Leading a simple menu of Filipino food at its best, Chika-an Sa Cebu in Ayala Center Cebu is quite “the talk of the town” when it comes to crispy pata, baked scallops, sizzling squid ala pobre, and buttered garlic shrimps. It’s one of the best and busiest lunchtime stops inside the mall. This popular chain also has branches in Bacolod, Iloilo, General Santos City, and Davao. When will it ever come to Manila? I’m psyched to know if there would be such a plan! π Here we tried a ton of great local food without breaking the bank.
Review of Chika-an Sa Cebu (Ayala Center Cebu)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Chika-an Sa Cebu has all of the fundamentals to become a consistently awesome must-hit. It is what you can call a versatile restaurant since much like the food, the atmosphere is funky, confident, and doesnβt take itself too seriously. With bright lighting and warm interior, it’s an ideal place to casually hang out no matter the situation or who youβre with. Though I would appreciate a splash of color at least on one side, I liked the brown to neutral tones and the simple arrangement of tables and chairs as they provide a relaxing vibe.
Service: β β β β β
Service was pleasant, speedy, and attentive enough. We didn’t have to wait forever for the food.
Food: β β β β β
Check out their menu here.
The Baked Scallops (PhP 125) were unpretentious and as expected, still on their beautiful half shells, the scallops were anointed with bubbling sweet butter that’s gently counterbalanced by the very mild seafood taste with a smooth texture.Β Try to imagine “a little bit of heaven” on your taste buds and you’ll be close. π
We have noticed that there was hardly a local eatery in Cebu that doesnβt have chicken barbecue available on the menu.Β Chika-an Sa Cebu’s Chicken BBQ (PhP 69) was nothing more intriguing but its sauce was a clever way of enhancing the flavor of barbecue and harnessing its true potential.
With well-browned exterior, the chin-drippingly tender and juicy Grilled Marlin (PhP 160) quite resembled the texture of chicken, only a tad more stringy. Flavor was subtle and not too fishy like the tuna. It’s perfect with soy sauce and a dash of vinegar.
Chika-an Sa Cebu’s Crispy Pata (PhP 245-Small, PhP 299-Large) was a truly killer crispy pata. It had a memorable combination of texture and flavor, and its crunchiness makes it as one of the top dishes in our list of the most crave-worthy eating sensation in Cebu. The most coveted part was the interplay of the crispiness of its skin that shatters in one bite.
For our drink, we had a pitcher of the Citrus Quencher. Sweetness coupled by a bright citrus scent was natural, leaving the mouth feeling crisp and clean without the syrupy fizz that coats the tongue. If you’re more of a juice person than a soda person, this might also be your thing. Bottoms up! π
Price for Value: β β β β β
Good and affordable food in Cebu is not exactly breaking news. Cebu is known as a foodie destination where you can go food-tripping to a lineup of restaurants that serve excellent Filipino dishes plus some real native staples without any gimmicks. At Chika-an Sa Cebu, pricing for the value we got was reasonable. This is one of the restaurants you must include to your list when you want a remarkable dining treat. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Looks like it was all in all a nice meal out. I agree that the brown decor could use a splash of color but all in all it still looks like a fun casual place to hang out.
Yes, I think it’s a great option for any tourist in Cebu looking for a restaurant to eat at. π
If I find myself in Cebu City that is where I am going, those scallops and the marlin dish really caught my eye! Thanks for sharing these photos! And it is getting so hot here that the citrus drink is looking quite refreshing! π
Going to a restaurant specializing in home-style cooking in Cebu is most ideal rather than spending more in an upscale diner featuring international cuisine that we normally find in Manila. π
I love it when you don’t have to wait forever for your food! This restaurant looks cool and I love the over all design. I love the designs on the walls and all the food looks delicious.
We were super hungry that time since we just finished with our day tour. We had late lunch before proceeding to window shopping at the mall. π
I don’t know about the Pata but I am loving their logo and that drink it looks refreshing and I need it down here in GA because its hot
If you need something cool, this drink will surely perk you up. π
Oh my gosh that citrus quencher looks amazing! All of the food looks so delicious and would be fun to try the new cuisine we have not been there before. I love how brightly lighted the restaurant is!
Having a nice drink to the meal makes it extra awesome. I love that we could ask the waiter to refill the water so we get more “leftover juice” from the pressed fruits in the pitcher. π
You always share such cool restaurants! I love the white design on the wall, very modern looking! Glad you had great food and great service! Thanks for sharing another awesome restaurant with us!
It’s my pleasure to share our dining episodes. π The wall designs looked very attractive and eye-catching.
Everything looks delicious. I want to try the chicken bbq β₯ OMG! I’m craving for BBQ!
You’d love it with rice. π
Wow sarap! I just came from Cebu last summer. I wish I saw your post before. I didn’t know this place was really popular. Anyways, thanks! There’s always a next time! π
Actually we just read the reviews on TripAdvisor.com for local Cebu restaurants making it big. π Chika-an Sa Cebu is one of the top most recommended. Try to drop by next time you hit Cebu.
Good tasting and affordable food is always a hit in my book. I like the browns and neutrals in the place; it helps to keep the energy calm. I think I would have enjoyed the crispy pita, it seems that it would resemble an Mexican Empanada. I know I would have had the Citrus Quencher over and over again.
It’s the perfect drink to cleanse your palate and get ready for another round of Filipino food flavor explosion. π
OH my.. delicious and affordable!! I hope and wish we get these kind of restos here in manila. The crispy pata looks awesome!! Okay .. im hungry na!
Same wish! π I think it will have a strong competition with the likes of Gerry’s Grill, Reyes Barbecue, Aristocrat, and Mang Inasal and similar chains.
Hi, is Chika-an a local word in Cebu or is it derived from Chikahan? Just curious. Anyway, their Pata is very inviting.
I’m not the best person to ask since I’m totally clueless about that haha. I think you’re right that it’s derived from chikahan. That makes more sense. π
cebu was a very nice place and their food was delicious . i want to eat all of the food there lol , you make me hungry but thank you for sharing
You’re welcome! I feel hungry too just by looking at the photos especially during lunch hour. π
nothing beats trying out restos that serve Filipino cuisine at affordable cost. i know i would enjoy my dining experience here. i love the ambiance and every food you photographed looks yummy! hopefully i get to try it when i return to Cebu one of these days! π
Yes, not too many Filipino restaurants though serve food that are satisfying. Chika-an sa Cebu is one of my top bets when it comes to trying out local cuisines that we can be proud of. π
I just gotta gotta try the Blue Marlin and Crispy Pata…I will certainly pay this resto when I visit in Cebu..I can’t believe I have yet to go there.
Haha you must really visit Cebu to see the wonderful historical landmarks within our country. At the same time, go on food tripping as there’s a lot of foodie finds in the area.
gud am mam and sir ask lang kong naay mag birthday mo request pakantahan ok ra ninyo