Bits and pieces of Cagayan de Oro

Visiting Cagayan De Oro has always been a pleasure especially for foodies like me who, for most part of each trip, look for what is unique in the dining scene. Whether fancy or casual, food finds in CDO provide a delightul appeal to the senses, without putting much dent on your pocket, making each find and each bite worth your every calorie.

Aling Cora's Pancitan


Aling Cora's Chicken Barbecue

It was during lunchtime that I was treated to Aling Cora's Pancitan, a casual Filipino restaurant which serves comfort food treats for the family. Every member of the family will surely find its menu appealing to both young and old, given the choices they have - from affordable value meals to ala carte dishes which a bigger group can share.


Kinilaw na Tuna
Upon ordering, your food may take around ten minutes before it gets to your table. The wait however is well worth it. The kinilaw was clean and fresh, no fishy aftertaste whatsoever, with just the right amount of chilis and ginger.


Crispy Shrimp
When I saw this plate, I figured, wow, I couldn't possibly eat this with the skin on - surprisingly, I did, and enjoyed every bite of it given that it was perfectly fried and seasoned. Dip it in chili vinegar and it transforms into a simply perfect appetizer.


Grilled Blue Marlin
The blue marlin value meal is a fresh take on plated meals which you don't normally see in Manila. Simple and straightforward, it is served with a dallop of papaya achara and steamed rice.

Dinner at Bigby's

I call this the "Friday's" of Cagayan de Oro, with its wood and macho facade, and the menu primarily featuring American favorites - steaks, burgers, barbecues.


Spinach Cheese Dip
Waiting for your dish may take 15 to 20 minutes, so take this opportunity to enjoy this creamy dip with shredded spinach leaves and mozzarella cheese. Eat it while still warm - it is not as good when consumed at ambient temp.


Chicken Steak
Bigby's dishes come in big sizes. This chicken steak comes smothered in white sauce.


Grilled Porkchop
The porkchop was surprisingly tender.


Chicken - Q
The Chicken Q was good for an army! But seriously, this dish made with boneless chunks of chicken was served with a typical sweet-sour bbq sauce, it reminded me of Hunt's.


Baby Back Ribs
For the price, the ribs were truly value for money. Very tender and practically falling off the bones.

Candy's Coffeeshop

The meal will not be complete without dessert, so we treated ourselves with fragrant and real coffee at Candy's at the Limketkai compound.


Almond Chocolate Gateau
This place can definitely compete even with bakeshops in Manila with its wide selection of desserts.



Dainty Angel Cake
Light and delicate, this angel cake is laced with green tea.

So, the next time you leave town, refuse to eat in the hotel. Ask a local for references, eat where they do. That's what I did, and it's all worth it.