The pochero of Cebu can be considered as one of the best-loved dishes in the Queen City of the South. The title for the best pochero, or bulalo for our kababayans up north, in town has been the bone of contention among fans of the dish. One of the contenders for this title is Marjo’s Pochero.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Marjo’s had a rather humble beginning in 1969 when Lita Raffiñan opened a restaurant and named it after her sons Marlo and Joseph. A part of the house of the Raffiñan household was used for the restaurant, which only had two tables when it started. It gradually gained popularity among the food-loving residents of the city through the years. But, it closed down in 2008 when the family relocated outside of the Queen City of the South.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: philstar.com.ph
While a new restaurant opened in the same location under a different name, people still associated the place with Marjo’s. In 2012, one of the sons of Lita Raffiñan and some friends decided to bring back the glory of the restaurant. The first few months of operation of the restaurant was monitored by the members of the family to ensure the quality of the dish is maintained, if not enhanced.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: tripadvisor.com.ph
The pochero of Marjo’s is considered as one of the best offered in the Queen City of the South. In fact, it was recognized as the Best Pochero in the Best of Cebu list of Sun Star for 2015. It described this appetizing dish offered by Marjo’s as a “no-nonsense pochero” where the beef shank is “boiled to tenderness” and is served in a bowl smaller than the dish itself. The succulent marrow appears to entice the diner as it sticks out of the bone while a corn cob fights for space in the bowl.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: bestofcebu.sunstar.com.ph
The pochero of Marjo’s stirs up a nostalgic feeling among long-time residents of Cebu. Diners at Marjo’s will get the opportunity to savor authentic, home-cooked Cebuano food. The meat, soup and, of course, the marrow all contribute to this unique culinary experience offered by the pochero at Marjo’s.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: zomato.com
Marjo’s Pochero is located along Gorordo Avenue right beside QC Pavilion. Aside from pochero, the other best-sellers of the restaurant are the lechon kawali, chicken liver and crab relleno, among others.
Marjo’s Pochero – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
When was the last time you had pochero at Marjo’s? Tell us about your experience.
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