Streetfood

Larsian has been one of Cebuano’s all-time favorite barbecue stations, and is Cebu’s most famous. Larsian has been in Cebu for as long as I can remember and is a must visit when in Cebu. I remember a joke about the Larsian barbecue joint- that eating at Larsian may get you hospitalized, but no need to worry, because Chong-hua is just about 30 steps away. Well, Larsian had a reputation of being unsanitary (even some Cebuanos refuse to eat here) but the newly renovated Larsian compound is waay waaay cleaner. So get your appetite on for a barbecue feast and let’s do the Larsian experience!

Larsian

The Larsian experience starts upon entering the compound, when a mob of stall barkers invite you to dine at their table, giving you different offers like free soup or 5% discount on your total bill. Each stall differs from the other, but nonetheless, each barbecue stall in Larsian has a recipe with a taste that shouts “I am the king of Cebuano street food.”

Larsian

Before heading down to sit at the dining area, choose your grilled meal first. Pork on a stick, pork belly and chicken barbecue are the most common orders. There’s also chorizo, chicken skin, liver, intestines. There’s also a variety of seafood available depending on which stall you choose to order. There’s squid, fish and more. Pork on sticks are priced for as low as 5php-8php and Chicken breast or legs at 40-50php. Your 100 bucks would be a big solo feast already at Larsian.

Larsian

After ordering, sit down and relax as they grill your meal. Grilling time is from 5-15 minutes depending on the customer count. Another thing with the new Larsian is the centralized grilling station for all the tenants, which is great for you wouldn’t be smelling like skewered meat when going out of the compound.

Larsian

There are food that are great paired with puso or hanging rice – and barbecue is one!

Larsian

Larsian

Larsian

Part of eating barbecue in Cebu is making your own sauce from vinegar, soy sauce and chili, and if available, tomato, onions and garlic where the barbecued pork gets dunked before eating it. Once your done with your sauce, put on your plastic glove and start eating.

Adding to the Larsian ambiance are the sampaguita and chicharon vendors and the performers asking for some loose change.

Though not an issue, when at Larsian, do not ever leave your things unattended.  🙂

Getting there is easy. All cabs would know where Larsian is. But incase they do not (a big hunch is that they’re playing you) , Larsian is at Fuente Osmena just beside Chong Hua Hospital.