Davao Davao Region, Philippines Travel Guide
Davao's culinary identity is a delicious fusion. Malay traders introduced seasonings and coconut milk. Spanish colonizers brought new ingredients. Chinese immigrants influenced noodle and stir-fry dishes.
Proximity to rich fishing grounds and fertile agricultural lands brings fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a cuisine that feels both familiar and distinctly Dabawenyo.
Coconut milk (gata), ginger, lemongrass, garlic, chili, local greens, and an impressive array of tropical fruits. Fresh seafood like tuna, crab, and prawns.
Davao cuisine achieves a balance of savory, sour (from vinegar or calamansi), and spicy notes. A subtle sweetness from fruits or coconut milk rounds out many dishes.
Davao City features access to and preparation of fresh tuna. The local kinilaw often incorporates coconut milk, distinguishing it from other regions.
The Filipino version of ceviche, made with fresh raw fish (often tuna) marinated in vinegar, ginger, onions, chili, and sometimes coconut milk.
Find it at: Luz Kinilaw (a famous spot).
A delicious combination of sinugba (grilled pork belly) and kinilaw, offering a mix of smoky, tangy, and sometimes creamy flavors.
Find it at: Widely available in restaurants serving Filipino cuisine.
Freshly grilled tuna belly or panga (jaw) is a regional specialty due to Davao's rich tuna fishing grounds, featuring tender, flavorful meat.
Find it at: Seafood restaurants throughout the city.
Balut (fertilized duck egg), Kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), Grilled Skewers (isaw, fish balls), Pancit (stir-fried noodles). Roxas Night Market is the premier spot.
Buko Juice (fresh coconut water), Calamansi Juice, Halo-Halo (cold dessert drink with crushed ice, milk, sweets, and ice cream), Local Beer (San Miguel Beer).
Mainly located inside luxury hotels. For example, Madayaw Cafe at DusitD2 Davao features upscale international and Filipino cuisine in an elegant setting.
Numerous mid-range restaurants feature a mix of Filipino and foreign foods, commonly found in major malls (Abreeza, SM Lanang Premier) and F. Torres Street.
For authentic and inexpensive meals, explore Roxas Night Market and Carinderias. Bankerohan Central Market offers fresh produce and prepared foods.
Davao City's major malls and commercial districts feature a good selection of international cuisine.
Japanese sushi and ramen, Korean BBQ, Chinese dim sum, Italian pasta and pizza, and popular American fast food chains.
Processed durian in portable forms.
Steamed rice with shredded chicken/beef, wrapped in banana leaves.
Rich, thick hot chocolate from local cacao.
A refreshing mix of crushed ice, milk, and sweets.
Davao City has a significant Muslim population, making Halal cuisine more prevalent. Look for Halal-certified restaurants or ask directly at eateries.
Many malls feature Food that is halal options.
Kosher meals are extremely limited in Davao City. Travelers requiring Kosher meals consider self-catering with fresh fruits and packaged goods or bringing own provisions.
Self-catering is the most reliable option.
Apo ni Lola Durian Factory: features tours and tastings of different durian products. Malagos Garden Resort: features a Chocolate Museum and cacao farm.
Kadayawan Festival (August): Features numerous food fairs, street food competitions, and culinary events. Araw ng Dabaw (March): Often includes food-related events and fairs.
Features a Chocolate Museum and a cacao farm, visitors learn about chocolate production from bean to bar and sample local chocolates.
Features tours and tastings of several durian products, from candies to jams, providing a chance to learn about durian processing.
Specialized tours to banana, pineapple, or other fruit plantations can be arranged, insight into Davao's agricultural industry.
Hilltop complex with several restaurants featuring panoramic views of Davao City, notably stunning at night.
A unique dining ambiance.
Some resorts on Samal Island feature floating restaurants, offering a dining experience directly on the waterfront.
A tranquil setting.
Formal cooking classes particularly for tourists are limited in Davao City. Specialized tour operators may feature custom arrangements.
Some specialized tour operators feature food tours concentrating on local markets, street food, and hidden culinary gems.
These tours provide insights into local ingredients, cooking techniques, and the rich culinary heritage of Davao.
Carry a Translation card or have phrases ready on your phone to explain your dietary restrictions in Tagalog or Cebuano.
