Why Every 3D Student Should Try Merienda in Cebu

️ Why Every 3D Student Should Try Merienda in Cebu: Discovering the Filipino Art of Snacking

✍️ Introduction

When studying English in Cebu, one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in Filipino culture isn’t just through textbooks or conversations — it’s through food. And not just lunch or dinner, but the in-between moments that Filipinos treasure: merienda.

Merienda is the Filipino term for a light meal or snack, typically enjoyed between main meals. Think of it as something between a Japanese “oyatsu” and a Western “afternoon tea,” but with a unique Filipino twist. It happens mid-morning, mid-afternoon, sometimes even late at night — and it’s not just about eating. It’s a social ritual, a mental break, and a cultural habit rolled into one.

As a student at 3D ACADEMY, you’ll quickly notice that locals love their merienda. Whether it’s a hot bowl of batchoy noodles, a sweet treat like banana cue, or a creamy serving of turon (fried banana spring roll), there’s always something delicious waiting in the middle of the day.

Merienda is also incredibly affordable, often costing less than ₱50–₱100, and available everywhere — from street corners and mall kiosks to school canteens and cafes. It’s an excellent way to discover new flavors, take a break from study stress, and bond with classmates over shared food.

In this article, we’ll explore the rich and delicious world of merienda in Cebu:

• What exactly is merienda and why is it so important in Filipino culture?

• What are the most popular merienda dishes and snacks you should try?

• Where can 3D students find the best merienda in Cebu — whether on campus, at JY Square, or in nearby cafés?

So grab your fork (or your hands!) and get ready to snack the Filipino way.

️ Chapter 1: What Is Merienda? — More Than Just a Snack

To outsiders, merienda might just seem like “snack time.” But to Filipinos, merienda is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, rooted in hospitality, community, and comfort. It’s not about simply filling your stomach — it’s about taking a pause, sharing a moment, and enjoying simple pleasures throughout the day.

A Daily Ritual

In the Philippines, mealtimes follow this basic structure:

• Breakfast – around 6:00–8:00 AM

• Merienda (morning) – around 9:30–10:30 AM

• Lunch – 12:00–1:00 PM

• Merienda (afternoon) – 3:00–5:00 PM

• Dinner – 6:00–8:00 PM

• Optional: Merienda cena – late evening snack (8:30–10:00 PM)

This rhythm allows people to keep energy levels up, especially in a hot climate where heavy meals can feel exhausting. Merienda is also used as an excuse to take a break, reconnect with others, or even treat oneself after a long day.

Cultural Roots

The word merienda comes from Spanish, dating back to colonial times, when Spaniards would have small meals between lunch and dinner. Filipinos adopted the habit and made it their own — transforming it into a more frequent, casual, and street-level experience that everyone enjoys, from students and workers to grandparents and children.

Over time, it evolved into a Filipino tradition with local ingredients, cooking styles, and social customs:

• On birthdays, guests are often served merienda instead of full meals.

• Schools and offices have built-in merienda breaks.

• It’s used as a “salo-salo” (share-and-chat) time between friends or family.

More Than Food: A Social Bond

For many Filipinos, merienda is a way to say:

• “Let’s take a break together.”

• “You’re welcome to join us.”

• “I was thinking of you, so I bought this.”

Even in casual settings like ESL schools or dormitories, merienda brings people together. Whether it’s sharing banana cue in a plastic bag or sitting down for halo-halo after class, it creates connection through small, joyful moments.

Chapter 2: Top 10 Must-Try Merienda for 3D Students in Cebu

Whether you’re taking a break between classes, walking around JY Square, or exploring a local mall, these ten Filipino merienda favorites will give you the perfect mid-day boost. Each one is budget-friendly, full of flavor, and offers a unique taste of Cebuano life.

1. Banana Cue

• Deep-fried saba bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar, served on a stick.

• Sweet, chewy, and crispy — a street-side classic.

• 約₱15–₱25

Why Every 3D Student Should Try Banana Cue in Cebu

2. Kamote Cue

• Similar to banana cue, but made with sweet potatoes (kamote).

• Slightly earthier flavor, great when fresh and hot.

• 約₱15–₱25

3. Puto

• Steamed rice cakes — soft, mildly sweet, sometimes topped with cheese or salted egg.

• Often paired with dinuguan (savory blood stew) for contrast.

• 約₱5–₱10 per piece

4. Mais con Yelo

• Shaved ice with corn, milk, and sugar — a cold, creamy treat.

• ❄️ Perfect for Cebu’s hot afternoons.

• 約₱40–₱60

5. Biko

• Sticky rice cake cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar, topped with latik (toasted coconut cream).

• Energy booster before class!

• 約₱10–₱20 per slice

6. Halo-halo

• The iconic Filipino shaved ice dessert with ube, flan, sweet beans, and ice cream.

• Colorful, refreshing, and filling.

• 約₱80–₱150

Why Every 3D Student Should Try Halo-halo in Cebu

7. Pandesal with Cheese or Peanut Butter

• Soft Filipino bread rolls — best when hot from the bakery.

• Popular combo: pandesal + cheddar or peanut butter

• 約₱2–₱5 per piece

8. Tortang Talong

• Grilled eggplant dipped in egg and pan-fried — savory and satisfying.

• Often sold with rice but available as snack-sized portions too.

• 約₱25–₱40

9. Kutsinta

• Brown sticky rice cake with a chewy texture, topped with grated coconut.

• Unique texture and mellow sweetness.

• 約₱5–₱10 per piece

10. Ice Candy

• Filipino-style frozen treats — made with flavors like mango, avocado, or buko (coconut).

• Childhood favorite for many Filipinos.

• 約₱5–₱10

Chapter 3: Where to Find the Best Merienda Spots Near 3D ACADEMY — Supermarket Corners & Mall Favorites

While street vendors and carinderias (local eateries) offer some great merienda options, one of the most convenient and reliable ways for 3D students to enjoy Filipino snacks is at major malls — especially near their supermarket entrances. These areas are often home to small stalls selling hot, freshly made delicacies perfect for a mid-day treat.

Here are the top merienda spots near 3D ACADEMY that are worth checking out:

1. SM City Cebu – Lower Ground Level (Near the Supermarket)

• One of the best and most accessible locations for variety

• Offers Filipino rice cakes like puto, kutsinta, and biko

• Bakery stalls sell ube pandesal, ensaymada, and cheese bread

• ❄️ Chowking and Mang Inasal nearby for halo-halo and fried snacks

• Price range: ₱10 to ₱80 per item

• Clean, air-conditioned, and ideal for a quick merienda run after shopping or before heading home

2. Ayala Center Cebu – LG Level, Metro Supermarket Area

• Located on the lower ground floor near Metro Supermarket

• Features pop-up stalls selling pandesal, hotcakes, and banana-based snacks

• Nearby drink stalls offer sago’t gulaman, fruit juices, and milk teas

• Often includes modern twists on traditional snacks like kamote fries or cassava cake

• Great for students who want a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere

️ 3. Robinsons Galleria Cebu – Grocery Side Food Stalls

• Smaller selection, but offers good-quality local snacks

• Best visited between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM when items are freshly made

• ️ Features both sweet and savory options including turon, lumpia, and cassava rolls

• Less crowded than SM and Ayala, ideal for peaceful snack breaks

  3D Student Tip:

These mall-based merienda zones are budget-friendly, safe, and always stocked with fresh items. You can easily enjoy 2–3 different snacks for under ₱100 — perfect for sharing with classmates or exploring local flavors on your own.

✅ Conclusion: Merienda — A Delicious Slice of Filipino Life for Every 3D Student

As a student at 3D ACADEMY, your study abroad journey in Cebu will be filled with grammar rules, speaking drills, and vocabulary tests. But beyond the classroom, one of the most enjoyable and authentic ways to experience the Philippines is through a local custom that has stood the test of time: merienda.

At first glance, merienda may seem like just a simple snack — a quick bite between meals. But once you experience it for yourself, you’ll realize that it’s something more: a deeply rooted Filipino tradition, an expression of hospitality, and a gentle reminder to slow down, take a break, and enjoy life.

From steaming banana cue skewers at a mall stall in SM City, to chilled halo-halo at Chowking, to creamy rice cakes in the lower ground floor of Ayala Center Cebu — merienda comes in many forms, each one offering a new flavor and a new cultural insight.

Merienda is also deeply social. In Filipino homes, offices, and even schools, people bond over snacks. Sharing merienda is a way to say “join us,” “rest with us,” or even “you matter.” For international students adjusting to life in a new country, this shared culture of snacking can become a small but meaningful bridge to forming local friendships.

It’s also affordable — many merienda items cost under ₱50, making it perfect for a student budget. Whether you have just finished a long day of study, or you’re in need of a quick energy boost before your next one-on-one class, a good merienda is always within reach.

So don’t let your Cebu experience be only about grammar books and classroom time. Let it also be about warm banana cue, sticky biko, and the satisfying crunch of freshly fried turon. Let it be about pausing in a busy day, not just to eat, but to connect — with food, with friends, and with Filipino culture.

Because sometimes, the sweetest lessons in life don’t come from a textbook…
They come wrapped in banana leaves or served in a paper cup — during merienda.