I first heard about Cebu Food Crawl back in 2017, around the same time I started my blogging journey and began meeting new friends in the blogosphere. As someone who has always loved taking photos—especially of food—I was fascinated by the idea of capturing dishes in creative setups and sharing them online to highlight my day, whether it was at a restaurant or a cozy café.
Over the years, as the social media scene evolved, businesses also became more creative in how they marketed their products and reached new audiences. That’s exactly what Cebu Food Crawl has been doing for Cebu’s food industry—showcasing restaurants and cafés through beautiful flat lays, storytelling, and content creation that connects with people.
Back then, I looked up to Cebu Food Crawl as something truly inspiring for food bloggers and creators. And now, fast forward to 2025, I’m grateful to finally be part of it as a participant for Day 1.
What is Cebu Food Crawl?
Cebu Food Crawl was born in 2015, founded by Atty. Ethelbert Ouano of NINDOTKAAYO.COM, together with pioneering members Sinjin Pineda, Hershey Chua, and Mark Monta. It came back stronger in 2017, and by 2018, Sinjin Pineda officially took the lead—cementing CFC as one of the most anticipated celebrations of Cebu’s vibrant food culture.
After a pause brought about by life’s unexpected turns—including the pandemic—they are beyond excited to say that #CebuFoodCrawl is officially making its return!
This 2025, they are back for a 4-day food adventure from August 21 to 24, carrying the theme “Flavors First!” Their mission is to shine the spotlight on the restaurants, cafés, and dessert spots that continue to shape Cebu’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Through stories shared on social media and blogs, CBS members will showcase their partner establishments’ crowd-favorites, curated dishes, and signature drinks—giving everyone a true taste of Cebu.
Day 1 Highlights
First Stop: Bicester Café
Kicking off Cebu Food Crawl 2025 Day 1, our journey began at Bicester Café—a brunch favorite that’s been delighting Cebuanos since 2017. Known for their comforting all-day breakfast, it’s no surprise they earned SunStar’s Best of Cebu award in 2019 for Best All-Day Breakfast.
Located at Mahogany Place, Pope John Paul II Avenue in Kasambagan, the café instantly sets the tone for a cozy and satisfying food trip. Their menu is packed with comfort food staples like the well-loved Bicester Tapa, Chicken Tapa, Bangus Steak, and hearty classics such as Spaghetti with Meatballs, Pepperoni Pizza, crispy Chicken Skin, fresh salads, and more.
With operating hours stretching from early mornings to late nights (even until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), Bicester Café truly lives up to its reputation as a go-to spot for brunch and beyond. Starting the food crawl here was the perfect way to fuel up for the exciting eats that awaited us throughout the day.
For inquiries or reservations, you can contact them at 0918 920 7210 or via email at bicestercafecebu2017@gmail.com
Second Stop: BAMAKA Dine + Drink
The second stop brought us to BAMAKA Dine + Drink, and I was so glad to be back in a place that never fails to deliver hearty, soul-satisfying flavors. From their signature steaks to rich pastas and smoky pork ribs, every bite truly hit the spot.
This time, I got to enjoy their crispy chicken wings, indulgent black truffle pasta, classic spaghetti with meatballs, juicy grilled French-cut pork chops, and smoky barbecue pork ribs. For steak lovers, their New York striploin, ribeye, and porterhouse steaks were cooked to perfection, each one offering a deliciously satisfying experience. To balance all those bold flavors, I refreshed myself with their cucumber and calamansi cooler and fresh watermelon juice—simple yet perfect pairings for a filling meal.
Located at the Level 4 Garden of Ayala Center Cebu, BAMAKA remains one of those places that you’ll always look forward to revisiting whenever you crave good food and comforting flavors.
Third Stop: Misto of Seda Ayala Center Cebu
For the third stop, the group headed to Misto at Seda Ayala Center Cebu, where they enjoyed a delightful merienda spread. The selection was a mix of comforting and light bites—from their flavorful pancit and tasty empanadas to fresh spring rolls, sandwiches, and a variety of pastries.
It was the perfect mid-day treat that gave just the right energy boost for the rest of the crawl. Conveniently located along Cardinal Rosales Avenue in Cebu Business Park, Misto continues to be a cozy and reliable spot for those who want a quick yet satisfying meal in the heart of the city.
Fourth Stop: Asian Noms
For the fourth stop, it was all about street-style flavors at Asian Noms, a vibrant food truck parked right at Cebu Business Park’s Central Park. Their menu brings bold Asian comfort food to the heart of the city—crispy starters, boxes of saucy noodles, tender rice meals, and standout flavors like Pad Thai, Bun Cha, and Chili Shrimp.
It’s the kind of spot that instantly gives you that fun, casual dining vibe, perfect for when you’re craving something quick yet full of flavor. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Asian Noms is a must-visit if you’re in the area and want to grab satisfying eats on the go.
Follow them on Instagram: @da.yunasiannoms
Last Stop: Puso Bistro & Bar of Quest Hotel & Conference Center – Cebu
To wrap up Cebu Food Crawl Day 1, the final stop brought the group to Puso Bistro & Bar at Quest Hotel & Conference Center – Cebu. Known for its sulit dinner buffet, it was the perfect way to end the day with a satisfying feast. The spread had plenty of choices that made the dining experience both filling and enjoyable, and it’s definitely a buffet worth recommending to anyone looking for value-for-money dining in Cebu.
Their buffet is priced at ₱1,100 nett, with great deals such as 50% off for senior citizens and a 4+1 birthday promo, where the celebrant gets to dine for free when accompanied by four regular paying guests.
Conveniently located along Archbishop Reyes Avenue in Cebu City, Puso Bistro is a go-to spot for groups, families, or anyone who simply wants to indulge in a hearty buffet. For inquiries and reservations, they can be reached at (032) 238 5888 or 0998 961 5720.
The first day of Cebu Food Crawl 2025 honestly felt like a food marathon, but in the best way possible. For someone like me who’s had moments of burnout from balancing work and content creation, this experience was such a refreshing reminder of why I started blogging in the first place. It gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends from the blogosphere while also meeting new faces who share the same passion for food and storytelling.
What made it even more meaningful was the exchange of ideas, whether it was tips on food photography, arranging dishes, or simply sharing personal experiences. As content creators, we often work alone on our projects, but being part of community-driven initiatives like this reminds me how valuable collaboration and connection can be. Inspiration doesn’t just come from the things we pin or save online, it also comes from learning alongside people who share the same vision.
For me, Cebu Food Crawl 2025 goes beyond just discovering new dining spots. It’s about fostering a community where businesses and creators grow together, helping spread the word about places worth visiting, whether for everyday meals or special celebrations with family and friends. Even though I only joined Day 1, the experience was truly memorable, and it makes me look forward to the next Cebu Food Crawl.
Cebu Food Crawl is presented by Cebu Bloggers Society.
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