The Cebu Lami Adventure
Cebu has always been known for its delicious barbecued specialities and famous lechon, but as the Paranoid Traveler discovers on a recent trip to Cebu, the city is a culinary paradise filled with so many more delicious treats to soothe every craving...
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| Image Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer |
The best thing about domestic travel is
discovering how food that you’re supposed to be so familiar with, can be
different and even more exciting in other parts of the country. And Cebu is
definitely no exception. With the mushrooming restaurants in the city, Cebu has
what it takes to be a culinary destination. Let’s eat! Word of caution: This
review is strictly for meat lovers only. J
Parkmall,
Mandaue City
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Cebu is of course famed for its no-sauce
lechon but not all lechon made in Cebu is equal. Cebu’s
Original Lechon Belly is several
notches higher with its extraordinary crispy lechon. And I am not alone in this
opinion as long lines will greet you if you come during meal times.
What to order: Spicy lechon
Co
Jordan Talaba Bangus Eatery
Consolacion
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
It is a testament to a restaurant’s self-confidence
that they still refer to their popular seafood restaurant as an eatery. Co Jordan is a paluto restaurant where you get to choose where to source your food:
from their fresh seafood market section or you fish them yourself at one of
their rented huts. What I like best about Co
Jordan is that it is unpretentious about being a go-to destination. You can
tell that it was started with serving the locals in mind and not the tourists, and they continue to do so as the interior remains authentically rural. Like
Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, if you want to enjoy Co Jordan, you must come real early otherwise you will starve
before you find a table. And if you’re coming from Cebu City, prepare for at
least a thirty-minute drive.
What to order: Everything on the menu!
Wakamatsu
Yakiniku Japanese Restaurant
Pacific
Square Building, F. Cabahug St
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
A Japanese recommendation in Cebu?
Yesiree! With a thriving Japanese community, there is bound to be lots of Japanese restaurants in the city but what sets Wakamatsu Yakiniku apart is that it is really authentic. I mean,
what better recommendation can an ethnic restaurant get when your Japanese
expat friend brings you there? But if you plan to go there, make sure that it is the
last place you will visit before returning home. At Wakamatsu Yakiniku, you grill your own food and the smell can stick
to your clothes.
What to order: meat and seafood for
grilling
Ginza
Restaurant
J.
Panis St., Banilad
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| Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Most Filipinos tend to regard Japanese
food as a luxury because it is kind of prohibitive price-wise. It’s either that
or they settle for a “Filipinized” version which makes the experience very
unsatisfactory. One friend used to dislike Japanese food because of this
experience until he discovered real Japanese cooking. Actually, he was the one
who brought me to Ginza. It may
still be a bit pricey if you think how many burgers you can buy for the same
amount but Ginza is not that expensive for a Japanese
restaurant, especially compared to Manila. The price actually becomes
irrelevant once you start enjoying their menu offering.
What to order: kobe and wagyu beef
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