When one thinks of Cebu, images of pristine beaches, centuries-old religious and cultural landmarks, the Sinulog Festival, and of course, the world-famous crispy and juicy lechon come to mind. Known as the Lechon Capital of the Philippines, Cebu has long been celebrated for its food and festive spirit.
But here’s the twist: while Cebu may be famous for its pork dishes, it’s also becoming more inclusive. With the city’s rapid growth and the steady rise of foreign nationals and Muslim travelers, halal-friendly options are quietly making their mark. Yes, even in the land of lechon, you can find halal.
Recognizing this shift, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown proudly hosted its first-ever buffet with halal food options during a courtesy call at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, marking a significant step toward culinary inclusivity in the region. As one of the few hotels in Cebu offering halal-friendly options, Savoy is setting a new standard for hospitality that honors religious diversity while celebrating Filipino warmth and service.
The event was attended by representatives from the Cebu Provincial Capitol, together with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and her Special Adviser for Economic & Political Affairs Former Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, as well as Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s General Manager Josef Chiongbian and leaders.
The buffet featured a curated selection of dishes prepared in accordance with halal standards in the hotel’s dedicated halal kitchen, and then served in the hotel’s signature Savoy Café. Inspired by global flavors and local ingredients, the spread included dishes such as:
Chicken Pyanggang
A traditional Tausug dish where chicken is marinated with coconut milk, turmeric, lemongrass, and aromatic spices, then grilled over charcoal. Rooted in the culture of the Tausug people of Mindanao, Chicken Pyanggang is a festive dish symbolizing warmth and hospitality. It reflects the strong Malay and Muslim culinary influences in the southern Philippines.
Goat Biryani
Fragrant long-grain basmati rice layered with tender goat meat, saffron, and rich spices, cooked using the traditional “dum” (slow steam) method. Biryani dates back to the Mughal Empire and spread across South Asia and the Middle East. The goat version is highly cherished in Muslim communities during festive occasions such as Eid celebrations.
Halal Grazing Table
A spread of halal-friendly bites with dips like hummus and baba ganoush. Inspired by Mediterranean mezze traditions, grazing tables embody communal dining. They showcase halal inclusivity while offering a modern twist for celebrations and gatherings.
These dishes are all certified halal and bursting with flavors prepared by Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown Halal Specialist Cook Ras Mia Mauna and Executive Chef Coke Semblante.
This initiative is part of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s broader mission to create a more inclusive and globally attuned guest experience. From halal-certified kitchens and prayer facilities to culturally sensitive staff training, the hotel is committed to ensuring that every guest feels at home.
As Cebu continues to grow as a global destination, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown stands at the forefront of a hospitality movement that embraces diversity—not just in words, but in action.
For those interested in learning more about Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s halal-friendly offerings or inquiring about future events and collaborations, you may get in touch with us (032 494 4000) or follow our social media pages: Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown on Facebook and YouTube, @savoymactannewtown on Instagram and Tiktok.
Whether you’re planning a stay, organizing a group visit, or simply curious about our inclusive dining experiences, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown welcomes you to this shared table!