Nothing is as appetizing as the smell of meat being cooked on a charcoal grill.
The world calls it barbecue, but in Cebu, we call it sinugba.
Sinugba is the Bisaya term for any piece of meat that is being barbecued. It comes from the root word “sugba,” which means “to grill.” What makes this cooking method stand out is the marinades used (2022).
In fact, did you know that grilled food is integral to Filipino cuisine? You can observe this in the many barbecue restaurants around the country. It’s even more prevalent in Cebu, as grilling is one of the three most popular cooking methods on the island.
Sinugba restaurants in Cebu range from affordable small scale eateries to places that offer a unique dining experience, each with recipes for a variety of dishes like skewers, pork belly, seafood, and more.
Most restaurants have a simple setup to provide a more homey ambiance. This allows customers to be more sociable too.
Regardless, they have become landmarks in Cebu food culture that highlight the sinugba cooking method. So if you’re looking for some good barbecue, don’t miss out on the following places.
WHERE TO GET YOUR SINUGBA FIX
- Matias Inato
Matias has been a household name in the sinugba scene since it opened in the late 2000s. They’re known for their home-style barbecue, which is cooked and prepared at the owner’s backyard.
The restaurant serves delicious chicken and pork barbecue skewers, as well as exotic dishes like dinuguan and balbacua. Their pork belly is highly recommended, and their fresh fruit shakes make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For many, this is a must-visit place in Cebu. You will find groups of families and friends enjoying their time dining at Matias, which goes to show how popular it is for the barbecue and overall experience.
- Yakski Barbecue
Yakski is known for their two flavored dipping sauces that customers use to pair with their selection of barbecue dishes. This family recipe is what made this once home-based eatery into one of the biggest barbecue joints in Cebu.
The restaurant started in the backyard of the Roxas family (2013), but then expanded with several branches in the city, all of which have a converted garage aesthetic.
Yakski is also known for its emphasis on sanitation, consistently keeping the restaurant clean. The servers even wear spit guards when they serve and prepare the food.
If you’re looking for the best grilled seafood in Cebu, look no further than Parr’t Ebelle Tinola!
This Filipino barbecue joint is located near SM City Cebu. The eatery also expanded with its second branch in Minglanilla.
Parr’t Ebelle primarily specializes in their fish stew, but they also have a selection of sinugba dishes, which they cook in front of the store.
All their dishes are made from the freshest catches of the day, so you can be sure of their quality and flavor.
Their grilled tuna belly is one of their most popular dishes, known for its soft, chewy meat and charred skin. You will also love their liempo because of its flavorful marinade and smoky exterior.
- Coco Sugba
As mentioned, some sinugba restaurants offer a unique dining experience. Coco Sugba, located in front of the entrance to Hadsan Beach Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, is a great example.
It’s like a samgyupsal restaurant, but specializing in Filipino cuisine. Customers cook their seafood or meat on makeshift grills installed on the tables.
To add to the experience, Coco Sugba plays Filipino music in the background for the customers to enjoy. They even invite local artists to perform live every week.
- Smiley’s Larsian by the Sea
Cebuanos know Larsian by heart. It’s one of the first food strips in the city, consisting of a dozen stalls serving all kinds of seafood and barbecue skewers.
Since its renovation and rebranding into Sugbo Sentro, it’s difficult to find a similar place or experience, unless you’re at IL Corso.
Smiley’s Larsian by the Sea, located in the IL Corso Food Yard, offers a variety of grilled favorites like chorizo, hotdogs, and scallops, all at affordable prices. They also have several refreshments and desserts like leche flan and mango graham float.
Ambiance plays a big part at Smiley’s because of its location by the sea. Its al fresco dining setup makes for a great atmosphere for date nights. You can also have a pleasant time here with family and friends.
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There’s something nostalgic about sinugba restaurants, as they can be reminiscent of Filipino parties where families cook barbecue at home. The ambiance definitely adds to the experience, and it’s something that is considered authentically Filipino.
One thing’s for sure, you can’t go wrong with any of these restaurants to satisfy your barbecue fix. Aside from the sinugba dishes, the flavorful marinades and sauces will leave you wanting more.
That being said, if you’re looking for the most famous food in Cebu, don’t be surprised if the locals recommend sinugba!
REFERENCES:
Zubiri, Stephanie. 2022. “The sweet flavours of Pinoy BBQ.” BBC Travel.
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220612-the-sweet-flavours-of-pinoy-bbq.
Sabalo, Wenilyn & Kate Denolang. 2013. “The sauce of success.” Sunstar.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/the-sauce-of-success.