Cebu street food is chaos in the best way. And a Cebu street food tour takes you into the heart of it with skewers of questionable origin, soups you can’t pronounce, and enough grease to make your arteries beg for mercy. It’s messy, fatty, and unapologetically Filipino.
For a scene this wild, diving in blind didn’t seem like the best idea. That’s why I joined this tour. I wanted the real experience, where locals actually eat and the food has a story. This tour took me beyond the tourist-friendly stalls and straight into the heart of Cebu’s food culture.
And I didn’t sign up to play it safe. Tuslob buwa, the boiling big brains locals swear by, was at the top of my list. Prue, my guide, didn’t sugarcoat a damn thing. She threw me straight into the deep end of Cebu’s street food scene and let me figure out if I could keep up.
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and embrace the raw side of Cebu, let’s get started.
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Table Of Contents:
Why You Should Go on a Cebu Street Food Tour
Why wouldn’t you want to take a street food tour? You think you know the city you’ve never been to better than a local? Or maybe sitting on a wobbly stool with a plate of grilled everything isn’t your idea of fun? And if it’s not your idea fun, know that we will never be friends. Anywho, the Cebu street food scene is spectacular but can be difficult to navigate
Enter the Cebu Food Tour. Led by Prue, this isn’t some aimless stroll. And I can tell you, as someone who has spent more than a year exploring the culinary scene in numerous provinces in this country, this tour is as authentic as it gets. From the famed tuslob-buwa to grilled blood cubes or beta-max. I assure you this isn’t your mom’s attempt at ethnic night with Old El Paso and the spiciness dialed up to onion
Still not sold? Fine. Stick to your bland instant noodles while I tell everybody else about the person who makes it happen—Prue.

Full Video of the Cebu Street Food Tour:
About the Cebu Food Tour
The Cebu Food Tour throws you straight into the chaos and flavor of Cebu’s streets. And leading the charge is Prue, a local foodie who knows every corner of the city’s culinary maze.
This tour started when Prue took her friends to her favorite spots, showing them the real deal when it came to Filipino food. Word spread, and she became a go-to guide for people wanting more than overpriced restaurant dishes. After freelancing as a guide for Backstreet Academy, she launched this tour on Airbnb Experiences in 2020, bringing the streets of Cebu to life for anyone ready to dig in.
So, if you’re tired of tourist traps and polished “authentic” experiences, this tour delivers what you actually came for: An Actual Cebu Street Food Tour. What a bizarre concept!
Tour Highlights
Prue wastes no time in having you jump right into the game. Within minutes of meeting her she will have you stuffing your gullet with some of the tastiest pungko-pungko(just go with it, you’ll never remember what it means anyway) you will find in the city and only gets crazier from there.
Here’s everything I tried on my tour and it’s a lot. Keep in mind, availability and Prue’s choices will shape what you get on yours.
Pungko-Pungko
I told you she wasn’t playing around with the pungko-pungko. Ok, so pungko-pungko translates to “squat-squat,” and these stalls are a Cebu specialty, that are cranking out fried foods that are basically heart attacks waiting to happen. Now, tell me what pungko-pungko means? Told you so
Here’s the lineup: fried lumpia, a crispy roll that’s equal parts grease and satisfaction. Ngohiong, lumpia’s spiced-up cousin with a crackly crunch of breading, palm shoots and a five-spice kick that is only found in Cebu. And dynamite, a chili stuffed with cheese and meat that’s fried to perfection and ready to torch your mouth.

Beef Nilatan and More
At our next stop we sampled Beef Nilatan, a slow-cooked beef soup with tender beef chunks and just the right amount of fat, as well as Chicharron Bulaklak, crispy pork intestines that are dangerously addictive. Chicken Pastil, shredded chicken and rice wrapped in banana leaves, made for a savory contrast. And then there were Sea Grapes or lato in Cebuano, these salty little pops of flavor worked perfectly with vinegar as a palate cleanser.



Ube Hopia, Masi, and Ube Ensaymada
Prue knew we needed a break from all the savory madness, so we stopped for some sweets which is always right up my alley. Ube Hopia is a flaky pastry with a rich, creamy purple yam filling. Perfectly balanced, it’s just enough to satisfy without being overwhelming.
Masi is chewy rice dough with a peanut filling that gives just the right hint of sweetness. Think mochi, but with a Filipino twist.
Ube Ensaymada is soft, buttery bread filled with sweet ube and topped with grated cheese. So damn good.
Taho
On our way to our next location we stumbled upon a Taho vendor. You see them all over the Philippines with their stainless containers of freshly made taho. A warm, silken tofu topped with arnibal (sweet syrup) and sago pearls. It’ a sugar bomb that hits harder than your morning hangover, but totally worth it.



Puso Itlog
Puso Itlog is a local delicacy that’ll make you rethink how you view eggs. It consists of eggs that are mixed with rice flour and then fried like you would a pancake or an omelet. Yet it is neither an omelet or a pancake. I am so confused. It’s simple, but the smoky flavor and vinegar dip adds a surprising depth of flavor


Where to Stay in Cebu
- Luxury Accommodations: – The Suite- Luxurious City Skyline – This luxurious 3-bedroom suite is located in the prestigious Marco Polo Residences, Cebu City. Relax in the jacuzzi, cook your favorite meals in the fully-equipped kitchen, and take advantage of all the hotel amenities available including pool, gym, billiard room and more.
- Mid-Range Accommodations: – Radisson Blu Cebu -Located in the heart of the city, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu, provides five-star accommodation for travelers just minutes away from Mactan International Airport and Cebu International Port. Experience sweeping views of the Mactan Channel and the city. Enjoy easy access to cultural attractions, bustling districts, and white-sand beaches.
- Budget Accommodations: – Nacho Hostel Cebu – The hostel consists of 46 wide and spacious rooms that can accommodate a total of 220 guests. Each room also comes with its own bathroom and air conditioner system ensuring your relaxation and privacy during your stay.
For more places to stay in Cebu:
Sticky Rice with Muscovado and Tablea
This one is all about contrast. Soft and chewy sticky paired with the crunch of caramelized muscovado. The tablea, a locally sourced Filipino chocolate, adds a subtle, earthy bitterness that keeps it grounded, with a flavor that’s miles away from the sugar bomb chocolates most westerners would be used to. It’s simple, honest, and distinctly Filipino.


Read Next: Must-Try Cebu Food
Halo Halo
Mang Inasal might not be a typical stop for dessert, but Prue’s Cebu Food Tour doesn’t miss a chance to wrap things up with this iconic Filipino treat. Halo-Halo is a mix of shaved ice, milk, and a medley of ingredients like sweetened beans, jellies, and fruit, topped with a scoop of ice cream. Simple, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down after a day of adventurous eating.
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Only for the Fearless
You thought we were done? Not even close. Now we’re getting into the real deal. The kind of Cebu street food that separates the tourists from the adventurous. This is where you leave your comfort zone, hope for some courage, pull your big boy britches up and go to work. While we have already mentioned trying chicharron bulaklak(pig instestines), we are going to kick it up a few more notches Ready to see what not only Cebu but Filipino street food scene is really about? Here we go
Porcupine Fish Soup
Ever heard of dining on something that could kill you? Welcome to porcupine fish soup, a delicacy that plays a game of culinary chicken with your gut health. Don’t worry, the chefs here know what they’re doing…..probably. The broth is light but packs a subtle briny kick that cuts through the tender fish chunks. Pair this bad boy up with some salty umami bomb shrimp pancakes and call it a day. It may be your last

Intestines and Blood
Here’s where the grill gets interesting because this isn’t the bbq you’re used to. Well, there is a grill involved. But we’re talking about chicken intestines(isaw), blood cubes ( Betamax), livers, and chorizo de Cebu. The blood is actually quite bland with a subtle irony flavor on it’s own, but a little dip into some vinegar and now we’re talkiing , the livers are creamy and rich, and the intestines? Chewy but seasoned just right with the perfect char.
The chorizo de Cebu? Full disclosure, I’m not a fan. Way too sweet and the hopia we talked about earlier was less sweet than these damn sausages. Your mileage may vary, but that was the only thing I didn’t care for.


Tuba
Time to get hammered. Prue makes a quick pit stop so I can try this try this homemade wine. Tuba is a full-on cultural experience. This traditional coconut wine starts its life as sap tapped directly from the coconut tree, and it’s as raw and unfiltered as it gets. The locals swear by its slightly sweet, tangy flavor with just the right kick to get the night going.
If you’re expecting the refined smoothness of a high-end wine, forget it. Tuba is rough around the edges, and that’s exactly the point. Fair warning, Tuba is only consumable as an alcoholic beverage for about 24 hours. After that it turns into coconut vinegar.

Tuslob Buwa
Tuslob buwa literally means “dip in bubbles,” and that is exactly what you do. What makes up those bubbles is the question? Well what it is, is a bubbling concoction of pig brains, pig liver, soy sauce, oil, and spices, cooked right in front of you. Puso (hanging rice) is dunked into the bubbling caldron extracting pure heaven before being consumed.
This dish was always meant to be a communal affair so hopefully there will be others around to laugh at you as you question every life choice that lead you here.


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What Cebu Street Food Says About the City
Street food in Cebu is a glimpse into the city’s heartbeat. It’s raw, unapologetic, and driven by the locals who make it happen. Through the Cebu Food Tour, Prue takes this experience beyond eating. She brings the history, the people, and the traditions that shape every bite to life.
Whether it’s the ritual of tuslob buwa or the simplicity of pungko-pungko, each dish shows how food connects the community of this awesome city.
Tips for Any Street Food Tour
Whether you’re planning on taking a Cebu street food tour or organizing your own street food tour anywhere in the world there are things you should keep in mind.
- Sanitation Isn’t Always a Priority: Vendors aren’t running spotless Michelin-star kitchens. If you’re squeamish, stick to stalls that are busy and full of locals, that turnover means fresher food and the locals always know where the best spots to eat are.
- Food Poisoning is Always a Risk: This is a risk anytime you any eat anywhere, and in all my years of travel I have had food poisoning twice. Once in Canada at a high end Italian restaurant and the other was at a western fast food chain(Popeye’s spicy chicken sandwich got me) here in the Philippines. While foodborne illnesses can be serious they are rarely fatal. You statistically have a better chance of unaliving yourself in a car accident than you do with food poisoning, but that doesn’t stop you from jumping in a car everyday. But honestly, if you’re not willing to risk a little discomfort, maybe street food isn’t for you.
- Poverty is a Reality: This isn’t Disneyworld! You’re going to see some unsettling things. Kids begging, trash everywhere, rats etc. Welcome to the real world.
- The Smells Can Be Intense: From grilling meats to open sewers and rotting garbage, you’ll experience the whole aroma spectrum. Don’t act surprised.
- Watch Your Pockets: Crowded areas mean pickpockets. Keep your wallet secured and your phone in your front pocket, or risk “donating” to the local economy.
It’s all part of the street food experience. Hell it’s a part of the traveling experience in general. But I digress, If you can’t handle the insanity, maybe stick to chain restaurants and 5 star resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Follow this link to Prue’s Airbnb experience for her Cebu Food Tour. This is not an affiliate link and I make nothing if you book a tour with Prue.
Bonus: Prue also does a customized evening tour that is bookable directly through her.
The food tour costs $44USD per person.
Of course. If something’s too “adventurous” for you, Prue will guide you to the next option with zero judgement.
While the tour offers a variety of options, it’s not tailored for specific dietary needs. If you have allergies or restrictions, let Prue know in advance so she can guide you on what to skip. This tour is definitely not meant for vegans or vegetarians
The tour is not bookable for children, however if you have an adventurous little eater on your hands, you can reach out to Prue for a customizable option.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Cebu Street Food Tour
Prue’s Cebu Street Food Tour gives you a crash course into the flavors, textures, and traditions of Cebu City. From tuslob buwa to pungko-pungko every bite brings you closer to what makes this city unique. Her knowledge of the foods and the city are unmatched and her energy is so infectious you’ll be smiling from ear to ear as you scarf down the entrails of the latest swine. Don’t just read about it her tour. Book a tour, grab a plate, and experience Cebu street food the way it’s meant to be.
If you’ve and questions, have taken this tour, or have your own must-try dishes from Cebu, drop a comment below and share your experience. I’d love to hear from you.