Halal-Friendly Food In Cebu, the Philippines: 8 Places To Visit When You’re Hungry

The Phillippines is known for its friendly people and stunning beaches. What better place to experience both of its characteristics than on Cebu Island? Cebu is the largest island in the Visayas region and is often dubbed as ‘the Queen of the South’. Read on to find out the best of her majesty’s attractions and halal-friendly food! 

Cebu City

Being the capital of the Southern Philippines, Cebu City is brimming with things to see and do! Start off your city exploration with a blast from the past at Fort San Pedro, one of the city’s historic Spanish sites. Built in 1565, the fort is the oldest one in the Philippines. Another one Muslim travellers shouldn’t miss out on is Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines! Despite its age, the bustling street still retains its charm and is well-loved by shopaholics all around the world. 

To experience the greatest high in the city, you have to visit the Sky Experience Adventure. This amusement complex is perched on top of the Crown Regency Hotel, the highest hotel tower in Cebu City. For the best views of the city, Muslim travellers can choose to go on a skywalk, zip line or ride on the edge coaster!

After these hair-raising activities, calm your nerves down at one of these halal-friendly establishments in Cebu City: 

1. Ama’s Choice Halal Restaurant

Conveniently located inside of Colonnade Mall, you can stop by Ama’s Choice Halal Restaurant after your shopping spree. This halal restaurant serves up delicious traditional Filipino dishes, such as Chicken Adobo, Kinilaw (a type of raw seafood dish) and Pancit Canton (Filipino stir-fried noodles), at affordable prices (read: more money for shopping)!

Address: Colonnade Mall, Colon Street, Santo Nino, Cebu City

Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 8am – 8pm, Sundays 8.30am – 8.30pm

2. Mhat-am Kapé

Tucked away behind Colon Street, this humble restaurant is the perfect place to seek refuge from the bustling city. At Mhat-am Kapé, you can taste different types of Filipino delicacies, such as satti (meat skewers) and tiyula itum (braised beef soup), under one roof! Don’t forget to end your meal with the refreshing nicker bucker (Zamboanga’s version of halo-halo). 

Address: J. Climaco Street, corner Dimas-alang St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Saturdays – Thursdays 8am – 7pm, Closed on Fridays

Contact: +63 917-657-3555 | Facebook

3. Persian Palate

Persian Palate plates up more than just Persian food. Indian, Middle Eastern and even Malaysian cuisines are also available on the menu. Some of their crowd favourites include Chello Kebab with Tomato Rice, Veggie Meat Briyani and Nase Goreng Ayam. Wash down your meal with one of their exotic blends of teas such as Persian Tea or Indian Spiced Tea. 

Address: 6000 Mango Square Mall, Juana Osmeña St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Daily, 10am – 8.30pm 

Contact: +63 32-236-0448 | Website

4. Shawarma Gourmet

We bet you’ve never seen this many types of hummus in a halal restaurant outside the Middle East! With ingredients flown in from the UAE and Lebanon, Shawarma Gourmet definitely serves up some mean authentic Lebanese cuisine. Their crowd favourites include their Premium Beef and Chicken Shawarmas, Falafel, Hummus and Kunafa.

Although the restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, halal meat and vegetarian options are available. Please dine at your own discretion.

Address: N Escario St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Daily, 11am – 11pm 

Contact: +63 915-983-3133 | Facebook

Also read: The Ultimate 5-Day Cebu Itinerary: Halal Food, Mosques, and More!

Moalboal

Located about two and a half hours from Cebu City, Moalboal offers you a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. This beach town is famous for the Sardine Run which attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. The sardine run is where a large school of sardines group together for protection against larger prey. This phenomenon takes place just off the shores of Panagsama Beach, the central area of Moalboal. 

Other than Panagsama Beach, Moalboal’s other beach paradises include White Beach and Pescador Island. These places are prime diving sites for divers of all levels thanks to the colourful reefs and a large variety of sea creatures. Kawasan Falls in nearby Bandian is also a must-visit location. The picturesque waterfalls and turquoise lagoons will certainly blow you away.

After a splashing good time, wind down at one of these halal-friendly food eateries in Moalboal: 

5. Ven’z Kitchen

Named after the friendly owners cum chefs, Vennise and Venus, Ven’z Kitchen serves up tantalizing Filipino dishes. Some of their star dishes include Buttered Garlic Shrimp, Seafood Tempura, Tortang Talong (eggplant omelette) and Vegetable Curry. Do note that you have to pre-order your seafood dishes in advanced as the chefs will pick it up fresh from the market! 

Although the restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, vegetarian and seafood options are available. Please dine at your own discretion.

Address: Panagsama Road Basdiot, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 12pm – 10pm, Closed on Sundays

Contact: +63 917 164 9989 | Facebook

6. Mayim Beach Bar

Mayim is a stunning seaside restaurant that specialises in wood-fired pizzas. What’s the difference between wood-fired pizzas and traditional pizza you ask? Well, wood-fired pizzas have a unique smoky flavour that cannot be reproduced in a conventional oven, and its crust is thinner and crispier. Other than their pizzas, Mayim also offers homemade bread and pasta. 

Although the restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, vegetarian options are available. Please dine at your own discretion.

Address: Panagsama Rd, Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Mondays – Thursdays 8am – 12am, Fridays 8am – 5.30pm, Saturdays 5.30pm – 12am, Sundays 7.30am – 12am

Contact: +63 917 880 7554 | Facebook

Oslob

Oslob is another picturesque beach down further down South of Cebu which boasts a myriad of things to do. Tumalog Falls, also known as Toslob Falls, is a stunning waterfall fringed with lush greenery and wildflowers. Nobody can resist taking a dip in its cool, aqua blue natural pool! 

For the history buffs, take a stroll around the Cuartel, which translates to “barracks” in Spanish. This coral stone facility was the island’s first line of defence against intruders. After exploring the mainland, take a quick boat ride out to Sumilon Island. The white sand beach and crystal clear waters make the island a perfect place for snorkelling. 

After taking in Oslob’s natural beauty and rich history, fuel up at one of these halal-friendly food establishments: 

7. Paul & Madz

For a relaxing meal after a day out on the beach, head down to Paul & Madz. This al fresco dining restaurant is a popular eatery in Oslob. Try some of their popular seafood items on the menu, such as Shrimp Halabos, Seafood Tempura and Grilled Squid, and you’ll know why it’s so popular! Pair your meal with their refreshing Watermelon or Mango Shakes for a hearty meal. 

Although the restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, seafood options are available. Please dine at your own discretion.

Address: 6025 Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Daily, 6am – 9pm 

Contact: +63 932 605 4262 | Facebook

8. Big J’s Restaurant

Located near the beach, Muslim travellers can expect some of the freshest seafood at Big J’s Restaurant. Some of their highly recommended seafood dishes are Breaded Prawns, Grilled Tanigue and Grilled Stuff Squid. End your meal on a sweet note with the Mango Alamode or their signature Halo-halo Special. 

Although the restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcoholic beverages, seafood options are available. Please dine at your own discretion.

Address: Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

Hours: Daily, 6am – 9pm 

Contact: +63 942 001 4636 | Facebook

Also read: New Halal-Certified Inflight Meals on Cebu Pacific