Larsian BBQ eatery in Cebu

Larsian’s entrance, although off the beaten path and difficult to find for a first-timer like me, had a barbecue vendor right in front of it like a beacon of light, sending barbecue smoke signals for folks like me who use scent to get to our food destinations.

When I got inside I was so overwhelmed by all the barbecue vendors that I almost fainted on top of a tray of marinated chicken breasts. The smells, the crowds, and even the size of the place was a pleasant slap in the face. For someone who loves Filipino bbq as much as I do, my mind almost exploded.

(If you’re looking for Cebu lechon, check out my blog post here)

Aside from my favorites like isaw (chicken intestine), helmet (chicken head), and pwet (chicken butt), they also had the crème de la crème… BARBECUED CHICKEN SKIN.

And you can’t have Filipino barbecue without rice. I usually order 5-6 of these little pockets of it called “puso”, the Filipino word for “heart”, which is rice steamed in woven palm leaves.

But it isn’t just random chicken parts and rice that they have at Larsian. Each stand might have most of the same offerings as a neighboring stand, but there is always something unique that each one offers that makes them special.

Some stands had fish in addition to a bit everything…

Others had fruit…

Some stands had names that made them unique all on their own…

Upon entering some vendors will call out to incoming customers to browse their stands. Skewers range from P5/$0.12 to P40/$1 while special cuts from fish to pork belly will cost up to P80/$2. After ordering from one, the vendor then takes your selection to be barbecued in a barbecue pit area in the center of the outdoor eatery.

Larsian is strategically located by a hospital called Chong Hua where you can go to afterwards to combat the impending high-blood pressure or diabetes.

To get to Larsian hop on a taxi from any of Cebu’s passenger boat ports for under P80/$2 or hop on any jeepney heading up Jones ave from Pier 1 or even Magellan’s Cross after visiting historic sights in the area, for P8/$0.20.

UPDATE (Jan 4, 2025)

Larsian has since moved to a new location, and is not as large as it once was. Possibly due to the pandemic and rising prices among other factors. You can find the new location at 1197 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu City, or click through the Google Maps link here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QSy3GGjKDamYF92b9?g_st=ic

If you’re looking for lechon, check out my Cebu lechon review here.