Cebu has always been a melting pot of culture, innovation, and resilience, and nowhere is this more evident than in its thriving entrepreneurial scene. Walk down any street, and you’ll find small businesses bringing big ideas to life—from cozy cafés to inventive food spots that locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of. But behind many of these success stories are fearless, driven, and passionate Cebuana entrepreneurs who are reshaping the city’s food and beverage industry, one bold idea at a time.
Women in business aren’t just thriving—they’re leading the charge, proving that ambition, creativity, and community go hand in hand. This Women’s Month, let’s put the spotlight on some of Cebu’s most inspiring women-led businesses. Whether it’s a cup of matcha, a bowl of fresh poke, or a bite of a perfectly flaky croissant, these women-owned spots are proof that when women create, the world pays attention.
If you’re searching for the best women-owned businesses in Cebu, look no further. Here’s a list of thriving, female-led establishments that are making waves in the local food scene.
1. Strange Matcha – Matcha, But With a Plot Twist
It all started in Yza Durano’s garage—a tiny pop-up with a big idea. Now, Strange Matcha is a full-fledged café that refuses to play it safe. Yza didn’t just want to sell matcha; she wanted to reinvent it. From dreamy ube matcha to the earthy, butterfly-pea-infused Earth Matcha, her drinks are as unique as her journey.
As a female entrepreneur in Cebu, Yza proves that thinking outside the cup (or in this case, the teapot) pays off. Her story is all about embracing creativity and taking risks—because sometimes, the best ideas come from a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of passion.
Discover how strangely delicious matcha can be at Strange Matcha at 111 Juana Osmeña St, Cebu City, 6000.
2. Poké Bowls Cebu – From Lockdown Hobby to Go-To Spot
Back in 2020, while the world was on pause, Maique Donaire decided to stir things up. What started as a fun side project quickly became Poké Bowls Cebu, now a staple for fresh, healthy, and customizable bowls.
Maique’s journey from interior design to the food industry proves that passion can take you places you never expected. She took a risk, adapted to challenges, and built something truly special. If you’re looking for a healthy restaurant in Cebu, Poké Bowls Cebu should be at the top of your list.
Dive into the freshest flavors at Poké Bowls Cebu at the 2nd Floor of Streetscape Mall Cebu, Cebu City, 6000.
3. LK Bakery – Turning Childhood Dreams Into Flaky Perfection
For Kim Chan, baking was more than just a hobby—it was a lifelong dream. Today, LK Bakery is known for serving up buttery, flaky croissants that have taken Cebu by storm (and yes, your IG feed too).
Kim’s dedication to mastering her craft is next-level. She spent years perfecting her technique, proving that great things take time—48 hours of dough fermentation, to be exact. If you’re on a croissant crawl for the best croissants in Cebu, plan a stop at LK Bakery. You’re welcome.
Sink your teeth in the glorious buttery goodness of croissants and more at LK Bakery at Betty Lu Compound, F. Manalo St, Extension, Cebu City, 6000.
4. The Bakery Boutique – Sweet Nostalgia with a Twist
Joan Zanoria didn’t just open a bakery—she created a movement, at the height of the pandemic at that. Such is the epitome of a woman’s ingenuity during some of the most trying times. The Bakery Boutique took Cebu by storm with its Milk Cheese Donuts, a viral sensation that became an instant classic.
With a background in hospitality, Joan brings her A-game when it comes to quality and customer experience. She’s constantly innovating, mixing Filipino flavors with global trends. The result? One of Cebu’s best go-to dessert or merienda favorites, offering comforting, nostalgic, and downright irresistible treats.
Find their selection of familiar homegrown reinventions of the classic flavors at The Bakery Boutique. But if you need your fix stat, get it fresh out of the oven at their pop-up cafe at the 4th level of Ayala Central Bloc in IT Park.
5. Bakeology by Chin – Cakes With Heart (And A Lot of Personality!)
If there’s one thing Janelle Untal knows by heart, it’s how to bring joy through baking. What started as a childhood passion turned into Bakeology by Chin, where she whips up everything from elegant wedding cakes to fun, cheeky bachelorette creations.
From a favorite hobby when she was little, now a full-fledged bakery business, Janelle’s story proves that creativity and consistency are a killer combo. Every cake she makes isn’t just dessert—it’s a masterpiece made with love.
Either you choose from her tasteful creations or get her to customize your dream cake worthy of Pinterest! Get your dose of comfort from Bakeology by Chin by checking out @dcakesbybakeology or @bakeologybychin at Instagram.
6. Kinn Kinn Kitchen – Bringing Thai Street Food Vibes to Cebu
For Alyssa “Lys” Sacal, Thai food was more than just a craving—it was a calling. After falling in love with Bangkok’s street food scene and finding comfort in Thai food during her uni days, she brought that experience home with Kinn Kinn Kitchen.
Lys’ goal? To make authentic, affordable Thai food a thing in Cebu. And she nailed it. From bold, flavorful Pad Thai to creamy Mango Sticky Rice, Kinn Kinn serves up dishes that transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok, straight out of their hole-in-the-wall spot in the middle of the Queen City.
Slide into the cozy vibes of legit Thai flavors at Kinn Kinn Kitchen—right across Richmond Hotel on Filimon Sotto Drive, Cebu City. Your taste buds will thank you.
Fuel the hustle, watch her slay
These Cebuana boss babes are serving up more than just fire matcha, poke bowls, and croissants—they’re proof that when women go for it, magic happens.
So this Women’s Month, pull up, grab a treat, and hype up the queens making waves in Cebu’s F&B scene. Because let’s be real—supporting women is always in season.
