Golden Cowrie has been in Cebu for as long as I can remember. According to their website, since 1982. You'd say I have an excellent memory if "as long as I can remember" goes all the way to 1982. Ha! My first memory of eating at Golden Cowrie does not go that far, but I sure remember...
The oldies but goodies
When Golden Cowrie invited me and two food bloggers for dinner, I was happy they served their bestsellers. Three of which—sinigang (baby prawns), baked scallops, and crispy pata—never fail to make an appearance whenever my family gathers at Golden Cowrie. It was the first time I had their adobong talong and I'm adding it to my must-eat-when-in-Golden-Cowrie list.
In all the years Golden Cowrie has been in Cebu and in the countless times I have eaten there, it was only two months ago that I have found...
The hidden gem
Warning: This small bowl of Taba ng Talangka will require usa ka bandehado na kan-on (a large platter of rice). The good news is Golden Cowrie's rice is unlimited. It's so perfect with rice, you might need to order another Taba ng Talangka.
And it was also during this time that I was introduced to...
The newbies
Okay, so all four new additions to the menu are fried. These may not be too appetizing for the health conscious. But I am not one of them (health conscious people). The Golden Fried Scallops are popcorn, according to one of the bloggers. Popcorn can be addicting, so that's probably a positive description. Ngo Hiong (kinda like a vegetable lumpia) is a Cebuano favorite. Maybe I am not a true blue Cebuano for I am not a fan of ngo hiong. The Deep Fried Liempo is, to quote Golden Cowrie, "simmered with local herbs served crisp" (as it should be!). The Baby Squid con Tinta is squid fried in its own ink. Of the four, I like the golden fried scallops best.
These 11 dishes make up just a portion of their menu. Most of the main entrees range from Php 100 to Php 200; there are a few below Php 100, and a handful above Php 200. Servings are good for two to three persons. Unlimited rice costs Php 39. Desserts are also available for Php 35 to Php 95.
If you'd like to eat at Golden Cowrie (or Hukad sa Golden Cowrie at The Terraces, Ayala Center), better make a reservation. I guarantee, without a reservation, you'd have to wait and wait and wait for a vacant table. Golden Cowrie/Hukad is always full.
Golden Cowrie Restaurant
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
(032) 233 4243 / (032) 233 4670
With 15 branches in the Philippines.
And two more opening soon: Butuan and Palawan