Cebu Pasalubong Guide: Best Treats from Cebu and Davao
What to bring home from Cebu and Davao: dried mangoes, danggit, otap, rosquillos, Carcar chicharon, lechon, durian candy, pomelo and chocolate, plus how to pack them.
In this article
The best Cebu pasalubong are dried mangoes, dried danggit, otap, rosquillos, crunchy chicharon from Carcar and, for the bold, a box of Cebu lechon. From Davao, bring home durian candy, sweet pomelo, local chocolate and dried fish. Most of these travel well if you pack them right, and you will find them at pasalubong shops, public markets and airports in both cities.
Pasalubong is the Filipino tradition of bringing gifts, usually food, home from a trip for family, friends and co-workers. Here is what to buy and how to get it home safely.
Cebu pasalubong at a glance
| Item | What it is | Travels well? |
|---|---|---|
| Dried mangoes | Sweet, chewy dried mango slices | Yes, very |
| Dried danggit | Salted, sun-dried rabbitfish | Yes, if sealed tightly |
| Otap | Flaky, sugar-glazed puff pastry biscuits | Yes, but can crumble |
| Rosquillos | Crisp, ring-shaped cookies with scalloped edges | Yes |
| Chicharon (Carcar) | Crispy fried pork skin or pork | Yes, but bulky |
| Lechon to-go | Roast pig, boxed or vacuum-packed | Short trips only; check airline rules |
| Dried squid (pusit) | Salted, dried squid | Yes, if sealed tightly |
Best pasalubong from Cebu
Dried mangoes
Cebu is famous for its dried mangoes, made from the sweet Philippine mango (carabao mango). Several well-known brands are produced in Cebu and are sold in supermarkets, pasalubong shops and the airport. They are light, long-lasting and loved by almost everyone, making them the safest gift for friends abroad.
Dried danggit and dried squid
Dried danggit (rabbitfish) is the classic Cebuano breakfast fish: fry it crisp and eat with garlic rice and spiced vinegar. Taboan Market in Cebu City is known for its rows of dried seafood stalls, and you can also find vacuum-packed danggit in supermarkets and pasalubong shops. Learn more and get a cooking guide in our danggit and samaral recipe.
Otap
Otap are oval, flaky biscuits made with many thin layers of pastry and coated with sugar. They are a Cebu specialty, sold in tall packs at bakeries and pasalubong stores. Pack them where they won't get crushed, as they crumble easily.
Rosquillos
Rosquillos are crunchy cookies shaped like flowers with a hole in the middle. They are strongly associated with the town of Liloan, north of Cebu City, where they have been baked for generations. They are light and easy to pack.
Chicharon from Carcar
Carcar City in southern Cebu is known for its chicharon, crispy fried pork skin and pork with fat. Many travellers buy it on the way back from trips to the south, such as Moalboal or Oslob. It is crunchy and salty, best eaten fresh with vinegar, though sealed packs last a while.
Lechon to-go
Many Cebu lechon houses sell lechon by the kilo, in boxes, or vacuum-packed for travel. Lechon is perishable, so it is best for short trips. Eat it within the time the shop recommends, and refrigerate when you arrive. Find out what makes it special in our guide to Cebu lechon.
Other Cebu favourites
- Masareal, a peanut-and-sugar bar from Mandaue
- Cebu guitars and ukuleles from Lapu-Lapu, for a non-food souvenir
Best pasalubong from Davao
| Item | What it is | Travels well? |
|---|---|---|
| Durian candy and pastillas | Sweets made with durian | Yes, but check airline rules on smell |
| Pomelo | Large, sweet citrus fruit | Yes, sturdy but heavy |
| Local chocolate | Chocolate made from Davao-grown cacao | Yes, keep it cool |
| Dried fish | Various salted, dried fish | Yes, if sealed tightly |
| Marang and mangosteen | Seasonal tropical fruit | Short trips only |
Durian candy and other durian treats
Davao is the Philippines' durian capital. If fresh durian is too much for your luggage (and for most airlines, it is), bring durian candy, pastillas, yema or durian jam. They capture the flavour without the full-strength smell. Learn more in our Davao durian guide.
Pomelo
Davao pomelos are sweet, juicy and thick-skinned, so they survive travel well. Fruit stands around the city sell them, especially during peak season. Ask the vendor to pick ripe ones and to pack them in a box or net bag.
Davao chocolate
Davao has a growing cacao and chocolate scene. Malagos Chocolate, made in Davao, is one of the better-known local brands, and you can find local chocolate bars and tablea (pure cacao tablets for hot chocolate) in shops and malls. Keep chocolate in your cabin bag rather than in a hot hold or car.
Dried fish
Like Cebu, Davao has plenty of dried fish, including dried squid and various small fish. Look for well-sealed packs, and buy from reputable stores or markets.
Packing tips for flights
- Seal smelly items well. Double-bag dried fish and lechon, and use airtight containers or vacuum packs.
- No fresh durian on most flights. Airlines and many hotels prohibit fresh durian because of the smell. Choose candy or other processed durian products instead.
- Know liquid limits. Liquids such as vinegar, sauces or jam in your cabin bag must follow airport liquid rules. Pack them in checked luggage. See our guide to what you can bring on flights.
- Use a box for fragile items. Otap and rosquillos break easily; a sturdy carton protects them.
- Check baggage allowance. Pasalubong adds weight fast. Prepaying extra baggage online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Check rules abroad. Many countries restrict meat, fruit and plant products. Lechon, chicharon and fresh fruit may be confiscated at foreign customs. Dried mangoes and biscuits are generally safer, but always check the destination's rules.
Where to buy pasalubong
In Cebu, look for pasalubong centres and shops in the city and Mactan, supermarkets, Taboan Market for dried seafood, and Carcar for chicharon. In Davao, check fruit stands, malls and pasalubong shops, plus public markets for dried fish. For more food ideas in each city, see our Cebu street food guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Cebu pasalubong?
Dried mangoes are the most popular, followed by dried danggit, otap and rosquillos. They are easy to pack and widely available.
Can I bring Cebu lechon on a plane?
Many travellers carry boxed or vacuum-packed lechon on domestic flights, but rules can vary by airline. Pack it well, check your airline's rules, and eat it soon after arrival.
Can I bring durian on a flight from Davao?
Fresh durian is generally not allowed on most flights because of its strong smell. Durian candy, pastillas and jam are good alternatives.
Where can I buy dried danggit in Cebu?
Taboan Market in Cebu City is well known for dried danggit, and it is also sold in supermarkets and pasalubong shops.
