Mindanao’s most sumptuous treats
are a flight away with Cebu Pacific
When it comes to delectable cuisine, Mindanao’s food culture
is as rich as its breathtaking natural wonders. Given its diverse
cultural influences and affluent natural resources, it’s no
surprise that the country’s south is home to some of the most
sumptuous Filipino dishes and delicacies.
Zamboanga
From colorful vintas to well-preserved heritage houses,
Zamboanga’s tourist attractions reflect the assortment of ethnic
cultures that abound here.
As flavorful as its scenic offerings is the famed Curacha (spanner
crab), a rare type of crab that can only be found in the waters
of Zamboanga, that is either steamed or boiled and soaked in
sauce made of spices, crab roe, and coconut milk. Curachais
the house specialty of Alavar Seafood Restaurantat Don Alfaro
Street, one of the oldest seafood restaurants and top foodie
destinations in thecity. A serving costs around P700 and is good
for 2-3 persons. As a take-home treat, diners can also buy
frozen packs of Alavar special sauce for P250 each.
Foodies on a budget can also try what Chavacanos love for
their breakfast—Satti, a dishthat consists of wrapped rice or
puso immersed in thick spicy sauce then topped with grilled
beef or chicken. An order of Satti costs around P20 with three
barbequed beef or chicken which costs P5 per stick.
Bob’s Burger Palace’s (29 St., Habana Compound) signature Big
Boy Classic is a mouth-watering bite after bite goodness of one
half pound of Australian beef, with slices of American cheese,
grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, and pickles. Gino’s Burger
Joint, with several branches across the city, is known for their
juicy burgers. For burger lovers who want to create their own,
Backyard Burgers (with branches in Quirino Avenue and Phase
2 Ecoland Subdivision) lets customers put together their own
customized burger.
General Santos
With an ample supply of tuna from their seas, Gensan locals
also never run out of inspired ways to cook their most prized
catch. Perfect for pasalubong and as a beach nibble is the tuna
skin chicharon, which contains less cholesterol but is incredibly
crunchy.
Aside from the tuna dishes the city is renowned for, people
from all walks of life troop to a local eatery for a bowl of the
steamy beef soup dish balbacua. Balbacuahans, unassuming
little canteens that serve the popular comfort food are a staple
in the streets of Visayas and Mindanao. Aweng Balbacuahan,
located along the National Highway in Calumpang, is the most
popular in Gensan, a must-visit for any tourist who wants to eat
like a real local.
Cagayan de Oro
Adventure-seekers who brave the much-talked about whitewater
of Cagayan de Oro will definitely have a lot of goodies and
delicacies to take home aside from memories of their thrilling
escapades.
A rare type of crab found in the waters of Zamboanga, Curacha
(spanner crab) is served in a mouthwatering concoction of crab
roe, coconut milk and spices at Alavar Seafood Restaurant.
Davao
Travelers who want to share a taste of CDO with loved ones
should bring home Jamon de Cagayan (legham), which
undergoes the long process of salt curing and natural smoking,
and wrapped in traditional cloth bags. Some of the best ham
makers in the city include SLERS Ham, Pines Ham (TGO Foods),
and Oro Ham.
For a box of sweets, the famous Vjandep Pastel from Camiguin
Island offers 12 different fillings stuffed in soft buns.
Davaoeños are as creative with their burgers as they are
imaginative in cooking their seafood dishes. Aside from its
famous seafood restaurants, the Queen City of the South teems
with burger joints that serve their own unique and delectable
takes on the hamburger.
A trip to Cagayan de Oro is never complete without stopping
for the famous Vjandep Pastel, soft buns with a variety of
fillings such as luscious raspberry, blueberry and custard.
One of the most popular foodie haunts in Davao, Backyard
Burger allows customers to make their own burgers,
choosing from a variety of buns, sauces and toppings such as
mushrooms, onions, bacon and ham. Those who can’t make up
their mind can never go wrong with their Philly Cheese Steak
Burger and Signature Burger, loaded with meaty beef patties,
cheese, buttered garlic mushrooms and even Yakiniku beef.
Every Juan can easily sample the best of Mindanao’s gastronomic
offerings with Cebu Pacific’s extensive route network to
Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, for
fares as low as P488. Cebu Pacific definitely makes it easier
for foodies to explore the country’s most delicious destinations.
Like or visit their Twitter and Facebook fan pages or book now
at www.cebupacificair.com.