El Chiringuito - Authentic Spanish Cuisine here in Cebu!

Just to add another blog to my collection of Momentary Foodie Goodness, I'm bringing you to a Spanish restaurant here in Cebu, Philippines! Owned and run by my dance classmate turned into a dear friend together with his Spanish husband/chef, we frequent her establishment back when she held social dancing every Wednesday! Nothing beats eating delicious Spanish cuisine with great friends while our favorite Afro-Latin music is played.

El Chiringuito serves authentic Spanish dishes and the best paella in town! Born out of love for cooking, this restaurant opened during the pandemic and have kept on surprising their customers with new dishes. So it was just the perfect place to bring our newfound dance friends who we met during the recent Boracay Latin Dance Festival.

Their best-seller appetizer Jamón Y Queso Croquetas must be of your top choices! Breaded, deep-fried Bechamel sauce fritters with bits of Spanish ham. It was my first time eating croquettes and I was surprised at how crispy and with a bit of saltiness the outside is made; the sweet creamy filling inside just perfectly blends well inside my mouth which left me wanting for more!

If I'm not mistaken, this is also another version of their croquettes called Croquettas de Gambas just equally tasty as the abovementioned.

The Gambas Al Ajillo gave a 360 turn for its rich and deep flavor. It's shrimp sauteed in olive oil with garlic, chili, and paprika with toasted bread on the side. I'm allergic to seafood but I couldn't stop myself from tasting this mouthwatering dish!

Paella Sisig is a Filipino dish with a twist. A rice dish topped with the famous "sisig". Unfortunately, my photo does not do justice to how delicious this was.

I'm saving the best one for last... The Paella Negra! A seafood paella made of rice, squid, and tinta de calamar topped with shrimp. At first look, one might be taken aback because of the black-colored rice but if you open yourself up to curiosity like me, you would dig in right away!

Deep rich flavors with a hint of sweetness, the Paella Negra is that one unique dish I would have kept on devouring! Who would have thought that squid ink could be used as an ingredient? I was new to this concept.

Overall, these Spanish dishes were all tasty and deserve to be on your foodie goals.

And paired with a bottle of wine or their famous drink called "Sangria" or if you prefer a beer! Your foodie cravings will surely be satisfied with your visit here. So if you ever find yourself here in Cebu and want a new food experience, head to EL CHIRINGUITO located in The Gallery, Mabolo, Cebu City.

They also cater small, intimate gatherings, events, or celebrations! Or if you crave their dishes but can't leave the house, they also do food deliveries! You can check out their social media here for updates or if you want to check out what other delectable dishes they offer.