Recommended Dishes: What to Try at Hukad

With a menu full of Filipino classics, Hukad makes it easy for first-time visitors to dive into local flavors. Whether you’re dining alone, with roommates, or hosting visiting family, these dishes are all-time favorites — packed with taste, perfect for sharing, and made to go with unlimited rice.

Crispy Pata (Deep-Fried Pork Knuckle)

Hukad’s signature dish. A huge portion of pork leg, deep-fried until crispy outside and tender inside, served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

• Serves 3–4 people

• Crunchy, rich, and savory — pairs perfectly with garlic rice

• Must-try if you’re sharing with a group

Sinigang na Baboy (Pork in Sour Tamarind Soup)

A hot and sour pork soup with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), eggplant, and radish. A Filipino comfort food staple.

• ️ Great on a rainy day or when you want something light yet flavorful

• Tart, soothing, and balanced — a student favorite

Kare-Kare (Oxtail Peanut Stew)

A rich peanut-based stew with oxtail, vegetables, and shrimp paste on the side. It’s mild, creamy, and uniquely Filipino.

• Best eaten with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)

• Try if you enjoy satay, peanut sauces, or something savory and thick

Unlimited Rice

Yes, it deserves its own section.

• Plain white rice — refilled by staff walking around with rice baskets

• Ideal for sharing dishes and stretching your student budget

• Be careful: it’s easy to eat more than you planned!

Baked Scallops

Garlicky, cheesy, and slightly crispy baked scallops served in the shell.

• Crowd-pleaser among both locals and foreigners

• Great appetizer before heavy dishes like crispy pata

Pancit Canton or Pancit Guisado (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Stir-fried egg noodles with vegetables, pork, and shrimp. This dish is often eaten during celebrations for “long life.”

• Light, flavorful, and easy for any palate

• Fun for birthday meals or first visits

Leche Flan

A silky caramel custard dessert — rich, sweet, and smooth.

• Filipino-style crème caramel

• Best enjoyed chilled after a hot and heavy meal

Halo-Halo

A colorful mix of shaved ice, milk, sweet beans, fruits, ube, flan, and ice cream.

• Instagram-worthy and great for Cebu’s heat

• ❄️ A fun way to explore Filipino desserts in one bowl

Suggested Group Order for 3 Students

• ✅ 1 Crispy Pata

• ✅ 1 Sinigang na Baboy

• ✅ 3 Unlimited Rice

• ✅ 1 Baked Scallops

• ✅ 1 Leche Flan
  → Estimated total: ₱1,300–₱1,500 → ₱430–₱500 per person

Plenty of food, plenty of rice, and a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Locations Near 3D ACADEMY: Where to Find Hukad in Cebu

One of the best things about Hukad is that it’s not hard to find. With several branches inside Cebu’s top malls, Hukad is just a short Grab ride away from 3D ACADEMY — making it a great choice for weekday dinners, weekend outings, or special occasions.

Here are the most convenient locations for students:

1. Hukad – Ayala Center Cebu

• Location: Level 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu

• From 3D ACADEMY: ~10–12 minutes by Grab

• ️ Best For: Casual lunch or dinner, meet-ups with friends, shopping breaks

This is the most popular branch among locals and students alike. Located in the heart of Ayala Center, it offers a relaxed setting with outdoor terrace views and easy access to other restaurants and dessert spots.

2. Hukad – SM City Cebu

• Location: Lower Ground Level, Northwing, SM City Cebu

• From 3D ACADEMY: ~12–15 minutes by Grab

• Best For: Group meals after errands, weekend mall days, air-conditioned comfort

This branch is ideal if you’re heading to SM for groceries, shopping, or movies. It’s more compact than the Ayala branch but equally reliable in quality and service.

3. Hukad – SM Seaside City Cebu

• Location: Upper Ground Level, Mountain Wing, SM Seaside

• From 3D ACADEMY: ~25–30 minutes by Grab

• Best For: Day trips, dates, or full-day leisure plans

This location is great if you’re planning a full day out — with stunning views from the Sky Park and proximity to the cinema and arcade, it makes for a fun weekend destination.

Summary Table

All locations are Grab-friendly, clean, and student-safe — making Hukad an easy and enjoyable choice no matter where you are in Cebu.

Tips for 3D Students: How to Enjoy Hukad Like a Local

Trying Filipino food at Hukad is easy and fun — especially when you know what to expect. To help you enjoy your visit to the fullest, here are some tips specifically for 3D ACADEMY students.

1. Say Yes to Unlimited Rice (But Pace Yourself!)

At Hukad, rice refills are free and continuous — just raise your hand, and the waiter will bring more.

• Perfect if you’re super hungry after a long day of classes

• ⚠️ Watch out: it’s easy to overeat, especially with crispy pata or kare-kare!

• Practice saying: “Pahingi pa po ng kanin” (Can I have more rice, please?)

2. Share Dishes to Save Money and Try More

Hukad’s meals are meant for sharing. Going with 2–4 people lets you order more variety while keeping costs low.

• Typical budget: ₱350–₱500 per person (including drinks & dessert)

• ‍ Order 2–3 mains, garlic rice, and 1 dessert for the table

• Best group combo: crispy pata, sinigang, scallops, rice

3. Visit Before or After Peak Hours

Hukad can get very busy, especially during weekends, payday (15th/30th), and mall dinner rush (6–8 PM).

4. Ask Staff for Help — They’re Friendly and Patient

The servers at Hukad are used to international customers and will kindly explain unfamiliar dishes or make recommendations.

• Menus include photos and English names

• If you don’t like spicy food, just ask: “Is this spicy?”

• Want to practice your Filipino? Try ordering in Cebuano or Tagalog!

5. Don’t Waste Food — Take Leftovers Home!

If you over-order (which happens a lot here!), just ask for a takeout box.

• Reheated crispy pata or sinigang makes an awesome lunch the next day

• Halo-halo doesn’t travel well — eat that one on the spot!

6. Use Grab for Safe and Easy Travel

Most Hukad branches are inside malls like Ayala, SM City, or SM Seaside.

• Grab fare from 3D ACADEMY: ₱100–₱160

• Enter “Hukad Ayala” or “Hukad SM City” as your destination

• After your meal, you can walk around the mall or grab dessert nearby

✅ Quick Student Checklist

Final Thoughts: A Taste of Filipino Culture, Served Generously

For many 3D ACADEMY students, studying in Cebu is about more than just English lessons — it’s about exploring new flavors, forming new friendships, and embracing a different way of life. Hukad by Golden Cowrie captures all of that in one unforgettable dining experience.

From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed not just with smiles but with a spirit of generosity — from the unlimited rice to the large portions meant for sharing. Every dish reflects the heart of Filipino cooking: comforting, flavorful, and made to bring people together.

You don’t need to be an expert in Filipino cuisine to enjoy Hukad. With clear menus, friendly staff, and a casual setting, it’s the perfect place for first-timers and returning fans alike. Whether you’re sharing crispy pata with classmates after exams, or introducing your family to sinigang during a weekend visit, every meal becomes part of your Cebu story.

So next time you’re hungry for more than just food — when you’re craving a cultural experience full of warmth, flavor, and fun — let Hukad be your table. It’s where language learning meets life learning, one plate at a time.

Let’s eat — “Kain na ta!”

https://3d-universal.com/en/blogs/top-5-filipino-restaurants-in-cebu.html