At Pater sa Tisa restaurant in Cebu City, Philippines. EXPAT MEDIA

Food has always been a universal bridge, connecting people through flavors, traditions, and shared experiences. In Cebu, a Philippine island known for its lechon, one dish is carving a space of its own—not just for its taste but for the cultural inclusion it represents. Enter Pater sa Tisa, a small but thriving eatery that is revolutionizing Cebu’s food scene by bringing halal-certified Filipino Muslim cuisine into the mainstream. For Muslim travelers visiting the Philippines, finding halal food has always been a challenge. Most restaurants do not cater to their dietary needs, leaving them with limited dining options. But thanks to Jaron Teves and Alexander Carandang, the co-founders of Pater sa Tisa, visitors from the UAE and beyond can now enjoy a delicious and authentically halal Filipino meal in Cebu.

A taste of Mindanao in Cebu

Jaron and Alexander never intended to start a restaurant. Their journey began with a simple craving—a longing for the familiar flavors of Pater and Palapa, a beloved Maranao dish from Mindanao. Made with steamed rice topped with shredded beef, chicken, or fish and wrapped in banana leaves, Pater is a comfort food staple in many Muslim Filipino households. The dish is traditionally paired with Palapa, a spicy condiment made of scallions, chili, and coconut, which gives it an addictive kick. “We first made Pater just for our family, never thinking it would turn into a business,” Jaron tells Expat Media in an exclusive interview. “But when friends and neighbors tasted it, they kept asking for more. That’s when we realized we had something special.” With just ₱6,000 from the Typhoon Odette financial assistance program, they took a leap of faith and sold their first batch in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City. The response was overwhelming. On the first day, they sold 23 pieces. By the second day, the number doubled. A single Facebook post later, the dish went viral, amassing over 1,000 shares and comments, and suddenly, their small venture had turned into a full-fledged business. Since its humble beginnings in 2022, Pater sa Tisa has grown into a household name. It has now served over 2 million plates of Pater with Spicy Palapa and expanded to two locations—one in Tisa and another in Cebu IT Park. The eatery has become a meeting place for foodies, expats, and Muslim travelers alike, all drawn to its flavorful, pork-free menu. But beyond just offering delicious food, Jaron and Alexander are on a mission to change how Filipino cuisine is perceived. “People often assume that halal food is just for Muslims, but that’s not true,” Alexander tells Expat Media. “Halal food is simply good food that everyone can enjoy. It’s fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care. Our goal is to introduce more Filipinos to the rich flavors of Mindanao while also making halal food more accessible.” Pater sa Tisa offers a variety of halal-certified dishes, including Chicken Pater, Tuna Pater, Spicy Beef Pater, Creamy Beef Pater, as well as Halal Siomai and Fried Chicken with Palapa. Jaron and Alexander take pride in staying true to tradition while also adapting to Cebuano palates. Their Pater is a perfect balance—authentic enough to satisfy those who grew up eating it, yet welcoming enough for first-time diners looking to try something new.

Bridging cultures through food

Introducing a Muslim Filipino dish in a predominantly Christian region was not without its challenges. When Pater sa Tisa first opened, many Cebuanos were unfamiliar with Pater or the concept of halal food. “There were a lot of misconceptions,” Jaron admitted. “Some people thought halal food was bland or only for a specific group. But once they tried it, they realized it was just great-tasting food, period.” As word spread, the restaurant quickly became a melting pot of cultures. Today, it’s not just Muslims who flock to Pater sa Tisa. Christians, foreigners, and food lovers of all backgrounds come together to enjoy this Mindanaoan specialty. With a growing customer base, Jaron and Alexander have big plans for the future. Their ultimate vision? To expand beyond Cebu and bring Pater to more regions in the Philippines. “We’ve had customers visit from Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” Alexander shared. “It’s amazing to see how food can bring people together, no matter where they’re from. We want to continue growing, but we also want to make sure that every new branch stays true to our original mission: to serve delicious, authentic, and inclusive food.” For now, Pater sa Tisa remains a must-visit spot in Cebu for locals and travelers alike—especially those coming from the UAE who are searching for halal-friendly options in the Philippines. In a country where halal dining options remain limited, Pater sa Tisa is more than just a restaurant—it’s a food movement. It’s proving that Filipino cuisine can be inclusive, that halal food is for everyone, and that a simple dish from Mindanao can make a huge impact in the heart of Cebu. So, the next time you’re in Cebu and craving something delicious, do yourself a favor: unwrap a warm, fragrant serving of Pater, scoop up a generous bite of spicy Palapa, and taste the food revolution for yourself. By Frances Anne Yu, with inputs from Fhel Lorainne Epili
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