Taboan Public Market remains Cebu’s most well-known destination for buwad (dried fish), earning its reputation as the heart of the city’s dried seafood trade. Located near the city center, the market is a daily stop for locals and a must-visit for tourists searching for authentic Cebuano flavors and reliable pasalubong items.
The market offers a wide range of dried fish and seafood sourced directly from coastal communities across Cebu and nearby provinces. Prices vary depending on the type, size, and seasonality of the catch. Common varieties such as dried danggit, pusit, and buwad bisugo typically range from ₱300 to ₱800 per kilo, while premium or larger varieties like dried lapu-lapu, espada, or specialty squid can reach ₱1,000 to ₱1,800 per kilo. Smaller fish and mixed seafood packs are often sold at more affordable prices, making Taboan accessible to all types of buyers.
Beyond commerce, Taboan Market carries a story deeply rooted in Cebu’s coastal culture. Long before it became a bustling trade hub, the area served as a drying ground where fishermen and vendors laid out their catch under the sun. Over time, this simple practice evolved into a thriving market that now supports countless families and preserves a time-honored food tradition. The familiar scent of dried fish, the lively bargaining, and the tightly packed stalls all form part of an experience that has remained largely unchanged through generations.
From fish laid fresh from drying racks to neatly packed goods ready for travel, Taboan Market continues to play a vital role in Cebu’s food culture and local economy, standing as a symbol of tradition, livelihood, and community.
Photo by The Young Juanderer, via Proud Bisaya Bai
