Bohol’s Traditional Cuisine: A Guide to the Island’s Best Local Dishes

Bohol is not only a treasure trove of natural wonders and heritage sites—it’s also a culinary destination that celebrates the rich flavors of Visayan and Filipino cuisine. The island’s food is deeply rooted in local traditions, with recipes passed down through generations, using fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and native ingredients sourced from land and sea.

Whether you’re dining at a local eatery or sampling delicacies at a market, Bohol offers a flavorful journey for every curious palate. Here’s your guide to the must-try traditional dishes and local food experiences in Bohol.

 

1. Calamay

Signature Sweet of Bohol

Calamay is one of Bohol’s most iconic delicacies. This sticky, sweet treat is made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, traditionally packed in coconut shells and sealed with red paper. It’s a favorite pasalubong (souvenir) and a perfect example of how simplicity and tradition come together.

Best tried in: Jagna, where it’s freshly made and sold in roadside stalls. 

2. Sikwate and Puto Maya

Traditional Breakfast or Merienda Pairing

Sikwate is a rich, thick hot chocolate made from locally grown cacao, traditionally served with puto maya—glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and often topped with slices of sweet mango. This comforting duo is a beloved breakfast or snack, especially in rural households and local markets.

Try it at: Bohol Bee Farm or local carinderias during breakfast hours.

3. Binignit

A Hearty Coconut Dessert Soup

Binignit is a warm, dessert soup made with saba bananas, sweet potatoes, taro, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk. It’s often served during Holy Week, but can be found year-round in some eateries. It’s filling, mildly sweet, and uniquely Filipino.

Best during: Afternoon merienda or local fiestas.

4. Nilagang Talisay (Local Fish Stew)

Coastal Comfort Food

Boholanos love their fresh seafood, and nilagang talisay is a popular way to enjoy it. This boiled fish dish is simple—cooked with ginger, tomatoes, and leafy greens—but it highlights the fresh, delicate flavor of local fish.

Try this at: Seaside eateries in Panglao or Tagbilaran’s local markets.

5. Kinilaw

Visayan Ceviche

Kinilaw is raw fish cured in vinegar and citrus juice, mixed with onions, ginger, chili, and sometimes coconut milk. It’s a popular appetizer or pulutan (bar snack), offering a zesty burst of flavor and a taste of the sea.

Where to eat: Balicasag Island, where fishermen often serve freshly caught kinilaw.

6. Budbud Kabog

Millet Rice Cake

This lesser-known delicacy uses kabog, or millet, instead of the usual rice. It’s wrapped in banana leaves, steamed, and enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Its unique texture and subtle sweetness make it a standout among local kakanin (rice cakes).

Find it in: Local markets and festivals, especially in rural towns.

7. Torta

Boholano Sponge Cake

Not to be confused with the savory Spanish “torta,” this Boholano version is a lightly sweet, egg-rich sponge cake often served during special occasions and fiestas. It’s fluffy, buttery, and often enjoyed with coffee or sikwate.

Best sampled in: Town bakeries or local celebrations.

8. Surol/Halang halang

Traditional Chicken Stew

Surol is a slow-cooked chicken stew made with coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, and leafy greens. It’s a comforting, home-style dish found in many Boholano households, especially in inland towns where coconut and native chicken are plentiful.

Great with: Steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

9. Peanut Kisses

Bohol’s Sweetest Souvenir

Inspired by American Hershey’s Kisses, Peanut Kisses are crunchy meringue-like confections made with peanuts and egg whites. These bite-sized sweets are produced locally and have become a go-to souvenir for visitors.

Buy them at: Any souvenir shop or supermarket in Bohol.

0. Grilled Seafood & Kinampay Delights

Bohol’s location ensures a bounty of fresh seafood—from grilled squid and fish to prawns and crabs. Also, don’t miss local dishes made with kinampay, a variety of purple yam unique to Bohol, used in cakes, jams, and ice cream.

Top spots: Alona Beach, Panglao seafood restaurants, and Bohol Bee Farm for ube-based specialties.

Where to Experience Boholano Cuisine:

• Bohol Bee Farm – Offers organic, locally sourced dishes and unique flavors like malunggay ice cream and cassava pizza.

• Gerarda’s Restaurant (Tagbilaran) – Known for home-style Filipino dishes with a touch of elegance.

• Panglao Seafood Market & Grill – Pick your seafood and have it grilled fresh on the spot.

• Local Public Markets – Try affordable, authentic snacks and native desserts. 

Final Thoughts: A Culinary Journey to Remember

Exploring Bohol through its food is one of the most rewarding ways to understand the island’s culture and heritage. From sweet delicacies to savory dishes rooted in tradition, Boholano cuisine is as warm and welcoming as its people.

So go beyond the tourist trails—pull up a chair, share a meal with locals, and savor the true taste of Bohol.