When January rolls in, Cebu stirs to life—streets pulsing with rhythm, colors dancing in every corner, and the unmistakable energy of Sinulog filling the air. Amid the swirl of parades, last-minute preparations, and daily life moving along, food quietly weaves everyone together. Through foodpanda, locals find their way back to familiar, comforting flavors, sharing moments of connection as the festival excitement builds.

Cebu’s Tasty Lechon's spicy bellychon is known for its crispy skin and bold, flavorful bite.

To help diners in Cebu enjoy the season with ease, foodpanda is offering Sinulog-exclusive deals from January 15 to 21, with free delivery and 50% off for new users via NEWPANDA, and 30% off for Pro users using SINULOGPRO.

Celebrating Cebuano Icons and Everyday Favorites

No Sinulog story is ever told without lechon at its heart—Cebu’s most cherished culinary icon. At Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, the crackle of crispy skin and the richness of perfectly seasoned meat have long drawn eager crowds, a delicious testament to Cebuano pride and tradition. Whether it’s the classic roast or the much-loved spicy version, the restaurant reminds everyone that lechon isn’t just reserved for grand celebrations—it’s meant to be savored in everyday moments, too.

Cebu’s Tasty Lechon also offers value meals paired with puso, Cebu’s iconic hanging rice made from steamed rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves, making it compact, flavorful, and easy to enjoy on the go.

A crowd favorite at Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, the spicy bellychon is known for its crispy skin and bold, flavorful bite.

Many Cebuanos turn to familiar comfort food, with Sunburst Fried Chicken remaining a longtime favorite. Known for its crispy, well-seasoned chicken and hearty rice meals, Sunburst has become a reliable choice during busy days and family gatherings. 

Beyond these Cebuano staples, many locals also turn to bold flavors from other local favorites. Shawarma cravings often lead to Jafar’s, which serves Middle Eastern–inspired wraps, rice bowls, burritos, and fresh salads.

Since opening in 2019, the brand has grown from a humble kiosk into a familiar name among food lovers, with high-demand periods like Sinulog requiring businesses to adapt quickly to changing customer needs.

Jafar’s serves a variety of wraps and refreshing drinks, making it a go-to for hearty meals in Cebu..jpg

“During Sinulog, the volume of orders and foot traffic can get overwhelming for our physical stores,” shared Julie Pagobo, Marketing Specialist of Jafar’s. “Having foodpanda allows us to extend our reach and manage orders more efficiently, helping us serve more customers during the busiest days.”

For Cebuanos seeking comfort with a hint of nostalgia, Orange Brutus has long felt like home. From the sizzle of its beloved burger steak to its no-frills fast-food classics, the brand carries stories that began in the 1980s, when its first branch opened along bustling Colon Street. Decades on, it remains a trusted stop for hearty, affordable meals—especially during festival season, when familiar flavors offer a welcome pause amid the celebration.

For classic and shareable Filipino dishes that bring people together, Hukad has long been associated with Filipino celebrations. Its comforting flavors make it a fitting choice for Sinulog meals and family gatherings.

If you want Chinese food for Sinulog, Dimsum Break serves a variety of rice meals, noodles, and dimsum favorites that make preparing a satisfying handa for gatherings and celebrations easy.

A spread of handcrafted breads, baked goods, and specialty drinks from Abaca Baking Company

Beyond the savory feasts, Cebu’s food story gently unfolds in its cafés, where moments slow down and conversations linger. At Abaca Baking Company, proudly owned and run by The Abaca Group, the aroma of artisanal breads and freshly baked pastries fills the space, joined by all-day brunch favorites and carefully crafted specialty coffee. One standout is the Campfire Latte—a comforting blend of espresso, chocolate syrup, milk, and marshmallows—inviting guests to pause, sip, and savor a little warmth amid the city’s vibrant pace.

After coffee and brunch, the experience continues with Good Habits, a café built around the idea that enjoying coffee is always a good habit. Founded in 2022, Good Habits has since grown to six branches, becoming a familiar stop for Cebu’s coffee lovers.

Located at ABC Hotel in Ramos, Good Habits is a familiar hangout for students.

“foodpanda is a platform we can rely on—it’s always available, and it helps us be more accessible,” shared Rick Dylan Ostrea, one of the owners of Good Habits. “Our customers can simply open the app and order without having to go to the store. It’s just one click away.”

Rounding out Cebu’s everyday favorites is Alberto’s Pizza, a brand that began as a small pizza store near Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Known for its affordability and consistent quality, Alberto’s has become a go-to for budget-friendly comfort food, especially during busy seasons when convenience matters most.

As the city buzzes on, Cebu’s street food story finds its rhythm in Barangay Tisa, famously known as the siomai capital. Here, amid the steam and chatter, Way Tugpahay Siomai has earned its place as a local favorite. From its humble street-side setup, thousands of siomai are quickly wrapped, steamed, and served each day—especially during the late afternoon and early evening rush. Affordable, hot, and endlessly satisfying, it’s the kind of stop Cebuanos make instinctively, fueling themselves with quick bites as festival energy carries them through the day.

To end the meal on a sweet note, Ally Mango offers a refreshing dessert option loved by locals. Known for its mango shakes and popular mango sticky rice, the Cebu-born brand has grown from its early days at Sugbo Mercado into a familiar name for mango-based treats. Made with locally sourced mangoes, Ally Mango’s desserts are a favorite addition to celebrations like Sinulog.

During peak periods, foodpanda’s pick-up option offers a convenient way for customers near the store to order ahead.

Beyond these well-loved stops, Cebu’s food scene comes alive through hundreds of partner vendors offering local flavors across the city. These options are easily accessible through the foodpanda app, making it simple to explore Cebu’s diverse food culture ahead of the festivities.

Bringing Sinulog Celebrations Closer Through Digital Access

As Sinulog pulls thousands into the streets, not everyone celebrates amid the crowds. Some choose quieter moments—gathering at home with family, sharing laughter with friends, or simply taking a pause from the rush. For them, keeping the spirit alive doesn’t always mean cooking from scratch. Local favorites are only a few taps away, ready to be enjoyed wherever the day leads. And for those weaving through busy streets or running quick errands, pick-up options offer a welcome shortcut—good food without the long lines. In these small but meaningful moments, digital access quietly reshapes the celebration, making it easier, more flexible, and open to everyone.

By supporting local restaurants through digital platforms, Cebuano food businesses are able to extend their reach during high-demand periods, serve more customers, and maintain visibility—even amid the intensity of festival season.

As the festivities draw near, foodpanda continues to support local businesses by making everyday favorites easier to enjoy ahead of the busiest days. Celebrate the season with Cebu’s local food favorites—available on foodpanda!