Cucina Higala | Contributed Photo
Mindanao Travelogue Series – Part IV
After our first day of adventure in Mindanao, we went to Cucina Higala, which means “friend” or kaibigan in Kagay-anon for dinner. This restaurant focuses on Heritage Mindanao Cuisine and wow, this restaurant absolutely blew my mind!
I did not realize I know very little about Mindanao Cuisine until I got here.
Cucina Higala highlights and supports local products, producers, and suppliers which benefits local Mindanao entrepreneurs. Produce are sourced from local farmers and artworks have a safe space within the restaurant for customers to admire and enjoy.
For drinks, we had what we call Love Potion that turns blue to purple when induced with an acid such as lemon or lime, all because of the blue tarnate flower extract which is known for health benefits.
We had the famous Beef Rendang Wagyu (just melts in your mouth experience!) from Lanao Del Norte and their equally famous Sinuglaw which is a combination of ceviche and roasted pork. We had the salad with some type of Bagoong for a dressing which totally works! We also had Chicken Surol and fried Lumpia which are also super delicious.
For dessert, we had Sizzling Binaki (which is an instant favorite!) with caramel sauce. It is a sweet steamed corn tamale topped with oh-so-yummy ice cream and decadent caramel sauce.
Cucina Higala received an award from Tripadvisor as the best restaurant in Cagayan De Oro and deservingly so.
Now I realize I do not know any Mindanao restaurants within the Metro and would like to try new Mindanao dishes again.
Mary Lou Cunanan is a regular Lifestyle columnist of the Philippine Daily Mirror. She is a writer, world traveler, and a Filipina who is very proud of her identity, whose life mission is always searching for covering stories of amazing Filipinos, events, organizations, and businesses globally to celebrate and champion what makes Filipinos amazing wherever they may be.
