Oriental Spice Gourmet: Fusion Flavors

This was totally unexpected.

During our visit in Cebu, we found ourselves hungry- unknowing what restaurants were around us. We decided to check the first thing that popped up and ride an Uber there. Oriental Spice Gourmet- had no idea what to expect.

We were greeted by a bright red sign contrasting the warm, spicy aroma that seemed to float from the restaurant.

Nonetheless, I was excited.

The atmosphere was so inviting, as we walked in. Mary Ann, the co-owner of the restaurant was warm and incredibly friendly. She immediately offered to order our meals according to our own tastes and preferences- emphasizing on asking questions about allergies as well.

We found out that her and her husband Cyril had been running the restaurant for ten years. With the goal to display different cuisine other than the normal Filipino cuisine found in the Philippines. They never add MSG, locally source their ingredients, and enhance the ingredients naturally.

I asked Cyril, who is also the head chef of the restaurant what made him avoid MSG- a popular additive found in Asian cuisine. He commented words I can never forget, " I let the ingredients speak for themselves. The flavors are already there."

No truer words from a chef.

The evidence was prominent as well. We received our meals in less than five minutes although we had ordered so much food. Cyril explained that working in fast paced restaurants prior to his restaurant prepared him to execute orders quickly. "It's not only physical- it is mental. I see their orders before they get to me."

We ordered exactly what Mary Ann recommended to us- nasi goreng, beef stew, fried fresh spring rolls, mango floats, and cream cheese leche flan.

If that doesn't get you salivating...then I don't know what will.

Fresh fried spring rolls ( an absolute triumph!) Inspired by Mary Ann's trip to Vietnam with a passion to keep food clean and safe

Nasi Goreng- the best part was the small fried fish that had the most amazing crunch

A Filipino favorite- mango float is an ice box cake made of graham crackers, heavy cream, and ripe mangoes

This restaurant was a hidden treasure. We had been going to Cebu for more than ten years and we had never heard of this place. I would highly recommend stopping by the area to try this unique take on Southeast Asian cuisine. A fusion of Malay, Indonesian, Thai, and Taiwanese food is a feast for the taste buds.

Same time next year, Oriental Spice Gourmet!

Address: Maximo V. Patalinghug Jr. Avenue, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu, Philippines

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Oriental-Spice-Gourmet/225084734205344