Friends from Davao City told me that if ever I’ll be visiting Davao, I should prepare myself for a lot of eating, like a lot! Well, it was true after all. Just like Manila, Davao City got a lot to offer when it comes to food choices. But one thing is sure here, expect that restaurants in Davao City would only serve freshly catch or picked ingredients for your meal. During Kadayawan Month, vegetables and fruits are also abundant, so you could always dive into your favorite dishes and harvest at a much more affordable price.
It wasn’t my first time visiting Davao City but during Kadayawan festival, restaurants and food hubs are also in a festive mood offering a wider selection of menus, promos, and discounts which could really entice not just the local buyers but most especially travelers.
Honestly saying, I gain around 10 lbs just by staying here for 5 full days.
If you are up for a food adventure better check out the lists I created (and visited) of restaurants you should not forget to visit on you next trip to Davao City.
If eating at a buffet is your A-Game, well a visit to Chippens restaurant along Roxas Street in Davao City should be included in your visit. A buffet meal here is priced at Php 398 or around US$8 (drinks not included) consisting of a wide range of selections from fish, vegetables, and meat products. They also got a fresh fruits section, which is abundant in Kadayawan season. Buffet usually starts at 11 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9:30 pm.
After exploring SM LANANG you can schedule a lunch or dinner at Bistro Selera. Bistro Selera is a Filipino Asian restaurant that serves authentic Davaoeno dishes. Actually the very welcoming ambiance of the place will really make you want to check out their menu. But aside from that, Bistro Serena is a well-known food destination in Davao city for presenting a fancier version of different Filipino dishes.
Travel thrill seekers who also want some adventurous plate should remember to put Tribu K Mindanawan on your must visit restaurant in Davao City. Tribu K Mindanawan is a cultural destination restaurant offering exotic dishes like crocodile meat, frogs, ostriches, insects and others. If you are a bit conservative you can still enjoy the regular entre’. The restaurant opens at 8am and closes early at 7pm.
Fresh catch serve hot! Marina Tuna is going to be your favorite place if you are up for some oceanic table adventure. Enjoy tuna and salmon; eat it raw, fried, soup etc. Marina Tuna has created 10 different ways to prepare the dish, so there is always something you could try on your next visit. The restaurant opens from 10am to 10pm.
Perfect place to dine for those who loves cracking crabs! Glamour Crabs Seafood Buffet is a hole in a wall restaurant offering different seafood’s dish in buffet style. Of course the highlight of it is the unli-crab. Glamour Crabs Seafood Buffet is affordably priced at Php 498 per head, which is almost just equivalent to a crab dish in a fine restaurant. Though, I could personally say that not all food serves here is totally delicious, the crab dish which was cooked with a hint of spicy and sweet sauce can already satisfy ones crab cravings.
Crushed ice, milk, ice cream, and strips of fibrous Durian, Durian Delight is one of the highlights you should try here in Ice Giants. Though if you are not a fan of Durian fruit, there are still tons of other dessert products to choose from. They also serve light snacks like pizza and pasta.
Everyday at 6pm the long road of Roxas Street in Davao City is closed to accommodate the setup of the night market. At the Roxas Night Market, you can enjoy a feast of seafood, meat and other dishes that are mostly serve grilled. The long stretch is segmented into two; food stalls and merchandise. If you are a thrifty buyer this place shouldn’t be missed.
There are still a lot of diners and restaurants in Davao City that are just waiting to be discovered. If you plan to also bring pasalubong on your way home, do not forget to drop by at Apo ni Lola delicacies where you can purchase a wide range of Durian and other fruit by-products. The best durian candies and bars can be found at Apo ni Lola.
Do remember as well that during Kadayawan season is the best time in buying fruits like Durian, Marang and Mangosteen for you can purchase these at a much lower price.
