For those who’s following the food trail, you would know that there are restaurants I visit because I’m craving a particular dish. Then, there are restaurants I return to because I know I’m going to enjoy not just the food, but the entire experience. Ulli’s Streets of Asia is definitely one of those places for me.
Since 2013, Ulli’s, the Laguna Group’s Asian street food concept, has been bringing the flavors of Asia to Cebu. What I particularly love about Ulli’s is that the experience never feels too formal or complicated. Instead, it’s casual, fun, colorful, and full of flavors that keep me curious.
With dishes inspired by seven countries across Asia, every visit feels like another opportunity to let my palate travel.
So, what keeps bringing me back?
Here are 7 reasons why Ulli’s remains one of my well-loved Asian food spots in Cebu.
A Food Trip Without Leaving Cebu
No passport required—just bring your appetite! This is probably my favorite thing about Ulli’s.
I love traveling, but whenever I can’t hop on a plane, discovering different cuisines is the next best thing. And because Ulli’s brings together flavors from different parts of Asia, I can enjoy that feeling of traveling through food right here in Cebu. Instead of choosing just one country or one type of cuisine, I can explore different Asian flavors in a single dining experience. There’s something exciting about sitting down in Cebu and knowing that my next bite might take me somewhere completely different.
No passport. No airport queues. Just food. And honestly, I’m perfectly happy with that kind of travel.
Old Favorites + New Discoveries
These are the dishes that keep me coming back. Of course, one of the biggest reasons I return to Ulli’s is the food.
I’m the kind of diner who loves discovering something new. At the same time, I also have those familiar dishes that I’ll happily order again and again.
Among the old and new favorites that make the Ulli’s food trip exciting are Ba Boi Q, Lobster Balls in Red Curry, Peach Punch, Popcorn Chicken, Krispy Enoki, , Laksa, Pad Kra Pao, Buddha’s Feast, and Mango Taho.
And yes, Ba Boi Q, Krispy Enoki, Mango Taho, and Lobster Balls in Red Curry remain one of those dishes I can easily see myself coming back for.
There’s such a fun mix of flavors here. You get crispy and savory bites, rich curries, comforting noodles, flavorful mains, refreshing drinks, and even something sweet to finish. In other words, there’s something for every kind of craving.
Moreover, if you’re dining with friends, I definitely recommend sharing. That way, you can order several dishes and turn your meal into your own little Asian food adventure.
Because really, why settle for one flavor when you can taste several?
The Kind of Place That Makes Me Reach for My Camera
Because good food deserves good photos, too!
Okay, I’ll admit it. I love a restaurant that looks good in photos. And Ulli’s definitely gives me plenty to work with.
The wooden furniture, street lamps, and building-inspired facades create a lively Asian street atmosphere. There are plenty of Instagram-worthy nooks that naturally make you want to take out your phone. But beyond the photo opportunities, what I appreciate most is that the design actually adds to the dining experience.
It doesn’t simply look good—it helps create the feeling of being somewhere else. So when I’m there with friends, it feels easy to settle in, catch up, take a few photos, and simply enjoy the food.
It feels like a little escape without actually leaving Cebu. And for someone who loves documenting food and dining experiences, that’s definitely a plus!
It Brings the Fun of Asian Street Dining to Cebu
What I enjoy most about street food is that it feels uncomplicated and full of character. Its food meant to be enjoyed, shared, discovered, and talked about. That same spirit comes through at Ulli’s.
The experience is casual enough for a quick meal, but at the same time, it’s comfortable enough to turn into a long catch-up with friends or date nights with my boyfriend. For me, that’s part of the charm.
It doesn’t feel like I’m simply sitting down for another meal. Instead, there’s a little sense of discovery every time I look through the menu. And when you’re dining with fellow foodies, that makes the experience even better.
One dish leads to another, one conversation leads to another. And before you know it, you’ve been enjoying your Asian food trip for hours.
Ulli’s Has That Adventurous Laguna Group Personality
I’ve always found Ulli’s personality a little different from the other Laguna Group restaurant concepts.
For me, it feels like the more adventurous, fun, and casual one. And that personality makes perfect sense because Ulli’s encourages diners to discover cultures and flavors beyond what we normally encounter. What I particularly appreciate is the idea of honoring the culture behind every dish while still making the experience accessible to Cebu diners.
After all, food is one of the easiest ways to learn about another culture. It isn’t just about asking,
“Does this taste good?”
Sometimes, I also find myself wondering:
“Where did this flavor come from?”
“What other dishes from this cuisine should I try?”
And suddenly, lunch or dinner becomes a little cultural exploration. And that’s what makes food exciting for me.
The Warm Service Makes the Experience Even Better
Good food will always get my attention. But good service makes me want to come back.
For me, the staff are a big part of what makes the experience enjoyable—not just serving the food, but helping create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable staying, chatting, and enjoying your meal.
One thing I’ve consistently appreciated at Ulli’s is the warm welcome from the staff. That genuine smile and friendly service can make such a difference, especially when you’re settling in for a meal with friends. Moreover, it fits perfectly with the casual and welcoming spirit of Asian street dining.
You can have beautiful interiors. You can have a great menu. But at the end of the day, the people are what make a restaurant memorable. And at Ulli’s, I definitely feel that.
There’s Always Another Reason to Come Back
The Cebu food scene is constantly changing. New restaurants open, food trends come and go, and our tastes continue to evolve. As someone who loves discovering food, I appreciate restaurants that can keep things interesting without losing what made people love them in the first place. That’s what I see in Ulli’s.
The concept remains centered on Asian street food, but there are always flavors and dishes that give me another reason to return. I can come back for my favorite Ba Boi Q or Lobster Balls in Red Curry, introduce someone to Dong Po Rou or Pad Kra Pao, or simply order something I haven’t tried before.
And that’s the fun part. There’s always another flavor waiting around the corner.
At the end of the day, I think that’s what keeps Ulli’s Streets of Asia on my list of well-loved places to eat in Cebu. It’s not just about having a good meal. It’s the feeling of going on a little food adventure without leaving the city. The excitement of discovering new Asian flavors, sharing familiar favorites with friends, taking photos along the way, and enjoying the kind of dining experience that doesn’t feel rushed or overly formal.
For me, Ulli’s manages to bring together everything I enjoy about eating out: good food, interesting flavors, a fun atmosphere, warm service, and a little sense of discovery. And perhaps that’s the best thing about exploring the Cebu food scene. Some restaurants are worth visiting once because you’re curious about what they offer. Others become places you return to because they become part of your own food journey.
Ulli’s Streets of Asia is definitely one of those places for me.
So, if you’re looking for an Asian street food experience in Cebu where you can explore flavors from different parts of Asia, gather with friends, and enjoy a fun and casual dining experience, Ulli’s is one food trip worth taking.
No passport required—just come hungry and let your palate travel.
📍 Ulli’s Streets of Asia
Level 1, Ayala Center Cebu Expansion
beside Cafe Laguna near Alcoves
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