A Heartfelt Lunch at Hukad – Ayala Terraces, Cebu
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Last weekend felt extra special. After the awarding ceremony at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites (which we still can’t stop celebrating!), we headed to Hukad at Ayala Terraces in Cebu City for lunch — and it became a convivial family moment we’ll remember for many more years.
What made it so memorable? My mother — the “Lola” of our children, the steady hand who cared for them when they were young — joined us for those few precious hours, and we gathered around a table laden with favourite Filipino dishes, laughter, stories, and gratitude.
The Setting & Why We Chose It
Located at Level 2 of The Terraces, Hukad’s Ayala Terraces branch has been
well-reviewed for its cozy family atmosphere and hearty Cebuano-style
menu. We knew for our little celebration — post-award, with Mom in tow
— this would be the right place: familiar, friendly, and with enough
crowd-pleasing dishes to keep everyone happy.
It was also a treat that the food felt festive without being overly formal —
just right for our “special but relaxed” lunch.
What We Ordered (and Loved)
Here’s a rundown of our feast — heartfelt, home-style, and plenty to go around:
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Crispy Pata – A star for the group: crunchy skin, juicy meat, perfect for sharing.
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Pochero – Comforting, warm, with rich broth and savoury beef/pork chunks (depending on the version).
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Squid Calamares – Light, crisp-edged rings, the kind everyone reaches for.
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Pork Sisig – Sizzling, a little tangy, great with plain rice.
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Ginataang Monggos – For a change of pace: creamy, mellow, subtly indulgent.
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Tuna Panga – Meaty tuna jaw/cheek grilled (we opted the “panga” version) — seafood lovers’ delight.
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Tinolang Shrimp – A soothing soup-dish to balance the richness.
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Platter Plain Rice – Unlimited rice is a comfort (and can feed a hearty table).
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Lemon Cucumber & Iced Tea Pitchers – Refreshing drinks for the group, approachable and familiar.
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Dessert: Ube Ice Cream Buko Delight – We ended the meal on a sweet high, and the “Lola” especially enjoyed this treat.
It was a full-table spread, but that’s what a celebration lunch is about — good food, full plates, and full hearts.
Why It Felt Even More Special
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Having my mother present made the meal deeply meaningful — she helped us when our children were little, and this lunch was a way to honour and thank her.
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Coming after the awarding at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, the lunch felt like an extension of celebration: the milestone was achieved, and now we relaxed together over food.
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The choice of Hukad meant we weren’t in a formal banquet hall but still opted for an elevated family-style restaurant — so everyone felt comfortable, from Mom to the kids.
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The shared dishes invited conversation: “Try a bit of this crispy pata,” “Have some ginataang monggos,” “How’s your drink, Mom?” — the kind of interaction that nourishes as much as the food.
Menu Highlights at Hukad
While every branch may vary slightly, Hukad’s menu offers a robust range of
Filipino favourites. According to their site: “Over 100 dishes to choose
from.”
Examples include:
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Fresh starters (calamares, baked scallops)
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Soups and comfort dishes: sinigang, tinola, ginataang monggo
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Meat-centric main dishes: crispy pata, pork sisig, lechon varieties
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Seafood platters and grilled specials including tuna panga.
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Desserts and refreshing beverages: from halo-halo & turon to fruit shakes.
Because our lunch featured a mix of these (crispy pata, sisig, monggos, tuna panga, etc.), we were able to sample a broad swath of the menu and satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Operating Hours & Address
Here are the details for the Ayala Terraces branch:
Address: Level 2, The Terraces, Arch. Reyes Avenue &
Bohol Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.
Operating Hours (typical): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
It’s always wise to call ahead especially for larger tables or special
occasions (we did!).
This lunch at Hukad wasn’t just about eating out — it was a milestone-marker. Our family — three generations sitting together — post-award, sharing dishes, laughter, thanks. The food was hearty and familiar, the environment comfortable, and the company priceless.
For anyone visiting Cebu City, looking for a place that does Filipino fare done right, especially in a group or family setting, I’d highly recommend Hukad at Ayala Terraces. If you go, relish the crispy pata, try a soup dish, share some seafood, and don’t forget dessert.
Thank you, Mama, for being there. And thank you to Hukad for accommodating us and making our lunch feel like more than just a meal — it felt like celebration.
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