By Dr. Shasta Grace D. Tiro

After a long day in the hospital, my favorite way to reset is by trading my ophthalmoscope for a pair of utensils. There is something incredibly therapeutic about the way a vibrant, delicious plate of food can instantly clear your mental fog. It’s the best kind of “eye candy” to help me rest and unwind.

If you’re craving seafood in Cagayan de Oro, Redtail Shrimps & More is the place where you absolutely have to get your hands dirty. Their Fisherman’s Catch comes loaded with a massive spread of shrimps, crabs, and mussels. The secret is drenching everything in their signature Redtail Style Sauce. I recommend trying their bright and zesty Cucumber Lime Refresher to keep your palate cool between bites.

Explore Mindanao’s culinary heritage through Cucina Higala. You can start with their Sinigang na Baboy, or dive into the Marawi-inspired Beef Rendang enriched with charred coconut and spicy palapa. For a true local kick, try their Kinilaw na Isda, utilizing authentic tabon-tabon and biasong citrus. The experience wouldn’t be complete without the Sizzling Binaki, featuring sweet corn tamales topped with caramel and ice cream.

Dear Manok offers great value meals. Their superstar Grilled Chicken drizzled in their signature chicken oil paired with unlimited rice is a masterpiece. You can kick things off with their Chicken Chicharon or a platter of classic Pancit, but make sure to save room for the iconic Buko Halo-Halo. Mix their “special vinegar,” soy sauce, and calamansi for the ultimate local dip.

If you’re hunting for a serious Mexican punch, Dale’s has massive portions and authentic heat. Try their classic Al Pastor Tacos or their signature Beef Quesadillas that use local CDO-made tortillas with their house salsa. Can’t decide? The Surf and Turf Burrito packs beef and shrimp into one giant wrap. Whatever you choose, do not skip a side of their Aji Verde dip to tie the whole experience together!  

A Cagayan de Oro favorite, Sentro 1850 offers consistent quality in an upscale-casual setting. Start with the Nachos Chicano loaded with beef barbacoa and mozzarella, or their signature House Salad with a honey dressing. Then dive into unique local twists like the savory Oyster Sisig or delicious Sinigang with Corn. Finish with their crowd-favorite Eggnog Cheesecake.

A visit to Fat Chef in Cagayan de Oro is essential for gourmet comfort food. Meat lovers should try the Prime Rib Eye or the unique Sizzling Sinigang, while the Chicken Inasal sa Gata offers a rich, coconut-infused twist. For lighter options, the Fresh Garden Wrap is a great choice, while the Bulad Bruschetta cleverly reimagines local flavors into an elegant starter.

Cagayan de Oro offers a vibrant mix of flavors, from messy seafood feasts to authentic Mindanaoan heritage. Between smoky grilled favorites and elevated gourmet comfort, there is a perfect plate for every craving. Grab your utensils and dive into the City of Golden Friendship for a food crawl that is guaranteed to leave you delighted.