Where to Get Pasalubong in Cebu

A trip wouldn't be complete without buying pasalubong. It's a Filipino tradition that I both love and hate: I love it because I love buying food and other goodies. I hate it because it can cost me a bunch, haha.

Aside from wonderful restaurants, Cebu has a lot of goodies that you can bring home to family and friends. Popular pasalubong shops are Island Souvenirs at Mactan Marina Mall for shirts and other Cebuano products, but if you want to cut expenses, here's a list of the pasalubong spots around Cebu.

1. Tablea Chocolate Cafe

My friend and I had dessert at Tablea Chocolate Cafe. But more than the churros, they also sell chocolate-covered cacao (Php 240 - 260 for 250 g). You can also buy Tablea Sampler Box for Php 350 or the Tablea Grand Collection for Php 1650.

Tablea Chocolate Cafe
Robinson's Cybergate
Fuente Osmeña Circle,
Cebu City

Other locations are Ayala Center Cebu, JY Square, J Centre, and SM Cebu Northwing

2. Montenegro Sylvanas

This popular homebaked sylvanas can be bought at Mrs. Montenegro's home near Ayala Mall. The house is near the Islands Stay Hotel. A pack costs Php 310 for 15 pieces. This sylvanas is really good!

Mrs. Montenegro's home

Montenegro Sylvanas

Critical note:  

Sylvanas must be stored in the refrigerator. It would be advisable to buy these before dropping off to the airport if you don't have a refrigerator at your hotel. Good thing our hotel was kind enough to keep our sylvanas in their fridge since the room we got didn't include one.

Montenegro Sylvanas

20 Dr. Tojong Street
Lahug, Cebu City

3. Tabo-an Market

Known as the dried fish market, this is where you can buy danggit, soriso, and other dried seafood at affordable prices. We usually buy in Cindy & Nico, where they can seal and box your pasalubong. They also sell other Cebuano delicacies. I bought soriso at Php 180 per kilo and danggit at Php 480 per kilo.

To get there, ride a jeepney to Colon and walk a few blocks to Tres de Abril Street or you may just ride a cab.

Critical Note:
Tabo-an Market should be the last point in your city tour since the salty smell from the place will stick to your clothes. Seriously.

Tabo-an Market

Tres de Abril Street
Cebu City

4. Zubuchon

Cebu Lechon, 'Nuff said. :)

Frozen Zubuchon

What I love about Zubuchon is the Frozen Zubuchon, aside from the Freshly Cooked Zubuchon, of course. :) A kilo costs Php 490 and comes with a box for every 2-kilo purchase. The Frozen Zubuchon comes with detailed reheating instructions. They also have Boneless Zubuchon (at Php 480 per kilo) and Chicharon.

We got Frozen Zubuchon at the Islands Stay Hotel Mactan branch on our way to the airport. However, our flight was delayed. The very friendly staff let us leave our Zubuchon while we pass time at the nearby mall.

Anyway, they also have a branch at the Mactan Airport pre-departure area, where you can buy Zubuchon at the same price.

5. Lapu-Lapu Shrine

For shirts, accessories, native bags, and even home decors, Lapu-Lapu Shrine is where you should go. I love the bracelets which sell from Php 10 to Php 200, depending on the material (wood or mother of pearl). This is where you can also buy souvenir shirts, from Php 80 - 100 for children's shirts and Php 100 - 200 for adult shirts. Native bags can also be as cheap as Php 120.

Remember: practice your haggling skills here. :)

accessories

Do you know any other pasalubong places in Cebu? Feel free to share them here.