Siquijor Delicacies: What to Eat and Buy as Pasalubong (2026 Guide)
Siquijor is just 2-4 hours from Cebu by ferry, making it one of the best food trips in the Visayas. The island is famous for torta (a soft egg sponge cake), fresh sutukil-style seafood, and unique pasalubong like peanut balls and bukayo that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
This guide covers what to eat, where to find it, and which treats travel well back to Cebu.
Key Takeaways
- Torta is Siquijor’s signature pasalubong — PHP 50-100 (USD 0.90-1.80) per pack, stays fresh 5-7 days
- Sutukil seafood (grilled, soup, or raw) is best at Dalahikan and Lalao in San Juan — PHP 100-200 (USD 1.80-3.60) per person
- Budget meals available for PHP 75-200 at local eateries like Hapitanan
- Bring cash — ATMs are scarce and often empty
- Best pasalubong shops: Hapitanan (Lazi) and Larena Triad (Larena)
- Buy torta on your last day for maximum freshness
How to Get to Siquijor from Cebu
Siquijor is accessible from Cebu via two routes:
Route 1 (Most Common): Cebu → Dumaguete by ferry (3-4 hours) or flight (about 30 minutes) → Siquijor by ferry (30 minutes). This route has more frequent departures.
Route 2 (Direct): Fast ferry from Cebu straight to Siquijor. Check Ocean Jet schedules — these routes run seasonally but save time when available.
Best timing: Catch the 6-8 AM ferries from Cebu. You’ll arrive with plenty of daylight for exploring and your first seafood meal. During peak seasons (holidays, summer), book return tickets in advance.
If you’re staying in Cebu before your trip, Southpole Central Hotel at 29 Junquera Street is near Pier 1 and Pier 3 where most ferries depart. Early breakfast is available for morning departures.
Cash tip: Withdraw money before leaving Cebu. Siquijor ATMs are limited to main towns and often run out during busy periods.
Siquijor’s Most Famous Delicacies
Siquijor delicacies are traditional Filipino foods in three main categories: baked sweets (torta), rice treats (budbud), and native snacks (peanut balls, bukayo). These have been made the same way for generations and represent the island’s food identity.
Torta: Siquijor’s Signature Sweet
Torta is a soft, fluffy egg-based sponge cake with subtle sweetness — Siquijor’s most celebrated delicacy. The island’s version has a distinctively denser texture than torta from other Philippine provinces while staying incredibly soft. Local bakers have perfected this recipe over generations.
Price: PHP 50-100 (USD 0.90-1.80) per pack
Shelf life: 5-7 days when properly packaged
Where to buy:
- Lazi Public Market (freshest options)
- Pasalubong stalls near the ferry terminal
- Hapitanan souvenir shop
Buying tip: Purchase torta on your last day in Siquijor, not your first. This way, your recipients enjoy it at peak freshness. Store in an airtight container during travel.
Budbud and Native Rice Treats
Budbud is glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. The banana leaves give it a subtle, earthy flavor. Locals eat budbud for breakfast or snacks, often paired with sikwate (traditional hot chocolate).
Price: PHP 10-20 (USD 0.18-0.36) per piece
Shelf life: 1-2 days only
Where to buy: Public markets and roadside stalls — arrive early morning for freshest batches
Note: Budbud doesn’t travel well. Enjoy it during your stay rather than bringing it home as pasalubong.
Peanut Balls, Bukayo, and Local Snacks
These native snacks travel well and make better pasalubong than budbud:
Peanut balls — Whole peanuts held together with caramelized sugar, formed into spheres. Sweet, crunchy, and keeps for weeks.
Bukayo — Coconut strips slowly cooked in sugar until chewy and candy-like. The sweetness intensifies during cooking.
Banana crackers — Thinly sliced dried bananas, sometimes lightly sweetened. Crispy and light.
Chupa-chupa — Various native candies and local sweets.
Where to buy: Public markets in Lazi, Siquijor town, and San Juan
Price range: PHP 50-200 (USD 0.90-3.60) depending on item
All these snacks stay fresh for 2+ weeks and travel well back to Cebu.
Fresh Seafood and the Sutukil Experience
Sutukil is a Visayan dining concept combining three cooking methods: sugba (grilled over charcoal), tuwa (soup), and kilaw (raw, ceviche-style). The word comes from combining these three Cebuano terms. This approach lets you experience the same fish prepared multiple ways, showcasing its freshness.
Siquijor’s seafood is exceptionally fresh because of the island’s location — fish go from ocean to plate quickly.
How to Order Fresh Fish Like a Local
To order sutukil-style seafood at restaurants like Dalahikan or Lalao, follow this process:
- Check the display. Walk to where the day’s catch sits on ice.
- Pick your fish. Common options include lapu-lapu (grouper), tuna, and blue marlin (seasonal).
- Verify freshness. Fresh fish have clear eyes, firm flesh that springs back when pressed, and a clean ocean smell — no strong fishy odor.
- Choose preparation. Grilled (sugba) is best for first-timers — the charcoal smoke enhances natural fish sweetness.
- Ask the price. Fish is sold by weight. “Market price” means it varies daily based on the catch.
Average cost: PHP 100-200 (USD 1.80-3.60) per person for fish, rice, and sides.
Kinilaw and Seaweed Salad
Kinilaw is Filipino ceviche — raw fish “cooked” in vinegar and calamansi (Philippine lime). The acid firms the fish while adding bright, tangy flavor. Siquijor’s version uses ultra-fresh catches. Always ask what came in that morning — freshest fish makes the safest and most delicious kinilaw.
Seaweed salad (locally called lato or ar-arosip) has a distinctive pop-in-your-mouth texture. It’s prepared simply: fresh seaweed mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cane vinegar. The tangy crunch pairs perfectly with grilled fish.
Nearly every seafood restaurant in Siquijor serves seaweed salad — don’t skip it.
Where to Eat in Siquijor
These restaurants focus on Siquijor and Filipino dishes:
| Restaurant | Location | Price/Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalahikan | San Juan | PHP 100-200 | Fresh grilled fish, sutukil, beachfront |
| Lalao | San Juan | PHP 100-200 | Same quality as Dalahikan, good alternative |
| Hapitanan | Lazi | PHP 75-150 | Budget silog meals (PHP 75), coffee (PHP 30) |
| Twenty4 Cafe | Lazi | PHP 200-400 | Lechon kawali, homemade chili sauce |
| Bucafe | San Juan | PHP 200-400 | Cheesy empanadas (6 for PHP 180), mountain views |
| Larena Triad | Larena | PHP 200-400 | Filipino fare, sea views, souvenir shop attached |
Important notes:
- San Juan has the highest concentration of restaurants
- Most kitchens close 7-9 PM — eat dinner early
- Bucafe stops orders at 6:30 PM and closes at 7 PM
- Baha Bar stays open until 11 PM for late-night drinks
- Cash only at most places — don’t count on card terminals working
- The island is about 25 km across — any restaurant is reachable within 30-45 minutes by habal-habal (motorcycle taxi)
Best Pasalubong to Bring Home
Not all Siquijor delicacies travel equally well. Here’s what to buy:
What to Buy
| Item | Price | Shelf Life | Travel-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torta | PHP 50-100 | 5-7 days | ✓ Yes |
| Peanut balls | PHP 50-100 | 2+ weeks | ✓ Yes |
| Bukayo | PHP 50-100 | 2+ weeks | ✓ Yes |
| Banana crackers | PHP 30-80 | 2+ weeks | ✓ Yes |
| Budbud | PHP 10-20 | 1-2 days | ✗ Eat fresh |
| Twenty4 Cafe chili sauce | PHP 100-150 | Weeks | ✓ Yes |
Buying strategy: Get peanut balls and bukayo early in your trip — they last. Buy torta on your last day so recipients get it fresh.
Twenty4 Cafe’s chili sauce has become a favorite among return visitors — it delivers real heat and adds Siquijor flavor to home cooking.
Where to Buy
Hapitanan (Lazi) — Best overall selection. Native snacks, torta, local products under one roof. Also has budget meals and the famous flying broomstick photo spot.
Larena Triad souvenir shop — Attached to the restaurant. Convenient for travelers using Larena Port.
Lazi Public Market — Freshest torta and budbud at the lowest prices. Go early morning (7-8 AM) when bakers bring fresh batches.
Ferry terminal stalls — Convenient for last-minute shopping but prices run slightly higher.
Local bakeries — Freshest torta available. Ask staff to package for travel.
Budget: PHP 500-1,000 (USD 9-18) for a generous pasalubong selection covering family, friends, and officemates.
Practical Tips
Cash: Essential. Most restaurants don’t accept cards. ATMs exist only in main towns (Siquijor town, Larena, Lazi) and frequently run empty during weekends and peak seasons. Withdraw generously in Cebu or Dumaguete before catching the ferry.
GCash: Growing acceptance but don’t rely on it — many vendors still prefer physical cash.
Restaurant hours: Kitchens close 7-9 PM. Plan dinner before 7 PM for full menu availability. This isn’t Cebu — the island sleeps early.
Reservations: Walk-in works almost everywhere. Only peak season (Christmas, Holy Week, summer) at popular spots may require booking ahead.
Tipping: 10% is generous. Check bills for included service charge. Carinderias don’t expect tips.
Language: English works at tourist restaurants. For markets and carinderias, basic Bisaya phrases help — or just point and smile.
Transport: The island is small (about 25 km across). Any restaurant is reachable within 30-45 minutes by habal-habal.
Conclusion
Siquijor offers authentic Filipino food worth the ferry ride from Cebu. Torta (PHP 50-100, 5-7 day shelf life), sutukil seafood (PHP 100-200 per person), and native pasalubong like peanut balls and bukayo make it a genuine food destination — not just beaches and folklore.
Budget-friendly meals are everywhere. PHP 75-200 gets you excellent food at places like Dalahikan, Lalao, and Hapitanan.
The island is 2-4 hours from Cebu by ferry. If you’re planning a trip, Southpole Central Hotel in Cebu is near the ferry terminals with early breakfast available for morning departures.
Three essentials: Bring cash. Eat before 7 PM. Buy torta last.
For Cebu pasalubong to complement your Siquijor haul, check out Taboan Market — the dried fish capital of Cebu.
FAQs
What is the most famous delicacy in Siquijor?
The most famous delicacy in Siquijor is torta — a soft, fluffy egg-based sponge cake with subtle sweetness. Siquijor’s version is denser than torta from other Philippine provinces while staying soft. It costs PHP 50-100 (USD 0.90-1.80) per pack at local bakeries and souvenir shops, with a 5-7 day shelf life. Fresh sutukil seafood (especially grilled lapu-lapu) is equally iconic for visitors.
Where can I buy pasalubong from Siquijor?
You can buy pasalubong from Siquijor at these locations:
- Hapitanan (Lazi) — widest selection, native snacks, torta, local products
- Larena Triad souvenir shop — convenient for Larena Port travelers
- Lazi Public Market — freshest torta and budbud, lowest prices (go early morning)
- Ferry terminal stalls — last-minute convenience, slightly higher prices
Budget PHP 500-1,000 (USD 9-18) for a generous selection.
How much should I budget for food in Siquijor per day?
You should budget based on your eating style:
- Budget: PHP 300-400 (USD 5-7) — carinderias, Hapitanan silog meals (PHP 75)
- Mid-range: PHP 600-1,000 (USD 11-18) — mix of budget meals and Dalahikan seafood
- Comfortable: PHP 1,200-1,500 (USD 22-27) — multiple seafood meals, snacks, drinks
Prices are comparable to or slightly lower than Cebu City. Bring cash — ATMs are unreliable.
What are the best restaurants for fresh seafood in Siquijor?
The best restaurants for fresh seafood in Siquijor are Dalahikan and Lalao in San Juan. Both serve grilled fish for PHP 100-200 (USD 1.80-3.60) per person. You select your fish from the daily catch display, choose your preparation (grilled recommended), and dine beachfront with waves nearby. Seaweed salad is the essential side dish.
How do I get to Siquijor from Cebu?
You can get to Siquijor from Cebu via two routes:
Route 1 (Most Common): Cebu → Dumaguete by ferry (3-4 hours) or flight (30 minutes) → Siquijor by ferry (30 minutes).
Route 2 (Direct): Fast ferry from Cebu to Siquijor. Check Ocean Jet schedules — operates seasonally.
Depart Cebu early (6-8 AM ferries) for maximum time in Siquijor. Southpole Central Hotel at 29 Junquera Street in Cebu is near Pier 1 and Pier 3 for convenient departures.
