Level up your food adventures in Iligan, CDO, and Mindanao with this quick Bisaya cheat sheet.

If you love discovering new food spots—whether it’s Iligan’s famous lechon kawali, CDO’s café gems, or Mindanao’s seafood grills—knowing a few Bisaya words instantly transforms the way you eat out. It makes ordering easier, conversations friendlier, and every dining moment feel more local and authentic.

This guide brings you 30 useful Bisaya words and phrases that every foodie should know. Whether you’re traveling, a new resident, or simply exploring the local culinary scene, these words will help you connect better with the people who prepare your food—and the culture behind every plate.

Before we dive in, explore Iligan’s best food spots here:
👉 https://goiligan.com/category/food/

Why Learn Bisaya When Eating Out?

Food isn’t just about taste—it’s about connection.
And in Mindanao, speaking even a little Binisaya opens doors:

• You get warmer service.
• You get better recommendations (the real bestsellers).
• You build instant rapport with staff and locals.
• You get to experience food culture the way it’s meant to be felt—up close and personal.

These aren’t textbook words. These are the actual phrases people use in Iligan, CDO, Bukidnon, and the rest of Northern Mindanao—short, practical, and easy to remember.

30 Bisaya Words Every Food Lover Should Know

1. Essential Words to Start Your Meal Right

These basics make you sound like you’ve been here for years.

• Kaon – Eat
• Kaon ta – Let’s eat
• Gigutom ko – I’m hungry
• Busog ko – I’m full
• Lami – Delicious
• Kalami uy! – So tasty!

These are perfect when you’re trying new dishes or reacting to a sulit meal you didn’t expect to love.

2. Ordering Like a Local

Useful for carinderias, cafés, food parks, and even up-scale restaurants.

• Order ko ani – I’ll order this
• Usa ka order – One order
• Duha / Tulo – Two / Three
• Tagpila ni? – How much is this?
• Unsa inyong bestseller? – What’s your bestseller?
• Pwede mag-takeout? – Can I order takeout?
• Dine-in mi – We’ll dine in
• Pwede refill? – Refill, please?

These simple phrases eliminate confusion and help you get your food exactly the way you want it.

3. Describing Food & Flavor

Bisaya is great at capturing the flavor experience in just one word.

• Parat – Salty
• Tamis – Sweet
• Aslum – Sour
• Hanggaw / Hanggit – Spicy
• Init – Hot (temperature)
• Bugnaw – Cold

When you’re exploring Mindanao flavors—from kinilaw to satti—these are phrases you’ll say a lot.

4. Tableware & Dining Basics

Useful when you need utensils or setting adjustments.

• Lamesa – Table
• Kutsara – Spoon
• Tinidor – Fork
• Kutsilyo – Knife
• Baso – Glass
• Tisyu – Tissue / Napkin

Especially handy in busy eateries or buffet-style restaurants.

5. Friendly Phrases When Talking to Staff

These small gestures go a long way.

• Kuya / Ate – Friendly way to call staff
• Palihog – Please
• Salamat – Thank you
• Pwede pa-bill? – Can I have the bill?

These words show respect—and Mindanaoans appreciate it deeply.

How These Words Enhance Your Food Experience

Speaking Bisaya when eating out unlocks a richer dining experience. You’ll enjoy:

• Easier conversations with food servers
• More authentic interactions at local eateries
• Better insider tips on sulit dishes
• A deeper connection with Mindanao’s warm food culture

Food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s also about the stories, the people, and the language that shape it.

Ready to Explore? Here’s Where to Start

Discover Iligan’s best cafés, carinderias, restaurants, and must-try dishes through our curated local guides:
👉 https://goiligan.com/category/food/

You’ll find sulit recommendations, local favorites, food parks, and new openings updated regularly by the GoIligan team.