Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
1. Kinilaw na Tuna
Fresh tuna cured in vinegar, served with onions, chili peppers, and ginger. A refreshing Cagayan de Oro specialty.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses the freshest tuna caught daily.
- Authentic Taste: A traditional dish of Mindanao region.
- Refreshing Appetizer: Ideal for hot weather, offers a refreshing taste.
2. Luglog Sinuglaw
A unique dish that combines sinigang (sour soup) and kinilaw (ceviche). Tamarind broth with seafood marinated in vinegar.
- Creative Fusion: A fusion of two traditional dishes.
- Tangy Flavor: Features a tangy and sour taste from tamarind and vinegar.
- Seafood Variety: Uses various types of seafood, often shrimp and fish.
3. Grilled Lusoy
A unique Cagayan de Oro street food made from goat intestines filled with spiced minced meat.
- Street Food Experience: Authentic taste and experience from local vendors.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses goat intestines, a less common meat choice in Philippines.
- Spicy Flavor: Features a spicy and flavorful taste.
4. Bagnet
Crispy pork belly dish that originates from Ilocos Region but can be found in Cagayan de Oro. Served with garlic fried rice.
- Cultural Influence: A traditional dish brought to Cagayan de Oro from the Ilocos Region.
- Crispy Texture: Known for its crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Garlic Rice Pairing: Served with garlic-flavored fried rice.
5. Lechon Manok
Crispy roasted whole chicken dish, often served for special occasions. A must-try in Cagayan de Oro's local restaurants.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional Filipino dish commonly served during celebrations.
- Flavorful Meat: Juicy and flavorful meat, with a crispy skin.
- Versatile Dish: Can be found in various restaurants and eateries.
6. Molo
Shrimp-filled dumplings served in a clear broth. A popular dish in Cagayan de Oro's Chinese restaurants.
- Cultural Diversity: Reflects the rich Chinese heritage in Cagayan de Oro.
- Light and Tasty: Delicate shrimp-filled dumplings with a light, flavorful broth.
- Versatile Broth: Can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice.
7. La Paz Batchoy
A hearty noodle soup made from thick wheat noodles, pork organs, and beef shanks. Originates from Iloilo but popular in Cagayan de Oro.
- Cultural Influence: A traditional dish brought to Cagayan de Oro from the Visayas region.
- Hearty Meal: A filling and nutritious dish for breakfast or lunch.
- Distinctive Taste: Features a unique blend of flavors from the various ingredients.
8. Putok Batok
Steamed glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves and served with chicken or pork. A popular dish in Cagayan de Oro's Kapampangan eateries.
- Cultural Influence: A traditional dish from the Kapampangan region of the Philippines.
- Steamy and Flavorful: The aromatic banana leaves add flavor to the rice.
- Variety of Fillings: Can be filled with chicken, pork, or seafood.
9. Sutukil
A Mindanaoan dish that combines three cooking methods: sinigang (sour soup), grilled (gisad) and stewed (tuwa). Uses seafood, often squid.
- Creative Fusion: A fusion of three traditional cooking methods.
- Tangy Flavor: Features a sour taste from tamarind broth.
- Versatile Seafood Dish: Uses various types of seafood, often squid, fish or prawns.
10. Satti
Grilled meat skewers served with rice and peanut sauce. A popular dish in Cagayan de Oro's Muslim community.
- Cultural Diversity: Reflects the rich Muslim heritage in Cagayan de Oro.
- Flavorful Meat: Grilled meats with a smoky, savory flavor.
- Peanut Sauce: Served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
11. Sinugba
Grilled fish dish marinated in coconut vinegar, ginger, and chili peppers. A popular street food in Cagayan de Oro.
- Street Food Experience: Authentic taste and experience from local vendors.
- Tangy Flavor: Features a tangy and flavorful taste due to the marinade.
- Versatile Ingredient: Can be made with various types of fish.
12. Kasoy Pudding
A traditional Mindanaoan dessert made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Often served in leaf cups.
- Cultural Influence: A traditional dish from the Mindanao region.
- Sweet and Creamy: A sweet, creamy, and smooth dessert.
- Leaf Cup: Served in edible leaf cups for an eco-friendly touch.
13. Danggit Sisig
A spicy dish made from dried rabbitfish served with rice. A popular dish in Cagayan de Oro's bars and restaurants.
- Cultural Influence: A popular dish in Filipino bars and restaurants.
- Spicy Flavor: Features a spicy, savory flavor.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses dried rabbitfish, a less common meat choice in Philippines.
14. Lansoneshake
A milkshake made from lansones (local sweet fruit). A refreshing drink popular during the Lansones Festival in Cagayan de Oro.
- Local Flavor: Made with a locally-grown, sweet fruit.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for hot weather and offers a refreshing taste.
- Limited Availability: Available only during the Lansones Festival (usually August).
15. Pandan Chicken
Chicken marinated in pandan leaves and coconut milk, then grilled or baked. A unique dish found in Cagayan de Oro's restaurants.
- Cultural Influence: Incorporates traditional Filipino ingredients.
- Fragrant Flavor: The aroma of pandan leaves adds a unique flavor to the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Can be found in various restaurants and eateries.