For work, I had to go back to Cebu for one whole day and go home the following evening. In short, I had little time to explore and try what’s new in Cebu. Since I only had the morning until 4pm, I maximized my time to visit some restaurants near our hotel, Quest Hotel.

My foodie friend from Cebu, Justinne of Babe for Food, recommended several restaurants but I didn’t have time to visit all of them in a day. On the list, I chose to visit Orange Karenderia after our quick trip to Tops Lookout.

Orange Karenderia is a crossover of a Filipino ‘carinderia’ and a restaurant. Carinderia or turo-turo are food stalls that has an ordering system where food is displayed at the counter and you point to the food as you order. Oh, and the ambiance of a real carinderia is not in an air-conditioned room.  At Orange Karenderia, everything is more modern and more comfortable for guests. I say it is a more sophisticated version of what Filipino Karenderias are, without exceeding your budget.

The Food:

Crispy Tuna Buntot / Rate: 4/5

We were told not to forget ordering their Crispy Tuna Buntot. And so we did order it ahead. Enough for O and I, it was indeed crispy on the outside with a taste of fresh and juicy tuna meat inside. By the taste of it, there was no doubt the fish was still fresh. For its dipping sauce, I mixed calamansi and soy sauce or “toyomansi”.

Pork Sisig (Php 90) / Rate: 4/5

The Pork Sisig is more saucy and toasted than the typical. It isn’t crunchy though. Topped with egg, the strong flavors were tamed and resulted a balanced savory dish. The portion was something I was about to complain until I realized that for its price, it’s actually good enough.

Brazo de Cups (Php 60) / Rate: 4/5

Brazo de Cups or brazo de mercedes cake in cupcake form is a more convenient way of eating this dessert. Pillowy meringue with rich yellow custard filling. It is sweeter with melted sugar glazed on the meringue.

One for O and one for me.

Leche Flan (Php 60) / Rate: 3.5/5

Creamy and milky Leche Flan had me craving for a glass filled with crushed ice, macapuno, sweetened banana and nata de coco. In other words, halo-halo! Haha!

The Ambiance:

Neat orange-painted walls with modern wooden chairs blurred the idea of dining in a ‘carinderia.’

The kitchen is very open where you can see how they properly cook your orders in a clean environment.

With owner and college friend Michael Pato

What do you think of Orange Karenderia in Cebu?
Share with me  your thoughts!

Location: La Guardia St. Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu, Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orangekarenderia
Contact: (+63 32) 266-9129
Budget: PHP200++
Rate
Food            8/10
Ambiance  7/10
Service        8/10
Cost              9/10
Overall        8/10