With its rich food culture and abundant natural resources, Cebu is surely a dream destination for any foodie. While the island province is best known for its lechon and seafood dishes, it’s also home to many other unforgettable dishes and must-try delights.
If you’ve tried Cebu’s savory offerings and you’re ready for something sweet, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re craving traditional kakanin or looking for a sweet ending to a delightful meal, the many food spots and restaurants in Cebu City have got you covered. There are more treats to discover if you venture beyond the city center, too. Here are six places in Cebu to visit when you’re in the mood for kakanin and desserts.
1. Tabléa Chocolate Café in Cebu City
The Cebu breakfast experience isn’t complete without puto maya and sikwate. Puto maya is sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, while sikwate is a rich hot chocolate drink made with tablea. For a taste of this Cebuano breakfast combo staple, head to Tabléa Chocolate Café. The café offers them together as a set, with some fresh mango on the side, so you can enjoy the contrast between the warm drink and the fruit’s sweetness.
This is a good stop if you want to sit down and savor a classic Cebuano breakfast before exploring the city. Dip a bite of puto maya into the sikwate, then try it with mango to see which combination you prefer. If you’re introducing someone to Cebuano sweets, the set also offers an approachable place to start.
2. Abaca Baking Company at NUSTAR Cebu
Kakanin isn’t the only way to satisfy a sweet tooth in Cebu. At Abaca Baking Company, you can explore artisanal pastries and cakes in a cozy bakery and café setting. In particular, its location on the upper ground level of The Mall at NUSTAR Resort Cebu makes it an easy dessert stop during your stay or while you’re exploring the complex.
This stop is perfect if you want a pastry with coffee or a slice of cake after a meal. You can take your time choosing from the bakery’s selection, then settle in for a quieter break before continuing your day.
3. Bibingka Makers in Mandaue City
For a more local kakanin experience, make room for bibingka in Mandaue City. The city has long been known for its delicious rice cakes. Barangay Maguikay neighborhood’s bibingka, in particular, has been a long-time favorite for its traditional taste.
Bibingka is best enjoyed while it’s still warm, so look for a fresh batch. Because small makers may change their selling hours or run out during the day, confirm availability before making a special trip to one stall. This stop is a chance to experience a local baking tradition as well as the finished treat.
4. Titay’s in Liloan
If you’re traveling north from Cebu City, stop at Titay’s in Liloan for rosquillos. These crisp, ring-shaped cookies offer a different kind of sweetness from soft kakanin, plus they make for the best pasalubong. While you’re in Liloan, you could also check out masi, a sticky rice treat with a sweet peanut filling the town is known for.
Rosquillos are particularly handy if you want something to take home or save for the rest of your trip. Pick up a pack for later or bring some back for someone who couldn’t join your Cebu food trip.
5. Budbod Kabog Sellers in Catmon
Catmon offers a treat many Cebu tourists might not be familiar with: budbod kabog. This delicacy is a suman-style cake made with millet, locally called kabog, rather than the rice commonly used in similar snacks. Once cooked, it is then wrapped in banana leaves. Catmon celebrates this kakanin through the Budbod Kabog Festival, making it an especially meaningful destination while traveling through northern Cebu.
Ask local sellers for budbod kabog when you reach Catmon, and check what is freshly available that day. You can enjoy this sweet on its own or pair it with hot sikwate for a filling afternoon snack. It also makes a worthwhile stop if you’ve already tried rice-based kakanin and want to discover how a different grain changes the experience.
6. Torta Makers in Argao
For a sweet treat south of Cebu City, visit Argao and try its namesake torta. This local cake has a soft, spongy texture and is traditionally leavened with tuba or coconut wine. Argao celebrates this local delicacy during its annual La Torta Festival, but you don’t need to visit during the festival to have a taste.
Chitang’s Torta Bakery in Argao’s Poblacion is a good place to start your search. Try a freshly baked torta if one is available, then consider taking another home to enjoy with coffee. If you’re heading south to explore the province, the stop gives you a chance to taste a dessert closely tied to the town where it’s made.
If you’re planning a trip to Cebu, food should definitely be part of the itinerary. Beyond the usual savory fare, Cebu offers many delectable delights to satisfy your sweet tooth or introduce you to its broader culinary heritage. The next time you visit the island province, add these stops to your itinerary and explore the sweet side of Cebu.
