Cebu City has a vibrant food scene. Ramos Street, in particular, has become a foodie hotspot in recent years, with hip cafes and chic restaurants slowly flanking this busy street in the heart of the metro.
If you’re craving an adventure for your insatiable appetite, this is the place to be—and you’re in luck because we have some suggestions to add to your itinerary:
Chingkeetea
Made with tea leaves sourced from Taiwan, Chingkeetea is all about quality milk and fruit teas. They’ve got a wide range of milk tea flavors from classic to Thai, as well as a selection of fruit teas for something lighter. Chingkeetea was awarded Best of Cebu’s Best Milk Tea for 2020. Aside from its outlet in Ranulfo Building in Ramos, Chingkeetea also has a branch in St. Patrick Square.
Row’s Batchoy House
Whether it’s a hangover cure you’re looking for or just an easy fix for the occasional rain shower, a piping hot bowl of batchoy from Row’s is always a good idea. A regular bowl suits those with small appetites, but if you want heftier portions with more toppings, go for the special. Aside from hearty batchoy, Row’s also serves great street-style barbecue and short orders.
Tales and Feelings
From brunch staples like avocado toast to more experimental fare like Korean fried cauliflower, this restaurant is all about telling stories through food. Due to its limited seating capacity and increasing popularity lately, securing a table can be challenging. Make sure to message them on their socials beforehand to check for open slots. Tales and Feelings is located just above Ho Ngohiong, across Cebu Institute of Medicine.
Tightrope Coffee
With its minimalist layout, sleek muted gray motif, and open bar, Tightrope’s flagship cafe sets the standard high for the coffee shop experience. More than just amazing coffee though, the café has some solid food offerings too. Must-tries on the menu include the Tightrope Breakfast, Grilled Three Cheese, and Chicken Parmesan. Tightrope Coffee is located in the Velez Medical Arts Building.
The Green Canteen
There’s a common misconception that vegetarian food is expensive—The Green Canteen aims to debunk this notion. With items such as pizza and kare-kare, this carinderia-style joint makes plant-based meals familiar and accessible. Meal plans are also available should you prefer a week-long arrangement. The Green Canteen is located along 110 V. Ranudo St. (across AA BBQ).
Casa Verde
This family-owned restaurant chain is basically a Cebuano institution. The ancestral house-turned-restaurant on Ramos is the OG branch, where it all started before it spawned branches all over Cebu and even in Manila. Get Brian’s Ribs, the Big Bang Burger, and Jayden’s White Choco Chill Out for dessert. Casa Verde is located at 69 Lim Tian Teng St.