A fantabulous foodie experience need not involve a tux or a dress. For the most part, enjoying the many flavours of life is best experienced when you least expect it to happen… or take place. This, as in the other parts of the world, is how a simple dish becomes a new favourite. True for me. Very true indeed.
Hole in the wall restaurants have taken Davao by storm. These nothing-sort-of-fancy gastro places have been filling our hungry senses with some of the most delicious dishes to hit the city. Not to mention, very affordable.
Now, imagine a small, local gastro place with a P140 dish/meal as the most expensive and P75 as the cheapest. Yup, you read that right. With 20 items on their menu, you’d not have a hard time figuring your money’s worth. Why? Without bias, everything on their menu is delicious. Though 90% on their menu is pork, 90% of my friends are not into the whole no-pork-diet-since-birth. Figures.
For Chef Owner Jose Angelo Kiamco, Black Hog is the fulfilment of his passion to share recipes handed down from generation to generation but served with a twist. Fuelled by his love for the culinary realm and love for food, Chef Gelo is excited to share some family food secrets for everyone to enjoy and love. Making them his, he tweaks and adds some modern flare to make them even more delicious.
Coined as a gastro pub by many, Black Hog is one hot up and coming hole in the wall restaurant in Davao that you need to visit. On top of the list, their plate of Black Hog Ribs (as shared by my friends Chef Anot, Freah, JJ and Rhoda) is, according to them, very delectable. Juicy and very tender – as I can verily see – you’d not have to undergo a battle to enjoy a slice. Want something traditional? Then try their plate of Binagoongang Bagnet – that, again, my beautiful friends gobbled without hesitation.
Black Hog’s signature dish, the Wapay’s Patros, is a family recipe that’s ready to take the city by storm. According to Chef Gelo, many have already fallen in love with this chicken dish that’s surely will have you asking for seconds. Named after Thor’s hammer, Black Hog’s Mjolnir Ranch Chicken is, without a doubt, delicious. The ranch dressing, which they whip from scratch, complements the chicken and vice versa. The dressing is also perfect on its own.
Of bowls and flavours, you should try their bowl of Beef Bulgogi – my personal favourite! The beef is very juicy, tender and bursting with flavour with every bite. And that’s no exaggeration. The dish is simple yet very palatable. On the other hand, if you’re more of a citrus flavour lover then their bowl of Orange Chicken is for you. Deep fried and coated chicken strips perfect for munching – with or without rice.
At Black Hog, you’d not only enjoy their plated dishes (their plates, bowls, glass and pitcher will take you back in time!) but also have fun with their drinks – concocted to complete your Black Hog experience. Try a pitcher of their refreshing Cucumber Lemonade or go loco over pink with their Pink Potion.
Black Hog is located at Door B-8 Mabini Commercial Complex, 777 V. Mapa St., Poblacion District, Davao City. For inquiries, you may call them at 0917 316 4294
Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap. For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com. Happy munching, #royalistas!
