Cebu Series, Maya Taqueria - Best Mexican Restaurant in the Philippines

Name: Cebu Series, Maya Taqueria - Best Mexican Restaurant in the Philippines
Cuisine: En

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**Please bear with the pictures. I had to use flash because my camera couldn?t handle candelit dinners. But I still had to write about this because it was the most awesome experience in Cebu last January. I NEVER used flash with food shots, if I have to, I would rather not write about it. But Maya is a different story. I had to sacrifice quality of photos just to share my experience with you.

My good friend Corral transferred to Cebu with husband Rob last year. Since we haven?t hung out for awhile now (last was during her wedding), we decided to have dinner and catch up. We both agreed to dine in Maya Taqueria.This became the highlight of my Cebu trip. I feel that this is the closest you can get to Mexican food in the Philippines (Do let me know if you have other restaurants in mind). When we got there at 8:00 pm, It was already full and a lot of have made advanced reservations. This was what I forgot to do, to reserve. But since we were already at Maya, they were kind enough to make a table outside. What I like about this restaurant is that they know how to bring out the flavors of the fresh ingredients they use. I noticed that the level of salt used in the dishes is very minimal.

Screenshot of Maya site

We started with Queso Fundido (Php245), their version of Cheese Fondue. We all loved it! It had a hint of chili, and cheese didn?t taste like processed cheddar cheese.

Queso Fundido

Everyone gave two thumbs up to the Tinga de Pollo Quesadilla (Php165).

Chicken Quesadilla

They also liked the Sonoran Chimichanga with Carne Asada (Php415), but for me it had too much cumin (I?m not really a fan).

Sonoran Chimichanga

I preferred the Newyorican Burrito wtih Carnitas (Php405) over the Chimichanga. The difference is that Chimichangas are fried, and Burritos are not.

Newyorican Burrito

The group also liked the Carne Asada Tacos (Php270/3pcs).

Carne Asada Tacos

The two favorites of the night were: 1. Costillas en Salsa Chipotle (Php425), their version of Baby Back Ribs; and 2. Chicken Fajitas de Maya (Php490), my top pick served with rolled warm tortillas wrapped in foil.