WHILE the whole of Davao City celebrates the annual Kadayawan Festival, it also welcomes foreign and domestic visitors who are looking to have some fun in the city.
For foodies, we have a great itinarary for you if you are looking for a food trip in the city during the Kadayawan festival.
Breakfast: F. Torres St. area
This major food district of the city not only covers the F. Torres St. but also some neighboring streets like Tionko and Jacinto Extension.
A number of restaurants and cafes here open in the morning to cater to hungry tummies. If you are looking for a healthy breakfast drop by at Sea Green Cafe along Jacinto Ext. and try their Fish Rice Bowl or one of their Smoothie bowls. In front of the cafe is a stall selling fresh coconuts. Sea Green Cafe opens at 8 a.m.
For a full meal, visit Shatter Kebab at the Davao Autoville Center, near the Davao Convention Center. Their Mediterranean dishes are packed with spices that will wake you up. They open at 8 a.m.
For a good cup of coffee, Mugshots Wine and Coffee in Tionko is the place to go. Go for the artisan brew and pair it with their sumptuous breakfast. The coffee shop opens at 9:30 a.m.
For classic Filipino breakfasts, Rekado is the place to visit. They open at 7 a.m.
A.M. Snacks: Pananam at the Kadayawan Village and Magsaysay Park
One of the highlights of this year's Kadayawan Festival is the Pananam, a food fair at the Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park featuring delicacies from the 11 tribes of the city. Whether you are looking for a light snack or a heavy one, you can get it here.
Try Pastil Queen's pastil, it is delicious. One of the stalls also sells hot chocolate that will perfectly pair with other snacks in the food fair.
Outside the park are the fruit stands of the Magsaysay Fruit Vendors Association, where you can enjoy a durian or two or three, as many as you like.
Lunch and P.M. Snacks: Marfori area
Davao City's most famous food district offers a number of restaurants and cafe that is worth every penny.
Lachi's is a popular restaurant that offers delicious comfort food and has one of the best dessert offerings in the city. I have been here many times already and they never disappoint.
Twistea Room Cafe, the newest kid on the block, offers classic comfort food fused with flavors from different cuisines. For a heavy meal, drop by here as their servings are pretty generous.
For your snacks, go light and healthy with a visit at the Vegan Dinosaur. Who would have thought vegan dishes would be tasty?
You can also visit Sparks Coffee + Craft for a good cup of coffee while snacking on their Bacon, Cheese, and Egg Waffle.
Dinner: Juna Subdivision, Matina Town Square, or Roxas St.
Juna Subdivision is one of the budding food districts in Davao City offering a variety of dishes that will satisfy your cravings. For barbecues and burgers, visit Skaler. Looking for Western cuisine and delicious desserts paired with a good cup of coffee? Lara Mia is a must visit. If you want to stick with Filipino favorites, drop by at Patok sa Manok. Cap your dinner with a cup of coffee at Purge Coffee Roasters.
At Matina Town Square, enjoy good food with a beer on hand. Taste of Home and the Good Food Co. offers tasty comfort food dishes while the Omotenashi Japanese Hub offers delicious authentic Japanese cuisine. You can go crazy with the unlimited chiken wings at Gentry Kitchen & Lounge. Beat the heat with Aling Foping's famous halo-halo. You can either cap your night off with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at Blugre Coffee or a bucket of beer while listening to the band at one of the bars in the area.
If you really want to get a feel of what many Dabawenyos enjoy, drop by at the Roxas St. Night Market. Find cheap yet delicious food right at the heart of the bustling city of Davao.
While you celebrate the Kadayawan Festival, don't forget to eat!