Dumaguete, known as the “City of Gentle People,” is famous for its vibrant food scene, boasting one of the highest restaurant densities in the Philippines.
The city’s culinary offerings is unique and reflects a mix of traditional Filipino food flavors and international influences, including Spanish, Chinese and American cuisines.
Historical events, such as Spanish colonization and the influx of Chinese immigrants, have shaped local dishes and cooking methods.
For example, the use of soy sauce and stir-frying techniques can be traced back to Chinese influence Additionally, American presence during the early 20th century introduced fast food and café culture.
This blend of flavors and techniques results in a unique culinary landscape that stands out from other regions in the country.
Must Eat Food in Dumaguete
Baked Scallops
Baked scallops are a popular seafood dish in Dumaguete. Fresh scallops are topped with a mixture of garlic, butter, and cheese. They are then baked until golden brown.
The dish has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic. It is often served as an appetizer or a main dish. Baked scallops reflect the coastal culture of Dumaguete, where seafood is abundant.
You’ll also find they are a popular food in South Cebu.
For the best baked scallops, visit Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck.
Binakhaw
Binakhaw is a unique version of kinilaw, a marinated seafood dish you’ll find in coastal towns like Oslob. Dumaguete’s version is slightly different with a unique ingredient. This dish is primarily made from raw fish, typically marinated in vinegar, and combined with diced onions, ginger, and chili.
What sets binakhaw apart is that once is fish is finished marinating it is drained of liquid. Then dungon fruit, from the local mangrove, is added to give a distinctive flavor to the mix.
Filipino Kinilaw Recipe
Binakhaw is often garnished with toppings like sliced green mangoes and chicharrón, though the most traditional version features dried bangasi (flying fish) instead of chicharrón.
This dish reflects the coastal culture of Dumaguete, where fresh seafood is abundant. Binakhaw highlights local culinary traditions and the use of unique ingredients.
For an authentic taste of binakhaw, visit Lab-as Seafood Restaurant, where you can savor this flavorful dish crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Bodbod Kabog
Bodbod kabog is a unique rice cake that holds a special place in Dumaguete’s culinary landscape. Made from millet, this traditional food in Dumaguete is steamed and mixed with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Finally it is steamed in banana leaves.
Bodbod kabog is often enjoyed warm and can be served as a snack for a merienda or dessert.
Its ingredients reflect the agricultural heritage of the region, showcasing the use of locally sourced millet and coconut. The preparation of bodbod kabog is a testament to the traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.
For the best bodbod kabog, visit Dumaguete Public Market, where you can find this treat made fresh by local vendors or try it at Kusina ni Lola for a homestyle version.
Tsolkolate
Tsolkolate is a traditional Filipino hot chocolate that is made from tablea, or cacao tablets. The preparation involves melting the tablea in hot water, whisking it to create a rich and thick beverage.
Often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon treat, tsolkolate is typically served with a side of freshly baked bread or pastries. This comforting Filipino drink is especially popular during cooler weather and is a staple in many Filipino households.
You may have tried sikwate in Cebu and while I thought they were the same but at the market in Dumaguete I was told it was better quality. And maybe it’s the power of persuasion but it did taste that way.
If you can’t make it to the market head to Cafe Mamia, a local café known for its delicious hot drinks and cozy atmosphere.
Chicken Inato
Chicken inato is a beloved grilled chicken dish that exemplifies the Filipino love for barbecue. Inato means “in our way” and there’s no doubt that Dumaguete might have the best chicken in all of the Philippines.
It is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a savory taste. The chicken is cooked over charcoal, giving it a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the overall experience.
The dish showcases influences from various cultures, including Spanish and Chinese, which have contributed to the diverse Filipino culinary landscape.
For a delicious chicken inato experience, try it at Jo’s Chicken Inato, a local favorite known for its perfectly grilled chicken and flavorful side dishes like pickled papaya.
Painitan
In Dumaguete, “painitan” refers to traditional snack stalls or eateries where locals gather, particularly in the morning.
These informal dining spots serve a variety of breakfast foods and hot drinks.. The term “painitan” comes from the Visayan word “init,” meaning “heat,” highlighting the warm food and beverages available.
At a typical painitan, you can find local favorites like hot chocolate, coffee, and various snacks such as puto (rice cakes) and other breakfast items. The painitan culture reflects the community’s emphasis on shared meals and local flavors.
For an authentic painitan experience in Dumaguete, visit Painitan Perla Tumulak, a popular spot where you can enjoy traditional snacks and hot drinks while mingling with locals.
Puto Maya
Puto maya is a traditional Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice and coconut milk.
The preparation involves soaking the rice, steaming it, and then mixing it with coconut milk to create a chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
This Filipino sweet treat is often served with ripe mangoes and a drizzle of sugar, making it a popular snack or breakfast item. It’s also a common Siquijor breakfast and surrounding areas.
Fruits in the Philippines
Puto maya is commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, showcasing the Filipino tradition of using local ingredients.
Its roots in the agricultural practices of the region highlight the importance of rice in Filipino cuisine.
For the best puto maya, try it at Dumaguete Public Market, where you can find this local favorite made fresh by vendors, or head to Pasalubong Center for a tasty version.
Sizzling Chicken
Sizzling chicken is a popular dish in Dumaguete that features marinated chicken served on a hot plate.
The chicken is typically marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then cooked with onions and bell peppers and served on a sizzling platter.
The combination of tender chicken and savory sauce, along with the sizzle from the hot plate, makes this dish a favorite among locals.
This dish reflects the Filipino love for grilled meats and communal dining, often shared among family and friends.
For the best sizzling chicken, visit Pancit Habhab, a local restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Sans Rival Cake
Sans Rival Cake is a decadent dessert that was invented in Dumaguete, but it is so loved you can find it throughout the Philippines.
The name means unrivaled in French and it lives up to the hype. It is mMade with layers of buttercream, meringue, and cashews, this cake is both creamy and crunchy. The preparation involves baking meringue layers until crisp, then sandwiching them with a luscious buttercream filling.
The cake’s French influence is evident in its elegant presentation and refined flavors, showcasing the impact of colonial history on Filipino cuisine.
For a slice of the best sans rival, visit Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, whose original owner invented the cake. It has since become so popular they have expanded into other cities in the Philippines.
Silvanas
Silvanas are delightful frozen desserts that have become a signature treat in Dumaguete. Made from layers of buttercream and crushed cashews, these treats are encased in a crunchy cookie shell.
The preparation involves creating a rich buttercream filling, which is then spread between layers of meringue and coated with crushed cashews, giving silvanas their distinctive texture and flavor.
Silvanas have a similar concept to the French macaron, showcasing the influence of international desserts on Filipino cuisine. They reflect the creativity of local bakers who have adapted global flavors to suit local tastes.
For the best silvanas, head to Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, where you can savor these sweet delights in a cozy setting.