Top 10 Food Delicacies in Davao Region (Region XI)

Davao Region, also known as Region XI, is located in the southeastern part of Mindanao island in the Philippines. This region is home to various indigenous tribes and is known for its diverse culture and traditions. Aside from its breathtaking natural attractions, Davao is also a culinary destination, offering a plethora of delicious and unique delicacies. Although the list only included 10 delicacies, rest assured that there are more in store for the tourists who will visit the area for culinary exploration.

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These are the top 10 food delicacies in Davao Region.

Durian

Dubbed as the "King of Fruits," Durian is a staple delicacy in Davao Region. This fruit is known for its distinctive odor and creamy texture that melts in the mouth. It can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient in various dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe durian fruit

Instructions:

1. Slice the durian fruit in half.

2. Scoop out the flesh and discard the skin and seeds.

3. Serve chilled.

Kinilaw na Tuna

Kinilaw na Tuna is a popular appetizer in Davao Region made with fresh tuna marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chili peppers. It's a refreshing dish perfect for hot and humid weather.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh tuna, cubed

• 1/2 cup of vinegar

• 1/2 cup of calamansi juice

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 ginger, sliced thinly

• 1 red chili pepper, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the vinegar, calamansi juice, onion, ginger, chili pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Add the tuna into the mixture and mix well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of calamansi juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto oil. It's a popular street food in Davao Region and is usually served with rice and a side of vinegar dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of chicken, cut into serving pieces

• 1/2 cup of calamansi juice

• 1/2 cup of vinegar

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 ginger, sliced thinly

• 4 stalks of lemongrass, sliced

• 2 tablespoons of annatto oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the calamansi juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken into the mixture and mix well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Grill the chicken over charcoal until fully cooked.

5. Serve with rice and vinegar dipping sauce.

Malagos Chocolate

Malagos Chocolate is a premium chocolate made from cacao beans grown in Davao Region. It has won numerous awards in international chocolate competitions and is a must-try for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of Malagos Chocolate

Instructions:

1. Melt the Malagos Chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.

2. Pour the melted chocolate into molds.

3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate sets.

4. Serve as a dessert or snack.

Tuna Kilawin

Tuna Kilawin is another popular dish in Davao Region made with fresh tuna marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, and ginger. Unlike Kinilaw na Tuna, Tuna Kilawin has a creamier texture because of the addition of coconut milk.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh tuna, cubed

• 1/2 cup of vinegar

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk

• 1/4 cup of calamansi juice

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 ginger, sliced thinly

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the vinegar, coconut milk, calamansi juice, onion, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Add the tuna into the mixture and mix well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Adobong Baboy sa Gata

Adobong Baboy sa Gata is a Filipino classic dish that originated in the Southern part of Luzon but is also a favorite in Davao Region. It's a savory pork stew made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onions, bay leaves, and coconut milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of pork belly, cubed

• 1/2 cup of soy sauce

• 1/4 cup of vinegar

• 1 head of garlic, minced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 can of coconut milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.

2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned.

3. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is tender.

5. Add the coconut milk and simmer for another 10 minutes.

6. Serve hot with rice.

Durian Candy

Durian Candy is a sweet treat made from durian flesh mixed with sugar, milk, and butter. It's a perfect souvenir for tourists who want to bring home a taste of Davao.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of durian flesh, mashed

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1/2 cup of milk

• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions:

1. In a pan, mix the durian flesh, sugar, milk, and butter.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan.

4. Let it cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.

5. Serve as a dessert or snack.

Pakfry

Pakfry is a crispy fried snack made from a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices. It's a favorite street food in Davao and is best eaten with a side of vinegar dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilogram of ground pork or beef

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup of flour

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat the oil in a pan.

3. Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and drop it into the hot oil.

4. Fry until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve hot with vinegar dipping sauce.

Ube Halaya

Ube Halaya is a sweet purple yam pudding that's a staple dessert in Davao. It's made with mashed purple yam, coconut milk, and sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mashed purple yam

• 1 can of coconut milk

• 1/2 cup of sugar

• Butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. In a pot, mix the mashed purple yam, coconut milk, and sugar.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

3. Grease a baking dish with butter.

4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.

5. Let it cool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

6. Serve as a dessert.

Kadyos Baboy Langka

Kadyos Baboy Langka is a hearty stew made with pigeon peas, pork, and unripe jackfruit. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for cold or rainy days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of kadyos (pigeon peas)

• 1/2 kilogram of pork belly, cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 cups of water

• 1 unripe jackfruit, sliced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• Fish sauce and pepper to taste

• Oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.

2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned.

3. Add the kadyos and water. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the kadyos is tender.

4. Add the unripe jackfruit and tomato. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

5. Season with fish sauce and pepper.

6. Serve hot with rice.

Davao Region is a culinary destination that offers a variety of delicious and unique delicacies. From the King of Fruits to savory stews, each dish is a reflection of the rich culture and traditions of the region. Whether you're a local or a tourist, make sure to try these top 10 food delicacies in Davao Region and experience the flavors that this region has to offer.