Now in its 10th year, SunStar’s Best of Cebu is back with a vengeance.
Local businesses are slowly returning to form, allowing the Best of Cebu team to add more categories under lifestyle and travel, beauty and wellness, and shopping. From 78 awardees in 2021, SunStar’s Best of Cebu lists 118 winners for 2022.
From Jan. 23 to 29, SunStar’s Best of Cebu 2022 winners will be featured in the Lifestyle section of SunStar Cebu.
These winners went through a stringent selection and judging process conducted by the Best of Cebu committee and an esteemed panel of judges. If there’s one thing we learned going through this batch of awardees, it’s that anyone can have what it takes to win Best of Cebu.
Here are some of the winners:
Best Burger Steak: Dong Juan
Dong Juan’s burger steak remains the Juan and only choice for your patty cravings. Drenched in savory gravy sauce topped with slow-roasted mushrooms, this burger steak will leave you begging for more after the first bite. Juicy, mouthwatering, and just the right amount of tasty, it is everything you’d ever want to savor from a main course. Dong Juan is located at Light Site Parc, A.S. Fortuna, Cebu City.
Best Dim Sum: Luy’s Classic Tea House
There is a Chinese proverb that goes “Food is bigger than the emperor.” In Luy’s Classic Tea House, its dim sum embodies exactly that; mouthwatering cuisine composed of sophisticated steamed pockets packed with fresh ingredients and ever-so delectable meat; Luy’s Classic Tea House’s Dim Sum is undoubtedly a secret dynasty waiting to be revealed by the tongue. The Chinese food joint is located at APM Shopping Mall, A. Soriano Avenue, Cebu City.
Best Lechon Belly: Mag’s Special Lechon Belly
What makes Mag’s Special Lechon Belly the best is that upon unraveling the roasted pig from its packaging, you’ll know right away that you’re in for an unforgettable palate rollercoaster. What greets you is a thick, tantalizing and seductive aroma of meat, salt, herbs and spices that will hypnotize your senses. Slow-cooked and marinated for hours, every bite is a festival of emotions. Soft and juicy with just the right amount of fat, its skin crackles with every crunch. Mag’s Special Lechon Belly is an experience from start to finish. Mag’s Special Lechon Belly is located in Mandaue City and is available for orders via its Facebook page.
Best Ngohiong: Cebu Chinese Ngohiong
Over the years, Cebu Chinese Ngohiong has consistently been the top choice for spring roll a la Cebu. Since 1990, the brand has been on a steady upward trajectory as it seizes every chance to grow and advance. By remaining true to its flavor, Cebu Ngohiong provides generous servings that are reasonably priced and a tasty special sauce that pairs nicely with its ngohiong. Cebu Chinese Ngohiong is located on 345 Junquera St., Cebu City.
Best Ribs: CICADA
Cicada has a reputation of providing customers with savory ribs. It sources its ingredients locally and marinates the ribs in premium spices and slowly cooks them until they’re tender and ready for you to indulge. Cicada also serves these ribs with a side of corn and potato wedges. Cicada is located on Sanjercasvil Road, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug.
Best Takoyaki: Diki Takoyaki
Diki Takoyaki satisfies all takoyaki cravings in one bite. Each ball of takoyaki is filled with carefully chosen premium ingredients including freshly prepared octopus bits and cheese. A special homemade sauce drips around the perfectly round takoyaki balls and is topped with flakes that transport you to the streets of Japan. Diki Takoyaki is located at Oakridge and Ayala Central Bloc.
Tuslob Buwa: 8Flix & Chill
Tuslob buwa literally translates to “dip in bubbles,” derivative of the way patrons eating tuslob buwa would dip their puso (hanging rice) into the bubbling mixture of pig brain, minced liver, and other spices such as onions and garlic. 8Flix & Chill has two branches in Cebu: Pueblo Verde, Lapu-Lapu City; and Queensland Manor, Cebu City.
Best Egg Drop Sandwich: Egg Drop by Whisk
An egg drop sandwich is a new trend popping up that involves placing cheese, ham and bacon on top of a soft, fluffy egg and tucking these in between two brioche slices and finishing it off with a signature sauce that brings out the sweet flavors while highlighting the savory taste of the entire sandwich. Egg Drop by Whisk executes this to perfection and has a wide array of flavors available for its patrons—its signature sauce is divine, and you can grab a taste at JJ Marketplace, M.L. Quezon Avenue, Mandaue City.
Best Cookies: Brookies
That’s just how the “brookie” crumbles! How would you describe a perfect cookie? Is it the way the chocolate melts in your mouth? Is it how flavors complement each other? Brookies knows a thing or two about giving its customers the perfect cookie. It has mastered the all-time favorites and offers unique twists to classic flavors. Brookies is located in Cebu City.
Best Halo-halo: Joanna’s Halo-Halo & Snack Shoppe
Joanna’s Halo-Halo & Snack Shoppe is one of Cebu’s sweet treasures. An award-winning serving of halo-halo from Joanna’s contains gems of kaong, nata and gulaman with ube, cream and other sweets that brings out the nostalgia of our childhood. Joanna’s Halo-Halo & Snack Shoppe is located on R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City.
Best Pet Shop: Piper’s Pet World Piper’s Pet World offers the best supplies for your furry friends and is the go-to place for fur-parents who want to treat their pets to something nice, whether it’s a new leash, some delectable treats or some high-quality kibble! Piper’s Pet World is the place to be, located at TPE Bldg. Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City.
Best Shipping Lines: Cokaliong Shipping Lines
Cokaliong Shipping Lines has been offering its reliable services to the Cebuanos for over 30 years. Its quick service and reliability are key factors that make it one of the best shipping lines in Cebu.
Best Gym: F45
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your fitness journey, or a seasoned pro looking to take your workout to the next level, F45 has something for everyone. F45 Training is a global fitness community specializing in quick, enjoyable and results-driven, high-intensity group workouts. But it’s not just about the physical benefits because F45 offers a supportive and inclusive community to help motivate and encourage members to reach their goals.
Best Eyelash Extension Salon: Ozen Premium Nail/Lash Studio
Ozen Premium Nail Lash Studio specializes in eyelash extensions, providing clients with beautiful, full lashes that fit their style and preferences. It offers a relaxing and sanitary atmosphere where you can sit back and relax while they work their magic. Get your lashes done at Ozen, located at the ground floor of Banilad Town Center, Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.
Best Slimming Center: Marie France - Cebu
Weight loss is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and improving overall health and well-being. Marie France - Cebu’s team of experts includes doctors, nutritionists and figure consultants, who are dedicated to helping you achieve your weight goals safely, healthily and effortlessly. It helps you take the first step towards a healthier and happier you.
More winners will be announced in the upcoming days. Follow SunStar Cebu and SunStar Best of Cebu on social media for news and updates.