Bohol draws millions of visitors every year with its majestic Chocolate Hills, turquoise waters, and powdery white sand beaches. But beyond island-hopping and sightseeing, every traveler faces the same exciting mission before heading home: finding the absolute best pasalubongs from Bohol.
My father grew up in Bohol, so our family has turned buying local treats into an art form. Every time we fly back to Manila, we load our bags with the island’s finest flavors and handicrafts.
Here are the top pasalubong items you need to grab on your Bohol adventure!
Peanut Kisses
Peanut Kisses are the most convenient pasalubong to bring home because they are lightweight and easy to pack. Inspired by the iconic Chocolate Hills, these crisp, bite-sized cookies are made with high-quality peanuts and egg whites. The signature red individual packs contain 7 delicious pieces each.
Also read: South Farm Panglao, Bohol
Kalamay
Kalamay is a sweet, sticky Boholano delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It comes in two distinct packaging styles:
- Kalamay sa Bao (Coconut Shell): Offers an authentic cultural feel since the delicacy is sealed inside a real coconut shell with red tape. However, it is heavier to pack and can carry a subtle earthy coconut scent. Once opened, the remaining delicacy stays exposed inside the shell.
- Kalamay in Plastic Container: Packed in a lightweight, modern container. It is much easier to carry in your luggage and comes with a resealable lid to keep the treat fresh.
While kalamay is easily accessible in malls and souvenir centers, the best version comes from the town of Jagna. Local artisans in Jagna use meticulous, traditional cooking methods and a labor-intensive stirring process that creates an unmatched rich flavor with a thick, stretchy texture.
Bohol Bee Farm Spread
Bohol Bee Farm is located in Dauis, Panglao. While visiting the main farm requires a dedicated spot on your itinerary, you can easily find their products at the Buzz Café inside Island City Mall (ICM) in Tagbilaran.
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Top Flavors: Mango Spread and Malunggay (Moringa) Spread.
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Price Range: Around ₱240 per jar.
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Where to Buy: Bohol Bee Farm, Buzz Café at ICM and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (though airport prices may be slightly higher).
Osang’s Broas
Located in Baclayon near the historic Baclayon Church, ‘D Original Osang’s Homemade Bakeshop has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
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The Specialty: Crisp, airy ladyfinger biscuits (broas) baked using traditional wood-fired brick ovens (pugon).
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Why It’s Special: Every batch is handmade using time-honored recipes, ensuring fresh, authentic quality in every box.
Ube Products
Did you know that Bohol is considered the Ube Capital of the Philippines? The province is famous for Ubi Kinampay, often hailed as the “Queen of Philippine Yams” due to its deep purple hue and aromatic flavor.
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Must-Try Ube Souvenirs: Ube Kalamay, Ube Polvoron, and rich Ube Spread.
Jojie’s Bakeshop
Jojie’s Bakeshop is well-known for its wide selection of everyday fresh breads, celebration cakes, and travel-friendly packaged snacks (pasalubong):
- Patatas Sticks: A crisp, savory-sweet biscuit snack enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Salvaro: Traditional thin, crispy coconut flatbread/crackers.
- Otap & Cay-cay: Popular crunchy Visayan treats coated in sesame seeds or sugar
Jojie’s Painitang Bol-anon
Jojie’s Painitang Bol-anon specializes in native snacks prepared using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Top Kakanin
Here are the top kakanin dishes you should add to your Bohol food checklist:
- Nilusak: A sweet, comforting snack made from pounded green bananas blended with grated young coconut.
- Puto Maya: A classic Visayan breakfast staple crafted from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, sugar, and a kick of fresh ginger juice (best paired with hot chocolate or fresh mangoes!).
- Balanghoy: A rich, chewy cassava cake baked to golden perfection.
- Bingka: A fragrant, baked rice flour cake infused with coconut milk and young coconut strips.
- Dinumugan: A traditional steamed treat made with banana, rice flour, and grated coconut, lovingly wrapped in aromatic banana leaves.
Location & Shopping Tip
- Where to Find It: City Square Branch, BQ Mall Branch, Island City Mall (ICM) Branch, Alturas Mall Branch, and Plaza Marcella Branch
- Best Time to Visit: Stop by during merienda (afternoon snack time) after shopping for your main pasalubong souvenirs inside the mall.
Dried Fish & Ginamus (Visayan Fermented Fish Paste)
As an island province, Bohol offers a vast selection of fresh and preserved seafood.
- Dried fish (Tuyo & Danggit): Available in vacuum-sealed packages across local public markets.
- Ginamus: The Visayan version of bagoong (fermented fish paste), typically made from salted anchovies. It features a bold, pungent flavor that pairs excellently with steamed rice and green mangoes.
Non-Food Souvenirs & Handicrafts
Bohol is home to the Philippine Tarsier—one of the world’s smallest primates. Popular non-edible keepsakes include:
- Tarsier-themed plushies, keychains, and printed t-shirts.
- Handcrafted woven bags, coin purses, and wallets shaped like tarsiers.
Also read: Sea of Clouds Danao Bohol
Airport Baggage Reminders
Before packing your bags for your flight home, keep the Philippine Airport Security guidelines in mind:
