Dining out, like our friends, have their labels too. Hence the labels we too associate with gastronomic places. Casual, comfort and fine are just some of the descriptive words for foodie places all over the world. However we may call them, at the end of the day, it’s all about the happiness in our faces, satisfaction in our palates and celebration in our tummy that matters.
Like the rest of the world, Davao is also home to a number of descriptive words specifically used whenever our tummy rumbles. Personally, I find the words unnecessary. Why? It’s not a matter of label that urges me to try a new restaurant – it’s the food. To be able to explore a new culinary realm in one seating is one definite adventure that I always look forward to. The variation is what makes all the difference.
Home to a lot of homey and comfortable restaurants, Davao lets you explore the many regions of the country through your palate. Although greatly modified to suit the Davao palate, it’s one way to explore the archipelago without going bankrupt. Here’s some of the recent faves when dining in the city. Kudos to my food buddies and friends who are as enthusiastic as I am on the dining table. Cheers!
Peppers Iberica Resto is home to some of Davao’s best Kapampangan inspired dishes. Simple yet sensically enticing. More so, it’s not as expensive as you’d expect it to be. Another is Tatang’s – yup, as somebody who grew up with pastil , Tatang’s is my refuge whenever I am homesick. Also is Sakaan by Yvonne’s at Matina – home cooked meals reminiscing of childhood memories. The latter being a newly open and is yet to be discovered by the public.
With the abundance of fresh produce, you’d love that most restaurants use locally produced veggies and meats to satisfy anyone’s appetite. Truly, there’s really more to Davao than meets the eye. From savoury dishes to sweet nothings, you’d love that chefs and restaurateurs are slowly incorporating the flavour of Davao and the country in their dishes.
Home beyond borders is what Cena at Homecrest is about. International flavours on parade, though located in a hotel, it’s not intimidating at all. Same goes for Belito’s Vineyard – the very reason why I fell in love with lamb dishes and bagoong all over again. Like Rekado’s suman with thick caramel sauce — it’s very Pinoy yet infused with the flavours of the world. No to mention, Cuenco’s choknut flavoured ice cream. Now, that’s something to look forward to.
Davao is slowly becoming a foodie haven. The choices we have now may not be as vast as those in other places but that is what makes it more interesting. Enabling us to get acquainted with so many other dishes and flavour combos to taste.
What’s your take on Davao’s growing foodie scene?
For my latest food finds, follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and Facebook @theroyalchefeats. Happy munching, royalistas!
