The Cebu Food Crawl has always been a special celebration of Cebu’s rich and diverse culinary scene. First launched in 2015 by Atty. Ethelbert Ouano of NindotKaayo.com, together with pioneering members of Cebu Bloggers Society like Sinjin Pineda, Hershey Chua, and Mark Monta, quickly became a go-to event for foodies. It made its comeback in 2017, and by 2018, Sinjin Pineda took the lead in carrying it forward.
After a pause brought on by the pandemic and other unforeseen events, the wait is finally over: #CebuFoodCrawl is back! This 2025, the crawl makes its return with a 4-day food adventure from August 21 to 24, highlighting the theme “Flavors First!” The journey will shine a spotlight on restaurants, cafés, and dessert spots that continue to shape Cebu’s ever-evolving food culture.
And guess what? I had the chance to join in on Day 2 of this flavorful adventure, which brought us straight to Cebu IT Park for another round of food discoveries – sampling dishes, sharing stories, and of course, proving once again that while I may not be a full-on food vlogger, I’m definitely a certified foodie.
Warning: This is going to be a long (and very mouthwatering) post! Read at your own risk – you might find yourself craving along the way.
Stop 1: Boy Zugba
We kicked things off at Boy Zugba, and right away, the vibe felt so alive. It’s proudly kusina-bisaya – a mix of Mindanaoan and Filipino comfort dishes with a playful twist. Their Karne Bilao, Pork Ribs, Chix BBQ, and Sinigang Salmon had us digging in right away. The quirky interiors, peppered with humor and Pinoy pop culture, made it more than just a meal – it was an experience. And yes, their Buko Halo Overload and Banana de Coco were the sweetest way to start the day!
Location: Garden Row (across The Walk), IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
Time: 6AM–11PM (Mon–Thu) | 6AM–12MN (Fri–Sun)
Stop 2: Bigby’s
Next, we went to Bigby’s, and true to its style, it felt like taking a food trip around the world. Their plates are generous, comforting, and packed with flavors that keep you coming back. The Baby Back Ribs were tender, smoky, and just fall-off-the-bone perfect. It’s the kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “wow, this hits the spot.”
Location: Garden Row (across The Walk), IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
Time: 11AM–11PM (Mon-Thurs) | 11AM-12Midnight (Fri-Sun)
Stop 3: Merci Dessert Café
Of course, no crawl is complete without dessert, and Merci Dessert Café gave us just that – a sweet little haven. The café itself is cozy and charming, and the desserts? Absolutely IG-worthy. From cheesecakes to pastries, each bite was light, delicate, and simply joyful. It’s the kind of place where you forget the time because you’re too busy enjoying every forkful (and maybe snapping too many photos).
Location: Aurora Bldg, Paseo Saturnino, Ma Luisa Rd, Cebu City
Time: 7AM–10PM (Mon-Thurs) | 7AM-11PM(Fri & Sun) | 7AM – 12Midnight (Saturday)
Stop 4: Straight Up – Seda Central Bloc
And then… the finale. Dinner and cocktails at Straight Up, Seda Central Bloc’s rooftop lounge. Dinner already felt like a treat, but what truly made the night unforgettable was the 12 different cocktails we got to taste. Imagine sitting under the night sky, music softly playing, and every round of drinks offering a new flavor adventure. Some cocktails were fruity and refreshing, others strong and bold, but all of them were crafted beautifully.
It wasn’t just about the drinks – it was about the whole atmosphere. The cool breeze, the city lights in the distance, and the laughter we shared in between sips. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate a day of food, friendship, and new experiences.
Location: 17th Flr., Seda Central Bloc, Cebu I.T. Park, Padrigas Street, Apas, Cebu City
By the end of the crawl, I realized something important: food has this amazing way of connecting people. You don’t have to be a food vlogger to enjoy it; you just need to love the experience. And me? I’m happy to say I truly am a certified foodie. Day 2 of Cebu Food Crawl was proof – four stops, countless flavors, and one very happy heart (and tummy).