Davao’s agriculturally-rich land showers the region with an abundance of fruits, many of which are highly sought after and not exported out of Davao City. Discovering the tastes of Davao is a requisite food journey for tropical fruit lovers.
Aside from the fruits, Davao produces some of the country’s best chocolates that have achieved international acclaim. Also, regional cuisine highlights the freshest ingredients from the land and sea.
The “King of the Fruits”. Durian is popularly grown in Malaysia and in Davao, where the city cultivates 23 varieties varying in yellow-orange colors, in sweetness, and in degrees of pungency. The smell can easily be overcome when you taste the creamy, custardy, fluffy, sweet bites of the fruit.
In Davao City, street vendors sell the fruit as low as 25 pesos per kilo. In the supermarket, you can find it for 70 pesos per kilo. Up in the capital of Manila, the price jumps up to 300 pesos per kilo.
Another prized fruit of Davao and most popular pasalubong (travel gifts to share with family and friends). Pomelos are likened to extra sweet, plump grapefruits.
Beyond durian and pomelos, Davao also boasts of the best and sweetest mangosteens (the “Queen of Fruits” packed with antioxidants like acai berries), bananas (as this is the Banana Capital of the Philippines), lanzones (similar to lychees and rambutan), marang (in the jackfruit and durian family with a texture similar to custard apple and cherimoya), papayas and pineapples (both of which are exceptionally sweet, as though you opened a can of juice).
Abreeza Mall
Abreeza Ayala Business Park
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City
Aside from the fresh fruits of Davao, the city is also known for its chocolate from the region’s cacao plantations. Internationally acclaimed Malagos produces export-quality single-origin chocolates.
Malagos Garden Resort
Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road
Malagos, Davao City
The regional cuisine of Davao reflects the simplicity and pride of culture of Davao’s peoples (known as Dabawenyos). The foods highlight the freshness and quality of local ingredients with the incorporation of fruits in their savory dishes and seafood from the nearby waters.
If you find yourself near SM Lanang, Bistro Selera for is an excellent option for regional Filipino dishes that are both traditional and modernized. A standout dish highlighting Davao is the Seafood Durian Curry which can be an introduction taste for those unfamiliar or hesitant about the fruit.
For more regional cuisine, Kenneth Irving K. Ong (Instagram @kennethkingong), the lifestyle columnist of the Edge Davao recommends Open Table where you can try Imbao (local clam) and Chorizo shots, salpicao (Filipino beef stir-fry), gambas, and shrimp ceviche. For homestyle regional Filipino, Ong suggests Belito’s for their Paella Negra served in a cast iron pot, Kilawin Cagayan de Oro style (another local style of ceviche) and their green honey ice cream to end the meal.
Bistro Selera
2/F SM Lanang Premier
J.P. Laure Avenue
Davao City
Open Table
Unit 6, Damosa Business Center
Davao City
Belito’s Vineyard
Ferrazzini Compound
Palm Drive, Davao City
Ideally located across Ayala’s Abreeza Mall
Abreeza Ayala Business Park
J.P. Laurel Avenue
Davao City
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Connected to the SMX Convention Center and SM Lanang Mall via covered bridge
J.P. Laurel Avenue, next to SM Lanang Premier Mall
Davao City
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Located in the business and shopping district
Claro M. Recto Street
Davao City
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Disclaimer: This trip was graciously and generously sponsored by Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines as part of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Familiarization Trip. All opinions, as always, are my own. This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
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