When people think of Cebu, a few iconic images come to mind: sun-kissed beaches, historic landmarks, the colorful Sinulog Festival, and of course—the world-renowned crispy, juicy lechon. As the “Lechon Capital of the Philippines,” Cebu has long been celebrated for its vibrant food culture and festive spirit.
But here’s the surprise: in a city famous for pork, halal cuisine is quietly making waves. With Cebu’s growing international community and increasing Muslim travelers, the demand for halal-friendly dining has never been stronger. And Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is stepping up to the plate.
Recently, the hotel hosted its first-ever halal-inclusive buffet during a courtesy call at the Cebu Provincial Capitol—a proud milestone that signals a new era of culinary inclusivity in Cebu’s hospitality scene. As one of the few hotels in the city offering halal options, Savoy is showing that world-class service means honoring both tradition and diversity.
The event was graced by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, her adviser and former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, as well as Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s General Manager Josef Chiongbian and leadership team. Together, they witnessed a feast that blended global inspiration with Filipino warmth.
A Taste of Halal Excellence
Prepared in the hotel’s dedicated halal kitchen, the buffet showcased a mouthwatering spread at the Savoy Café, featuring dishes like:
Chicken Pyanggang – A smoky Tausug specialty marinated in coconut milk, turmeric, and spices, grilled over charcoal. More than just food, it’s a cultural expression of hospitality from Mindanao’s Muslim communities.
Goat Biryani – Long-grain basmati rice layered with tender goat meat, saffron, and a medley of spices, slow-cooked the traditional “dum” way. A dish with roots in the Mughal Empire, it’s a centerpiece of many Muslim celebrations.
Halal Grazing Table – A modern take on communal dining, featuring hummus, baba ganoush, and other halal-friendly bites inspired by Mediterranean mezze traditions.
Each dish was carefully crafted by Halal Specialist Cook Ras Mia Mauna and Executive Chef Coke Semblante, ensuring authenticity and flavor in every bite.
More Than Just Food
This initiative is part of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s larger mission: to create an inclusive guest experience. Beyond the kitchen, the hotel also provides prayer facilities and cultural sensitivity training for staff—small but meaningful details that help every guest feel truly welcome.
As Cebu strengthens its position as a global destination, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is leading the way in redefining hospitality. It’s not just about delicious food, but about creating a space where diversity is celebrated.
Join the Table
Whether you’re planning a stay, organizing a group visit, or simply curious about exploring halal dining in Cebu, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown invites you to experience it firsthand.
For inquiries, call (032) 494 4000 or stay connected by following Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown on Facebook and YouTube, and @savoymactannewtown on Instagram and TikTok.
At Savoy, every guest has a seat at the table—because true hospitality means making room for everyone.
//PR
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