Tastes of Davao

(Donna Marie Nisperos-Gojo/ Oct 23, 2017)

We travel not just to explore new places but also enjoy great food. If you're thinking about flying to Davao for your next vacation, here are my must-try restaurants and food when in the paradise:

Never miss Tuna Panga and Belly

Davao is close to the Tuna Capital, General Santos City. Therefore, even in Davao, you still get to experience the taste of a fresh cut! Grilled tuna belly costs around P75 while panga (head) is around P125 depending on the size. Still, it’s so affordable for a fresh fish compared to frozen goods in Manila that would cost around P350. Oh, where to find these? Almost all restaurants in Davao have it!

Tuna Express Kamayan Grills

It's a local restaurant usually for hangout after work. Fresh catch tuna belly grilled still is a must! Guso (seaweed) Salad, is a perfect combination to the belly. How much is a generous amount of buttered shrimp in Manila? Here, get it for only P150!

Marina Tuna

Sorry but I had myself stuffed with a lot of tuna. Here, we ordered sinigang na ulo ng tuna, tuna belly steak, freshly grilled stuffed squid and baked mussels. Seafood at its best!

Blugre Coffee

It's where the famous durian coffee can be found and tried. One of their best sellers is Duter Tea - a Matcha Durian Frappe. Indeed a must-try!

Penong's

This was our first stop. Choose a wide array of grilled foods. Get a taste of their generous serving of Halaan (from the clam family) soup and one of the best Durian Shakes I’ve ever tried!

FROGkaffee

Nothing new here but it has been voted as Davao’s #1 coffee shop. Quite pricey but you pay for the ambiance. A cool place to hangout out with friends as they have an open bar area wherein you can chill out at night.

Puto Maya

Not the bread-like made out of sticky rice. This looks like biko to some, only that it’s cooked in ginger ale with coconut milk. It is best served with “tsokolate” (cocoa). Believe it or not, the best tasting Puto Maya can be bought in Agdao Market – not in any fancy restaurants.

Roxas Night Market

if you are craving for street foods, go and walk along the aisles of Roxas Food Market in downtown Davao just across Marco Polo. Get the fresh cuts of seafoods and have them grilled right in front of you. Don’t miss to have a taste of durian ice cream.

Of course, what is Davao without trying its famous fruit, durian. Others don’t like it, but I love it! Tip: Too much of this fruit gives you a heated body temperature. No wonder Davaoenos gulp in cold soda after eating this fruit. Can't wait to start your gastronomical adventure in Davao?
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