Philippine cuisine. Description of which cannot be detached from our culture, history and tradition. Described as a mixture of different cultures, a single Filipino dish depicts the colourful past of the country. That every plate of Filipino food reflects our love for food, family and life in general.
At the Damosa compound, a gastronomic experience is not complete without visiting and dining at a Filipino restaurant. Who can say no to the aromatic and savoury dishes we’ve grown up with? Who can say no to a plate of flavours our palates love and crave for? I know I can’t.
Let’s explore and re-visit familiar flavours to our childhood. Join us as we treat ourselves to some modern Filipino restaurant best-sellers one bite at a time. Don’t forget to say goodbye to your diet.
Cafe Amoree (at the Damosa Gateway)
It’s more than a cafe — it’s a Filipino food haven concealed with a coffee shop facade. From the outside, it looks more like a typical hang-out place for you and your besties. However, once you step inside, take a seat and ask for the menu, you’d be surprised on the many delectable Filipino dishes they have on their plate.
Cafe Amoree serves an array of Filipino food choices you’d surely enjoy. From simple appetizers of Kinilaw na Tuna and Sinuglaw to plates of Pinakbet to chunky Beef Kaldereta and Grilled Tuna Belly, you won’t need to look elsewhere when your palate craves for something Pinoy. Aside from their savoury dishes, Cafe Amoree also serves sweet nibbles of cakes and fruit bites. Cap your meal with something hot or cold from their selection of decaf and non-decaf drink choices. Try their hot Caramel Macchiato, you’d thank me for sure.
K-Twins (at the Damosa Gateway)
Touring the country’s 7,000 plus islands will take more than just your best pair of running shoes. Possible, yes, but if you’ll have the option of savouring regional dishes right where you are at, then that’ll be more than amazing. At K-Twins at the Damosa Gateway, you need not book a flight to Ilocos to have a plate (or two) of any Ilokano dish.
Crispy bagnet, juicy Ilocos longganisa, plate of crispy dinuguan and poque-poque are just some of the dishes you’d find at K-Twins. But never leave without tasting in their signature crunchy nibble, Ilocos empanada (which can be ordered without the pork). Truly, Ilokano dishes at its finest.
FCF – Filipino Comfort Food (at the Damosa Complex)
It’s all about good, comfort food at FCF. True to its name, FCF is one of the best Filipino restaurants in the city with dishes that are not only delicious but will instantly remind you of your childhood. And of course, budget friendly.
FCF’s menu is filled with Pinoy classic favourites. Go ahead and relax with a bowl of hot Sinigang na Baka sa Bayabas or go salty with some Binagoongang Baboy with your family and friends. Want some crunch on your repertoire of dishes? Indulge with a plate of crunchy chicken skin any time of any day. Sweet cravings? Their version of Suman (with Latik) and Turon will surely have you craving for more.
Taps (at the Damosa Market Basket)
Taps will always have a special place in every Davaoeῆos heart – tummy, I mean. From students to yuppies even to CEOs, ask about Taps and they’ll surely have a story to tell. Of a favourite, maybe none. As everything is a favourite.
Their menu is downright simple and straightforward – just like how we like it. Taps is tapsilog which is a Filipino breakfast staple. At Taps, what you get is a plate of stir-fried garlic rice, fried meat or fish and egg. That’s it. All you need it choose from their menu and you’re all set. You can always have your order customised, just need to inform them upon ordering. Surely the joy of eating breakfast all throughout the day – and night.
Binalot (at the Damosa Market Basket)
From its name alone, Binalot is another Filipino restaurant that you must visit when in Damosa. Though serving typical local cuisine, their edge from the rest is that their dishes are downright Pinoy. Very representative of the Filipino’s love for food.
Considered a concept dining place, Binalot packs a great deal of flavours onto their every dish or meal served. More so, despite the hefty serving of flavours and textures, Binalot is very affordable and is perfect for families and friends out for a meal.
Dencio’s (at the Damosa Market Basket)
Considered an institution in the city, Dencio’s is one of the most frequented Filipino restaurants all over the city. With branches spawning from all corners, you’d surely find a branch every time your tummy growls for some Filipino cuisine loving.
Known for its delectable menu of local favourites, Dencio’s serves dishes that are reminiscent of the past and depicts of the country’s rich gastronomic culture. From simple appetisers to grilled meats to soups and noodles, Dencio’s will always have your back for an anytime indulgence. Not to mention, their rates are very affordable.