Colon Street isn’t just Cebu’s oldest street, it’s a treasure for food lovers on a budget. From sizzling street snacks to sweet treats, you can enjoy the city’s flavors for just around 100 pesos. Keep reading to find out the must-try eats you shouldn’t miss.
Tuslob Buwa: Cebu’s Bubbling Delight
Tuslob Buwa is a Cebuano dish that’s as much about experience as flavor. The name literally means “dip into bubbles,” referring to the simmering mix of pork brains, liver, spices, and aromatics cooked in a shallow pan over live heat. Puso (hanging rice) is dipped directly into the bubbling sauce, soaking up its rich, savory taste.
What it tastes like: Deeply savory, slightly gamey, and rich, similar to a thick, spicy gravy
Price range: ₱80-₱100 per serving
Where to try in Colon:
• Side streets near P. Lopez and Carbon Market area
• Small sidewalk stalls around Junquera Street (often busiest late afternoon to night)
Tip: Go where locals are lined up, that’s usually the safest and tastiest option.
Grilled Balut: A Smoky Twist on a Classic
Balut in Colon isn’t just boiled, it’s grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma and firmer texture. Vendors often brush it with oil and sprinkle salt or chili powder before grilling. It’s popular with workers and shoppers who want something filling without sitting down.
What it tastes like: Smoky, savory, slightly nutty from the grill
Price range: ₱30–₱50 per piece
Where to try in Colon:
• Evening stalls along Colon Street near Gaisano Metro Colon
• Near jeepney stops along Osmeña Boulevard side of Colon
Best enjoyed hot, straight off the grill.
Sushi for a bite: Budget-Friendly Japanese Bites
Colon’s budget sushi stalls prove that sushi doesn’t have to be expensive. These are usually Filipino-style rolls, smaller portions, simpler fillings like tuna, kani, egg, or cucumber, freshly made throughout the day.
What it tastes like: Mild, fresh, slightly sweet rice with simple fillings
Price range: Around ₱10-₱30 per piece
Where to try in Colon:
• Food carts near Unitop Colon
Great as a light meal or snack while shopping.
Mini Donuts: Sweet and Bite-Sized
Mini donuts are a Colon staple, often cooked fresh on portable donut machines. Vendors coat them in sugar, chocolate, or colorful sprinkles, making them irresistible to passersby.
What it tastes like: Soft, fluffy, and sweet, best eaten warm
Price range: ₱50–₱100 per pack
Where to try in Colon:
• Along Colon Street sidewalks, especially near clothing stalls
• Near Carbon Market entrances
Perfect for kids and anyone craving something sweet on the go.
BBQ on the Streets: Smoky and Savory
Colon’s street barbecue includes pork belly, chicken intestines, isaw, hotdogs, and even chorizo. Skewers are grilled over open coals and brushed with a sweet-savory sauce, then dipped in spiced vinegar or soy sauce.
What it tastes like: Smoky, slightly sweet, and charred in the best way
Price range: ₱10–₱30 per stick
Where to try in Colon:
• Nighttime stalls along Junquera Street
• Near Carbon Market after sunset
Ideal for budget travelers and night snackers.
Quick Bites: Kwek-Kwek, Fishballs, and More
These classic Filipino street snacks are everywhere in Colon. Vendors deep-fry kwek-kwek (quail eggs in orange batter), fishballs, squid balls, and tempura, served with a choice of sweet, spicy, or vinegar-based sauces.
What it tastes like: Crispy outside, soft inside, sauce-dependent flavor
Price range: ₱10–₱50 per serving
Where to try in Colon:
• Almost every corner near Colon–Osmeña intersection
• Near school supply and department store areas
Best eaten standing up, fresh from the fryer.
Mini Cakes: Sweet Treats to Go
Mini cakes in Colon are small slices or individual-sized cakes with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit toppings. They’re popular for quick celebrations or personal treats without spending much.
What it tastes like: Soft sponge cake with light, sweet frosting
Price range: ₱30–₱80 per piece
Where to try in Colon:
• Small bakeries near E-Mall
• Pastry stalls around Carbon Market
Great for dessert or a quick sugar fix.
Colon Street isn’t just Cebu’s oldest street, it’s a living food strip where history, chaos, and flavor collide. From bubbling Tuslob Buwa to grilled balut and budget sushi, Colon proves that some of the best food experiences come from the streets, not fancy restaurants.
