CATBALOGAN CITY — This Samar provincial capital is inviting visitors to explore its culinary scene through a new food tourism program that showcases local dishes, family recipes, and community-based dining spots across the city.
The initiative, dubbed “Secret Kitchens of Samar Food Crawl Series: Flavors of Catbalogan,” was launched on April 30 by the city government in partnership with the provincial government of Samar as part of efforts to promote the city as a food destination in Eastern Visayas.
The program features a guided “food crawl” that takes tourists to a mix of public markets, restaurants, and specialty shops known for traditional and innovative dishes. Stops include the Catbalogan City Market, where local favorites such as ‘pakdol’, ‘’lomo, and native rice delicacies are sold, and Tina’s Garden, popular for halo-halo and pork sandwiches.
Other featured destinations include Charito’s Delights, known for pili-based pasalubong treats and creative ice cream flavors like lemongrass, ginger, and avocado, as well as seafood dishes made from mussels prepared in various styles. Food stops also include Tony’s Kitchen, Palabok House by Haropoy, and the Bularan strip, known for dried fish products.
Tourism officials from the Department of Tourism welcomed the initiative, saying food tourism helps visitors connect more deeply with a destination’s culture and identity.
Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari said the program highlights everyday food traditions that reflect family life and local heritage, while Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes noted that Catbalogan’s culinary offerings are “stories that deserve to be experienced, not just read.”
Local leaders, including Mayor Dexter Uy and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, said the food crawl supports small businesses while preserving culinary traditions passed down through generations.
“Visitors will not only remember the food, but also the stories behind them,” Governor Tan said.
To accommodate different travelers, three food tour packages were introduced: a morning “Pamahaw, Pakihampang ngan Paningudto” market-to-restaurant tour; an afternoon “Merienda ngan Pamasyada” cultural snack tour; and an evening “Merienda ngan Panigab-i” food and city tour. Optional visits to San Bartolome Church are also included in the packages.
Officials said the initiative aims to position Catbalogan as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic local flavors and cultural experiences in Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
