What to do in Davao: food and restaurants

Start with local comfort foods at Dencia’s . Go for the arroz caldo (congee with chicken bits) and tokwa’t baboy (tofu and pork). Then head to Marina Tuna Restaurant , which offers the Ten Way Tuna Menu Experience: 10 delicious and healthy courses that use every part of the tuna, from tail to jaw. If you can’t get enough seafood, try Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps  or RD Crab Shack  for a messy buffet of savoury crabs and shrimps.

Hipster fare can be found at the Fat Cow  and Asian Cow , both owned by a 21-year-old entrepreneur and chef, who experiments with pan-Asian flavours to create dishes like Angus beef spring rolls and Sichuan glazed squid. Japanese restaurant Kaizen Davao  is outstanding for a casual experience of sushi platters and beer at street-side tables.

There are also plenty of healthy, vegetarian options, such as Soul Kitchen Co . and Balik Bukid , which have fresh salads or detox drinks made from local vegetables. Take a break at a trendy coffee shop and taste Davao’s popular durian at the same time: Bluegre Coffee  serves durian-flavoured coffee, while Lachi’s Sans Rival  makes durian cheesecake.

Up on a hill and overlooking the city’s lights, Jack’s Ridge Restaurant  stands amid historic dugouts and caves used by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Today, customers enjoy the commanding view of Davao Gulf while dining on grilled meats.

More inspiration

Davao travel information