There isn’t a Filipino household that doesn’t enjoy barbecue. If such a household does exist, it probably isn’t Filipino. Filipino barbecue, known for its tantalizing flavors, is a testament to rich Filipino cuisine. The traditional marinade is typically composed of soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and a variety of local spices. Whether enjoyed at street stalls or celebrated establishments, these grilled dishes don’t just make a meal but a cultural celebration.
Inspired by the architectural design “trellis”, this fried & grill restaurant located in AS Fortuna opened on July 8, 2022. With the intention of providing good and quality food for the people, Trillis contributes to the Cebuano food scene by only using ingredients sourced locally for their dishes, a testament to their famous tagline “barato pero sosyal”.
Aside from its reputation for being Cebu’s only “sosyal nga bbq-han”, the overlooking view is ideal for both intimate dates and family gatherings. A photo-op with their Instagrammable wall with the neon Trillis sign is something one wouldn’t want to miss during their visit as well.
Founder Ashley Go shares that the key to a successful restaurant is having the right people who are passionate about what they do but at the same time, have a good heart and attitude. These qualities help Trillis come alive and are deemed most important.
When asked about the transition from Cheaverz to Trillis, Ashley Go says:
“Cheaverz closed down for years so there was really no transition. We opened up Trillis as Trillis and when people tasted our ngohiong, it really reminded them of Cheaverz and that’s how they figured it out!”
Trillis just isn’t Trillis without their bestsellers, which are Ngohiong and BBQ. Ngohiong is a spring roll typically made with different meat varieties, but the spices used in creating them; cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, Sichuan pepper, and cloves, stay the same.
When asked about the must-try dishes on their menu, Trillis recommends the Tsinoy native chicken, chorizo, and their newest addition which is Tsinoy squid rings as they recently added seafood to their growing selection of dishes.
Trillis is located at 880 A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City Cebu, and is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Photography Kyrra Kho
