Drop by Hab Hab Cafe in Liloan for great food and a relaxed ambiance.
The salty air, the swaying palms, the laid-back atmosphere—this is pretty much the vibe in Siargao, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
But what if there’s a place much closer to home that captures the essence of the country’s very own surf capital?
There is no need to get a plane ticket because your next island escape is just a short drive away. Check out Hab Hab Cafe, a cafe in Liloan where you can put your worries aside and take in the soothing vibe that one can expect in Siargao.
ABOUT HAB HAB CAFE
Hab Hab Cafe, a name synonymous with late-night cravings, boasts a remarkable origin story rooted in passion and perseverance.
According to an article in SunStar Cebu, Ronald James “RJ” del Rio opened the cafe in Siargao back in 2018. It soon gained popularity as a 24-hour hotspot and became the preferred location for residents looking for a quick bite, or as they call “habhab,” at any time of day. (2022)
While visiting a client, RJ, a former tattoo artist from Minglanilla, Cebu, first learned about Siargao. He was enamored with the island’s attractiveness and, more crucially, noticed a huge gap in its food scene: there were no 24-hour restaurants.
This realization led to the initial concept for Hab Hab Cafe.
However, RJ’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its hurdles. After a business partnership soured, he faced the daunting task of starting over from scratch.
The ultimate test of the cafe’s resilience came with Typhoon Odette. The devastating typhoon destroyed all of RJ’s establishments in Siargao, forcing a temporary closure.
Faced with this immense setback, RJ made the difficult decision to relocate and rebuild the restaurant in Liloan, Cebu, the new home for Hab Hab Cafe.
With him he brought his dedicated team members who were able to make the move. As RJ passionately states, “Hab Hab is more than a business; we are a family. Without them, I am nothing.”
The search for the ideal new location brought them to Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon in Liloan.
Perfectly reflecting the relaxed atmosphere RJ had in mind for the Siargao cafe, this picturesque location provided a calm respite from the bustle of the city.
The Liloan branch stretches into the lake and is accessible via a car-friendly stone road, allowing guests to dine while surrounded by quiet waters.
With a nipa roof, RJ combined beach and environmental motifs while staying true to its Siargao heritage. Vibrant red walls were a contemporary addition, designed by his wife, Cathleen May “Macy” Pineda.
The Hab Hab crew found the move to Cebu to be challenging, but the quick success of their newest location has confirmed that their incredible adventure was well worth it.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS AT HAB HAB CAFE
With a large selection of meal favorites like soup, spaghetti, seafood, and a variety of desserts and merienda, Hab Hab Cafe is not like other aesthetic restaurants.
Here are some of their bestsellers:
- Hab Hab Chicken Wings – A consistent bestseller. Consisting of eight chicken wings, this dish can be shared and comes in two flavors: spicy and parmesan cheese.
- Scallops – One serving consists of 10 pieces. This dish has been touted as a popular option.
- Shanghai Fried Rice – The owners said that this meal is a must-try from their menu when they reopened in Cebu. As a matter of fact, several customers expressed satisfaction.
- Quail Egg Soup – If you’re looking for a light, savory, and comforting soup, Hab Hab Cafe definitely has one for you with a generous portion size.
- Beef Cansi Soup – You can either eat this beef cansi soup by yourself or with a family of four to five people. Perfectly slow-cooked, the beef shank is so soft that it falls off the bone.
- Banana Nutella Waffle – A classic and delicious dessert option! It combines the natural sweetness of fresh bananas with a rich chocolate-hazelnut spread and a warm, crispy waffle.
- Blue Lemonade Pitcher – A popular and frequently refreshing option, as evidenced by its best-selling position.
EXACT LOCATION:
Inside Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon, Liloan, Cebu
OPERATING HOURS:
11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
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A cafe in Liloan might be your best escape from the city bustle, so why not give Hab Hab Cafe a try?
Each visit provides a taste of Siargao’s famed flavors and calm atmosphere, proving that some paradises can indeed be rebuilt.
REFERENCE:
Suarez, Teodoro Emilio A. 2022. “Siargao-based cafe survives Typhoon Odette, opens in Cebu.” SunStar.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lifestyle/siargao-based-cafe-survives-typhoon-odette-opens-in-cebu
