Cebu’s culinary heritage takes center stage this July through CEBU IN A BITE, a food festival that offers more than just a feast for the senses. The event brings together timeless flavors and emerging food trends in one historic venue.
Happening at Plaza Independencia, Cebu City on July 18 (3 PM to 10 PM) and July 19 (9 AM to 11 PM), the festival carries the theme “Savor the Heritage of Cebu in Every Bite.” It is one of the events of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2025 that highlights the vibrant street food scene of Cebu. It also offers an opportunity to savor a diverse range of local flavors — from traditional favorites to innovative fusion dishes that reflect the creativity of a new generation.
Carlo Olano, one of the Champions for this year’s CBM 2025 Cebu In A Bite and the passionate advocate behind Kalami Cebu, expressed his excitement, recalling a powerful question that continues to resonate: “What if we could gather the best flavors of Cebu in one iconic place?”
That shared vision helped ignite what would become Cebu in A Bite, which began its flavorful journey in 2024 at Vibo Place, gathering around 40 food merchants united by one goal: to showcase the rich, diverse and delicious culinary heritage of Cebu. What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a dynamic community of local food makers, from homegrown delicacies to street foods.
Olano added “We wanted to highlight not just the ‘famous’ dishes,” Olano explained, “but also the gems you find in kanto carinderias, the underrated dishes our lolos and lolas love, and even the 39-peso lemonade stands and DIY tuslob buwa kits that young Cebuanos enjoy today.”
Cebu in a Bite embraces both the nostalgic and the new. Among the must-try dishes are kaldereta, balbacua, Larsian-style BBQ, lechon, ngohiong, and an array of baked goods, pastries, and locally reimagined classics.
“Cebu’s food scene is a vibrant mix of history, migration, creativity, and resilience,” said Olano. “What makes Cebu unique is that we can be both street-smart and world-class, and our flavors tell that story.”
Held in a historic spot, the festival turns every bite into a taste of Cebu’s culture and memories. It’s more than just a food fair—it’s a delicious way to relive Cebuano life.
This year’s event is held alongside BAICON 2025, the country’s largest gathering of creators and communities, driven to elevate the country’s digital entertainment industry. The timing is intentional.
“It’s a match made in marketing heaven,” Olano said. “Imagine Cebu’s best street food being enjoyed and shared online by top influencers in real time. That’s organic promotion most MSMEs can only dream of.”
Beyond visibility, the partnership provides opportunities. Through Cebu in a Bite, small businesses and food vendors gain a platform not just to sell, but to connect — with influencers, investors, and potential partners.
“CBM’s support for MSMEs goes beyond booths,” Olano emphasized. “It’s about giving them the stage they deserve — to be seen, to be tasted, and to be remembered.”
Every dish at Cebu in a Bite has a tale to tell—about the people, the place, and the culture. It’s a culinary journey that celebrates Cebu’s identity—one dish, one story, one bite at a time.
The CBM 2025 PADAYON CEBU’s Cebu In A Bite merchants include Jerbie’s Kandingan, Wella’s Barbecue Sa Larsian, Croffles, Chef Pablo, Lk Bakery, 8Flix And Chill, Balamban Liempo, Casa Verde, Cluck Sarap, Unlisted Burger, Don Lemon, Lechon Co, And Baka Na Pud.
The VIBO PLACE Cebu In A Bite Merchants are Boy Palamig, Barbie’s Lechon, Señora Sisig Bar, 4dables Food House, Ho Ngohiong Cebu, Potato Mama, Penggoy, Rae’s Sizzling Hub, Chosen Buns, Choo-Ee Won Coin Pancake, Hinam Cebu & Cooldapya, and Bao Bao’s Xiao Long Bao.
BAICON Merchants include Strange Matcha, Tony’s Pizza, Arte Artsy, Onlypans, And Ukay Ta Bai.
The CBM 2025 PARTNERS joining Cebu In A Bite with their own exciting displays include VECO, PETNET, CEBU LANDMASTERS, INC., CEBU PACIFIC, DUROS, CDM, EASTWEST BANK, UNISOL, COCA-COLA, and GCASH. Each bringing their unique brand of innovation and support to the celebration of Cebuano Culture and Enterprise.
