay started producing these home-baked treats in 1907 and today, it is still one of the favorite pasalubong items from Cebu.
See Also: 5 Must-try Cebu Native Delicacies
Where to Buy:
While these butter cookies are available in major supermarkets and groceries as well as pasalubong centers, the best place to get them is at its source, Titay’s Rosquillos in Poblacion, Liloan. In addition to the rosquillos, you can also buy other biscuits, pastries, and breads at the main outlet of Titay’s in Liloan, which is about an hour or so away from Cebu City.
Danggit (Dried Rabbitfish)
Dried fish at Taboan Market (Photo by Writer)
The Cebu danggit is another popular Cebuano delicacy visitors bring home with them. This small dried fish can be eaten at any time of the day, but it is usually eaten during breakfast paired with rice and sliced tomatoes. Some visitors even buy in bulk to give as gifts to their loved ones back home.
Where to Buy:
The best place to buy danggit is at the Taboan public market. Taking a taxi would be the best way to get to the Taboan Public Market. Butif you want to go on an adventure, you can take jeepneys with the 4D or 17D signage. Just tell the driver or conductor to drop you off the Taboan Public Market.
Chicharon
Carcar chicharon is available in any grocery or supermarket in Cebu. (Photo by Writer)
Another tasty Cebuano pasalubong item is the chicharon — not just any chicharon, but the chicharon from Carcar. You see, the chicharon from Carcar is not just a snack item since it can be eaten as a viand. It can be sautéed with vegetables and meat or eaten as a separate dish.
Where to Buy:
The chicharon from Carcar is already available in supermarkets and groceries as well as pasalubong centers in the city. But the best way to get your hands on this sinful yet scrumptious Cebuano delicacy would be buying it straight from Carcar, which is about two hours away from Cebu City.
Peanut Browas
100-gram Pack of Peanut Browas (Photo courtesy of Lola Pureza’s)
Peanut Browas is another true-blue Cebuano delicacy. Similar to the rosquillos, the recipe for Peanut Browas was handed down through generations by Lola Pureza. These, homemade peanut-shaped delicacies are made based on the methods and standards used by Lola Pureza.
Otap
Otap bought at the Shamrock Bakery (Photo by Writer)
The otap is a sugary biscuit made of soft wafers. This elongated snack item can be quite delicate that it may crumble while you are enjoying it. In fact, it is advisable for you to keep one hand under the otap while you eat to catch any bits that may fall with each bite.
Where to Buy:
Otap is the best-selling product of Shamrock Bakery. The Fuente branch, most popular due to its location, is right across the Fuente Osmeña rotunda.
Cebu guitar
Parts of a Guitar Waiting to be Put Together (Photo courtesy of Alegre Guitars)
A hand-made guitar from Cebu is a great pasalubong you can bring home with you. The quality and craftsmanship of Cebu-made guitars are known around the world. Since its introduction by the Spaniards, guitar-playing has become one of the favorite pastimes of Cebuanos and Filipinos as a whole. Guitars from Cebu are made of kamagong and narra wood, which can withstand any changes in temperatures, making them suitable for cold western countries.
Where to Buy:
While you can buy a Cebu-made guitar in a number of shops in the city, you can also drop by the Alegre Guitar Factory in Lapu-Lapu City and get a good bargain for your loot.
Do you have any other pasalubong items you want buy during your trip to Cebu? Check out Yoorekka for more pasalubong options!
Prices may change without prior notice.
