Quest Hotel honors Cebuano cuisine through Larangan sa Pusô

Larangan sa Pusô: A Cebuano Feast Beyond the Weekends was launched at Pusô Bistro & Bar of Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu in Cebu City on June 18, 2026, bringing the humble Cebuano linarang and other Cebuano dishes into a hotel buffet experience that will continue as a regular Saturday offering in the hotel.

“The best of what we are going to offer should taste, feel, and sound like Cebu.”

— Elmar Lina, General Manager, Quest Hotel Cebu

This initiative reflects a growing effort among Cebu’s hospitality establishments to preserve and elevate local cuisine while introducing it to a wider audience.

For many locals, linarang is more than a soup. The savory fish stew has long been a staple in many Cebuano homes, public markets, and coastal communities.

By placing the dish at the center of a curated buffet experience, Quest Hotel aims to highlight the stories and traditions behind one of Cebu’s most recognizable comfort foods.

Bringing Cebu’s comfort food to a wider audience

According to Quest Hotel’s newest General Manager Elmar Lina, the concept behind Larangan sa Pusô was inspired by the desire to present a familiar Cebuano favorite in a new setting without losing its cultural identity.

Traditionally found in places such as Carbon and Pasil, linarang has become a fixture in Cebu’s food scene because of its simplicity and deep connection to local life. Quest Hotel’s take on the dish seeks to retain that sense of comfort while offering guests an elevated dining experience.

Lina said the initiative reflects the hotel’s larger commitment to remain connected to the community it serves. As Cebu continues to grow as a tourism and culinary destination, he believes local flavors should remain at the center of the experience.

“The best of what we are going to offer should taste, feel, and sound like Cebu,” said Lina.

That philosophy guided the creation of Larangan sa Pusô, which reimagines a beloved Cebuano dish in a hotel setting while preserving the flavors and stories that have made it a local favorite for generations.

“We really want larangan to be at that high level of presentation already,” Lina said during an interview.

The launch also reflects a broader movement within Cebu’s tourism and hospitality sector to spotlight regional cuisine. As travelers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, dishes that were once considered everyday fare are becoming part of the province’s culinary identity and tourism offerings.

A feast that celebrates Cebu’s culinary heritage

At the heart of the buffet is linarang, presented in several variations that showcase the versatility of one of Cebu’s most beloved comfort foods. Diners can enjoy linarang made with salmon head and bakasi (eel), alongside a spread of Filipino and Cebuano classics such as lechon, lechon manok, ginabot, sinugba (grilled dishes), and guso.

The feast extends to traditional merienda favorites and desserts, including bibingka, ube biko flan, turon, and other native kakanin, offering guests a culinary journey that reflects the province’s rich food traditions from savory staples to sweet delicacies.

The event serves as Quest Hotel’s participation in this year’s Cebu Food & Wine Festival, which encourages hotels, restaurants, and culinary groups to promote local flavors and culinary traditions.

For Lina, the initiative aligns with his vision of a hotel that remains rooted in the community it serves.

“The hotel was never built as a building. This hotel is built as a place that belongs to the city,” he said.

As Cebu continues to position itself as a culinary destination, initiatives such as Larangan sa Pusô demonstrate how local dishes can evolve while remaining connected to their origins. In doing so, they offer both residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of the flavors, traditions, and stories that make Cebu’s food culture distinct.

The Larangan sa Pusô buffet is now available every Saturday at Pusô Bistro & Bar, Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, with lunch and dinner offerings showcasing the best of Cebuano cuisine.

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