Oct 4

Oct 4 Good Ol' Filipino Cuisine in Chika-an sa Cebu

CEBU CITY, CEBU - Looking for a nice Filipino restaurant that you can go to while you stay in Cebu? Look no more as Chika-an sa Cebu is definitely the place for you! With its simple yet inviting ambiance, appetite-inducing dishes and all-smiles waiters, you will instantly catch some good vibes from the place which would immediately force you to get a table for your party!

Chika-an sa Cebu is all over the city. Approximately 10 branches are now scattered across Cebu, with one opening just this year in Ayala Center. As for our case, we chose to dine in their SM Cebu branch since it is closer to the port and we need to catch a 10 PM departure to Ormoc. Bearing a fishbone-like logo in glaring yellow, it would be hard to miss the establishment. It reminds me a lot of our Filipino restaurants back here in Manila with its unassuming look but huge following as can be seen from the diners who flock the place.

Defeating the purpose of a dessert, we started our meal with one. The Leche Flan is what I would like to call "small but terrible". With its small stance, one would immediately think that this could never be enough to satiate someone's sweet-tooth. But boy, it was more than enough. With its creamy and smooth texture and not-too-sweet taste, you will immediately be satisfied.

I do not usually order drinks but since my companions ordered a pitcher of the Citrus Quencher, I was compelled to drink my share. The drink made me happy. It reminded me of bright and sunny days! And I promise you that you will too except those who should not be consuming sugar because this drink contains a lot!

I got confused when we ordered Pochero and had been served with this dish which looks a lot like our Bulalo. It was only then that I had known that Pochero is essentially the Tagalog Beef Bulalo! It has been packed with meat and veggies to boot. It may not resemble much the revered Bulalo in Mahogany Market Eateries in Tagaytay but it is close and cheaper than what they have there.

I adored the Crab Relleno. It may have arrived in small packages but the taste is packed with nice flavors that will leave you chasing and wanting to taste more until you've consumed all. And what's ultimately nice is that you can really taste and pinpoint the crab in there!

As I always say, one can never go wrong with anything grilled! The Grilled Blue Marlin was no exception as the meat was so soft and the marinade and the sweet sauce used to coat the meat was just perfect!

This was the ultimate winner. Packed with a bounty of caloric goodness, their Crispy Pata was just amazing. The meat was juicy, the serving was humongous and the pig skin so crunchy, there is nothing more you could ask for!