Lately, I’ve been seeing some of my friends post about their country’s famous exotic dishes—foods that are strange to the eyes but fascinating to the taste buds. It made me wonder, how about us here in Davao? Do we also have something exotic to offer our tourists? The answer is a big YES!
Davao is not just about durian, beaches, or the laid-back lifestyle. It also has a bold side—its exotic food culture. For foodies and adventurous eaters, Davao can surprise you with flavors that are unusual, intriguing, and unforgettable. So, if you’re visiting the city, here are some exotic dishes you might want to add to your foodie bucket list:
🐊 Crocodile Meat
Yes, you can actually eat crocodile here! Restaurants in Davao serve crocodile meat in different ways—sisig, tapa, even sausages. It’s leaner than pork and beef, high in protein, and surprisingly tasty (like a mix of chicken and fish). Not something you’ll find on a menu every day, right?
Have you tried?
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| Photo by Ace June Rell S. Perez |
Or Crocodile Sisig
If you’re visiting Davao Crocodile Park, make sure to stop by Riverwalk Grill and try their crocodile sisig. You’ll see for yourself why it’s truly a beast of a dish!
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| Photo by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫: |
🥚 Balut – The Filipino Fear Factor Favorite
This fertilized duck egg is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s part of our culture and definitely a tourist dare. Locals usually eat it at night with a pinch of salt or vinegar. For many first-timers, it’s more of a mental challenge than a taste issue. Once you get past the look, you’ll realize—it’s actually delicious!
In my case, whenever we bought balut, we didn’t just eat it on its own. Instead, we would add fresh vegetables and turn it into a hearty soup. The combination made it not only unique but also super delicious and energizing—a comforting dish that always felt like a boost of warmth and strength after a long day
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🦇 Paniki (Fruit Bat) Soup
Among indigenous communities in Davao, fruit bats or paniki are cooked into flavorful soups. It’s believed to have medicinal properties and is a dish rooted in tradition. Not always easy to find in the city, but if you do, it’s a rare chance to experience authentic Mindanao heritage cooking.
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| MarinaTuna Seafood Restaurant |
🐟 Tuna Eyeball Soup (Sinigang)
Davao is tuna country, and yes—locals don’t waste any part of it, not even the giant eyeballs! These are cooked into soups or stews, rich in collagen, and said to be good for the skin. It may sound a little scary, but it’s surprisingly comforting once you take that first spoonful.
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🐸 Frog Legs & Native Snails
In some carinderias, you’ll find adobo-style dishes made with frog legs or snails (kuhol). Both are considered exotic yet are delicacies that pair well with rice and beer. It’s that unexpected twist that makes dining in Davao full of surprises.
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| Trip ni Brad |
🐍 Snake Wine
Here’s something for the brave! Some shops in Davao sell bottled snake wine—yes, a real snake coiled inside rice wine. It’s not exactly your casual drink, but it’s believed to have medicinal properties and is often taken as a shot for stamina. It’s one of those “try it once and brag forever” kind of experiences.
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🐡 Pufferfish (Butete) Dishes
Rare and risky, butete or pufferfish is carefully prepared in certain coastal areas of Davao. Only those who know how to handle and cook it dare serve it, since some species are poisonous if not cleaned properly. Fried or cooked in soup, it’s exotic in every sense of the word—definitely not your everyday catch!
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| ZTB Fresh Seafoods |
🦪 Sea Urchin (Tuyom)
In coastal Davao communities, sea urchins—locally called TUYOM—are turned into a unique delicacy. The spiky shells are cracked open and stuffed with rice before being steamed or boiled. The result is a salty, ocean-infused dish that feels like eating the sea in every bite.
My Personal Favorite!
One of the most unforgettable exotic foods you can try in Davao is the sea urchin, locally known as tuyom. I personally can’t resist this delicacy every time I go island hopping in IGACOS or Samal Island, where fresh sea urchins are abundant. The taste? Absolutely heavenly! Especially when paired with sukang halang (chili vinegar), slices of onion and a steaming cup of rice. That rich, briny, and creamy bite instantly makes it my ultimate favorite seaside treat. If you’re a seafood lover, this is a must-try experience!
And here’s a bonus—you don’t have to wait for your next island trip to enjoy it. Tuyom is also available in bottles, making it easy to buy, take home, and savor whenever those cravings strike.
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🌏 Why Try Exotic Food in Davao?
Trying exotic food is not just about being adventurous—it’s about connecting with culture. Every bite tells a story: of tradition, resourcefulness, and the Davaoeño way of making use of what nature provides.
So, the next time you find yourself in Davao, don’t just play it safe with the usual dishes. Go ahead, be bold. Challenge your palate. Who knows? You might just discover that the exotic side of Davao is your kind of adventure.
✨ Have you tried any of these exotic dishes in Davao? Which one would you dare to eat first—snake wine, sea urchin rice, or crocodile sisig? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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