Limited Time, Maximum Flavor: A Siargao Food Adventure

I was able to travel to Siargao in January of last year for work. But before I even started talking about the delicious cuisine I had in Siargao, I couldn’t help but share my delight when I saw a Siargao tricycle as soon as I stepped out of the airport. Another one for my trike collection! (Check out my trike adventures here…) I felt like a kid in a candy store with another trike added to my list, woohoo! 🤩😍

Anyhooooo, enough about that, let’s talk food, haha! 🤪🤣 I was excited to learn about Siargao’s varied cuisine scene in addition to seeing the island’s well-known tourist attractions. I tried as many diverse foods as I could, from seaside restaurants to street food from the area. Now let’s get to the food!

Tuway: Siargao’s Raw Delicacy

Price: PHP 15.00-20.00 (approximately $0.28 – $0.37 USD)

I’m a total seafood lover, so when I stumbled upon Tuway at a street stall along the Maasin River in Siargao, I couldn’t resist trying it. The raw delicacy, served with a tangy concoction of vinegar, lime, and salt, was an absolute game-changer! It was the perfect balance of flavors.

⚠️ I must warn though, Tuway is eaten raw, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart or those with sensitive stomachs. I was lucky to have enjoyed it without any issues, but it’s essential to be cautious. ⚠️

Buko Siopao: A Coconutty Twist

Price: PHP 20.00 (approximately $0.37 USD)

Another unexpected delight I discovered in Siargao was the Buko Siopao from Coconut View deck. This was a refreshing change from the typical siopao, filled not with meat but with sweet and creamy bukayo (sweetened coconut). It’s the perfect sweet snack to enjoy while taking in the island’s stunning views.

Gang-Gang: A Nostalgic Island Treat

Price: PHP 20.00 (approximately $0.37 USD)

A classic Filipino snack, Gang-Gang or grilled saba banana, made a nostalgic comeback for me in Siargao. I remember enjoying this simple yet delicious treat during my elementary days in Bantayan Island. While waiting for low tide in Mapupunkgo, I couldn’t resist trying it again. The perfectly grilled banana, topped with melted margarine and sprinkled with sugar, was pure comfort food.

Ube Taho: A Purple Delight

Price: PHP 50.00 (approximately $0.92 USD)

After a refreshing swim in Mapupungko, I came across a taho vendor. Expecting the usual sweet bean curd dessert, I was pleasantly surprised to find ube-flavored taho! The sweet, creamy ube flavor was the perfect ending to a beach day.

Egg Tart: A Taste of Surigao in Siargao

I forgot the exact price, but I think it was in the PHP 50.00 – 100.00 PHP (approximately $0.92 – $1.84 USD).

Even though it’s originally a Surigao delicacy, I had the chance to try an amazing egg tart during my work (which was served as a snack during our workshop) in Siargao. It was absolutely delicious! The flaky crust and creamy custard filling were a perfect combination. I regretted not taking a photo or video of it because I thought it was just a simple snack, but wow, I was so tempted to bring some home to Cebu as a pasalubong but we couldn’t travel to Surigao. It’s definitely one of the best egg tarts I’ve ever tasted. If you’re from Surigao or happen to know that egg tart in Surigao, please share a photo! hehe!

Smoothie Bowl: A Shaka Experience in Siargao

Price: PHP 330.00 (approximately $6.11 USD)

As someone on a tight budget, splurging on a Shaka smoothie was a luxury, but it was totally worth it! Before even arriving in Siargao, the Shaka had already become synonymous with the island for me when I was in college. Whenever I thought of Siargao, my mind would automatically picture waves, coconut groves, beaches, and Shaka. So, I knew I had to try it. Because I had no idea what to order, I chose the best seller, which is Bom Dia 2.0 smoothie bowl with acai, mixed berries, banana, mango, and passion fruit. It was definitely refreshing and healthy, just as expected. A perfect treat after exploring.

That’s all for now. Unfortunately, I had limited time to explore the island due to work commitments. This means I’ll have to return, making traveling and exploring the main focus of my next visit. Of course, I’ll also be on the lookout for more delicious food! 😋