We’ve rounded up a list of Cagayan de Oro food you need to try!
Cagayan de Oro – a first class, highly urbanized city nestled in the heart of Misamis Oriental boasting unparalleled beauty and cultural richness. This vibrant metropolis, famously known as the City of Golden Friendship’ captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, diverse heritage, and warm hospitality. Be awed at its cascading waterfalls while enjoying the high life in its bustling urban streets as Cagayan de Oro offers a tapestry of experiences that leaves a lasting imprint to all who visit.
Beyond its majestic sceneries and welcoming atmosphere, Cagayan de Oro is also a haven for food lovers at heart who are eager to explore the city’s culinary delights. CDO prides in its collection of vibrant flavors, drawing inspiration from its multicultural heritage and abundant natural resources. From savory seafood dishes to delectable street food, Cagayan de Oro’s culinary scene promises a gastronomic adventure like no other.
Join Vista Land International as we delve into the beauty and vibrancy of Cagayan de Oro’s culinary landscape. Fill your hearts and stomachs with cuisines and delectable treats made with love. Prepared to be enchanted by the charm of this dynamic city and be tantalized by the mouthwatering Cagayan de Oro food.
The Best Food in Cagayan de Oro
Sinuglaw
If there’s one thing that your taste buds shouldn’t miss in Cagayan de Oro, that is sinuglaw. A fusion of two other famous Filipino cuisines kinilaw– raw fish (sometimes fresh seafood) soaked in vinegar and other citric juices, and sinugba which is basically grilled pork belly. But what makes CDO’s sinuglaw different is the addition of suwa and tabon tabon. These fruits, which can be both found in the wilderness of Mindanao, helps builds up the unique sour taste of the dish. The final product boasts a tangy and smoky flavor that will surely make you ask for more!
Other ingredients such as garlic, onion, ginger, shallots, and sometimes chili were mixed to enhance the flavor profile. Slices of cucumber can be added to balance the taste. You can easily find local restaurants serving sinuglaw in Cagayan de Oro.
So, the next time you visit CDO, don’t forget to include sinuglaw in your must-try list!
Nanay Choleng’s Muron
Moron is a famous dessert hailing from Tacloban. This chocolaty suman-like delicacy made from coconut milk and rice then wrapped in a banana leaf has been a constant favorite both by locals and tourists. But no one ever does moron like that of Nanay Choleng’s! But behind the success of their business is a warm story that will surely touch everyone’s heart.
Muron made its way to Cagayan de Oro City after the devastation of typhoon Yolanda. Unfortunately, Nanay Choleng was one of the many victims who lost their house and livelihood in the natural disaster. Her daughter who resides in CDO took them in and that’s when they decided to open a moron business. Yes, that is Nanay Choleng’s Chokoleit Muron– named after their mother who is also great cook.
Now what sets apart Nanay Choleng’s Muron from the others? The secret lies in the perfect balance of malagkit rice and chocolate mixture, giving the final product a harmonious texture.
Here’s a fun fact: murons were originally made as take out goodies after a big party, and are not meant to be consumed during the event!
Remember Me
Now, this soup is something you won’t easily forget as this is not your ordinary chicken soup. Remember Me is a broth made from the bones, innards, and private parts of a horse or bull. Yup, that is your Soup No. 5! A treat in the streets, this flavorful soup is a popular street food among tourists as there’s a saying that Remember Me is a good aphrodisiac. Also, it’s a good cure for hangover after downing alcoholic drinks– the locals can attest to that!
You can easily find Cagayan de Oro restaurants serving this exotic dish.
Binaki
The Northern Mindanao’s version of tamale– that is Binaki. Made from ground corn mixed with baking powder, eggs, salt, sugar, and milk. The mixture is then wrapped into corn husks and is steamed until cooked.
The term binaki comes from the word ‘baki’ which means frog. The reason for that is that this steamed corn cake is wrapped and folded and shaped into a frog.
Pastel Bread
Onto our list of Cagayan’s local delicacies is the pastel bread. Pastel is your perfect afternoon snack paired with a mug of hot chocolate. This sweet treat is basically a bread filled with fillings like yema, custard, or ube. Sometimes, meat is subsitituted as its filling.
Pigok Fish
Adding into our food trip platter is the seasonal pigok fish known for its sweet and tender meat. The skin has a smooth texture and emits a savory scent when cooked. The usual months of catching pigok is within October to December, where they migrate from the rivers to the seas to breed. It is also what makes pigok fish quite expensive. And because of their rarity and high value price, they are also called ‘President’s Fish’ as only the affluent can usually afford it.
Puto Maya
Made from white and/or purple rice mixed with coconut milk, milk, ginger, and sugar, puto maya is simmered and stirred until it achieves the right consistency. After it is cooled, it is wrapped in banana leaves or served in plates. The best partner? A mug of hot chocolate!
Puto maya is best served as an afternoon snack or during breakfast.