The Queen City of the South is situated on an island surrounded by waters rich in natural resources. Due to this, fishing is one of the means of livelihood among people living in the island. This abundant supply of fish also resulted to the practice of salting and drying of fish to make it last longer. This dried fish became one of the most sought after pasalubong item from Cebu, the danggit.
Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon
The danggit in Cebu is typically a dried rabbitfish or spinefoot fish. This fish species is abundant in the shallow areas surrounding the island. The term danggit is not a type of fish rather it is the method of preserving the fish by drying it. While the danggit is best served for breakfast with rice and eggs, it can be eaten at any time of the day. Some people even have chopped tomatoes on the side since it goes well with the danggit.
Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon
Danggit-Making Process
The process of making the danggit starts with the fish being partially filleted. Filleting the fish takes patience and dexterity since the fish has sharp fins and is rather slippery. The entrails are then taken out and set aside while some bits that are not quite edible are discarded. The bones are then removed but not discarded since they can be dried and sold at the market. The boneless fish are washed and lightly salted before being laid to dry on bamboo racks. The drying process takes around eight hours on a hot day. Once the drying process is done, the fish is then packed and delivered to the market for sale.
The process of making the danggit starts with the fish being partially filleted. Filleting the fish takes patience and dexterity since the fish has sharp fins and is rather slippery. The entrails are then taken out and set aside while some bits that are not quite edible are discarded. The bones are then removed but not discarded since they can be dried and sold at the market. The boneless fish are washed and lightly salted before being laid to dry on bamboo racks. The drying process takes around eight hours on a hot day. Once the drying process is done, the fish is then packed and delivered to the market for sale.
Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon
Where To Buy The Danggit of Cebu
While the danngit is available in a number of pasalubong centers in and around the city, the best place to buy this irresistible breakfast food item is at the Taboan Public Market. Getting to the Taboan Public is easy since it is well known among residents of the Queen City of the South. You can get on a jeepney marked 04D, 13C or 17D since these routes pass through the Taboan area. Just make sure to tell the driver to drop you off at the Taboan Public Market. You can also ride a taxi since most taxi drivers know where the market is located.
While the danngit is available in a number of pasalubong centers in and around the city, the best place to buy this irresistible breakfast food item is at the Taboan Public Market. Getting to the Taboan Public is easy since it is well known among residents of the Queen City of the South. You can get on a jeepney marked 04D, 13C or 17D since these routes pass through the Taboan area. Just make sure to tell the driver to drop you off at the Taboan Public Market. You can also ride a taxi since most taxi drivers know where the market is located.
 Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon |  Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon |
If you go to the Taboan Public Market to buy danggit, it is advisable to wear something comfortable. A plain shirt and jeans will do. Just make sure you still have time to go back to your hotel to change since you will likely smell fishy after your visit to the market.
 Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon |  Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon |  Danggit – photo courtesy of Peter Parcon |
The danggit is just one of the pasalubong items visitors to the Queen City of the South bring home with them. Aside from being delectable to eat during breakfast, it can also be used as one of the ingredients of some dishes.
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