Nag-crave ba ka og Sizzling and Beef Pares + bone marrow? Wala gyud ka masipyat og basa kay diri sa Beef Pares ni Ragdex matagbaw ka sa kalami og kasulit.
If you walk down C. Padilla Street in Cebu City, you might hear it
before you see it. That distinctive, appetite-inducing hiss of gravy hitting a
hot cast-iron plate. It is the sound of Ragdex Beef Pares and Sizzling,
a humble roadside eatery that has quietly become a legend among local foodies,
students, and night owls looking for a hearty, "putok-batok" meal
that doesn't break the bank.
Forget the fancy tablecloths and air-conditioning. Ragdex is all about the food, the flavor, and the feeling of eating something truly satisfying right on the street side of Cebu.
The Star of the Show: Sizzling Beef Pares with Bone Marrow
While the classic Beef Pares (braised beef stew) is a staple in Metro
Manila, Ragdex has given it a distinctly Cebuano upgrade. They don’t just serve
it in a bowl; they serve it sizzling.
The crowd favorite is undoubtedly the Sizzling Beef Pares with Bone
Marrow. Picture this: a piping hot metal plate arrives at your
table, bubbling with a thick, savory gravy. In the center sits a generous cut
of bone marrow (utak), surrounded by tender chunks of beef that fall apart at
the touch of a spoon.
It is served with
garlic rice, an egg, and a side of soup to wash it all down. The richness of
the marrow melts into the gravy, creating a creamy, umami-packed sauce that
demands extra rice. It is sinful, savory, and absolutely worth it.
·
The Taste: The beef is slow-cooked to
perfection—sweet, salty, and star anise-infused—balanced by the richness of the
marrow.
·
The Price: Known for being
budget-friendly, you can get a full sizzling meal for a fraction of the price
of a restaurant steak. (Expect to spend roughly ₱150–₱200 for the marrow
special, or less for the standard sizzling pares).
The Vibe: Unapologetically Local
Located at the corner of C. Padilla and Figueroa
Street, right near the Gothong Memorial High School and San Nicolas
Parish, Ragdex captures the essence of Cebu street food culture.1
The atmosphere is
"Karenderia-style"—open-air, bustling, and unpretentious. You’ll find
yourself elbow-to-elbow with taxi drivers taking a break, students grabbing
lunch, and friends catching up over a late-night meal. It’s loud, it’s lively,
and it smells amazing. It is the perfect spot if you want to experience the
"real" Cebu City, away from the polished malls.
Other Must-Tries
If you aren't in
the mood for the full bone marrow experience, their menu offers other comfort
hits:
·
Classic Sizzling Beef Pares: The same
tender beef and rich gravy without the bone marrow.
·
Beef Pares Mami: For those rainy days or lighter
appetites, the beef pares served over egg noodles in a hot broth is a
comforting hug in a bowl.
Essential Guide for the First-Timer
·
Location: 202 C. Padilla St., Corner
Figueroa St., Cebu City (Look for the crowd or the smoke near the corner!).
·
Landmarks: Near Gothong Memorial High
School and San Nicolas Parish.
·
Operating Hours: Generally 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Mon–Sat). Note: Hours may vary, so it's always good to check their Facebook
page or go during peak meal times.
·
Pro-Tip: Come hungry and wear
comfortable clothes—you will leave smelling like delicious gravy! Parking can
be tight since it's a busy street, so taking a taxi or motorcycle
(habal-habal/Angkas) is often easier.
The Verdict
Ragdex Beef Pares
and Sizzling proves that you don't need a Michelin star to serve unforgettable
food. It is a testament to the Cebuano love for big flavors and good value.
Whether you are nursing a hangover, looking for a heavy lunch, or just craving
beef, a trip to C. Padilla is in order.
Next
time you are in Cebu City, follow the sizzle to Ragdex. Your tastebuds will
thank you.
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