Grilled catfish is a freshwater fish dish widely enjoyed primarily in Southeast Asia. As the name suggests, it is prepared by grilling catfish over charcoal or an open flame. In Asian countries such as the Philippines, it has become a popular and accessible street food commonly found at food stalls and night markets. Roxas Night Market in Davao City is known as a landmark where traditional local cuisine and diverse food cultures converge, and grilled catfish stands out as one of its representative dishes.
Nagaraya Original is a cracker nut snack that originated in the Philippines and is recognized as one of the country's representative snack foods. Since the brand's establishment in the 1970s, Nagaraya has been known for its distinctive texture and savory flavor, featuring peanuts coated in a crispy cracker shell. The product is enjoyed by people of all ages and is available in a wide range of package sizes, from small individual packs to larger bags. In addition to the original flavor, other popular varieties include garlic and barbecue. While similar peanut snacks can be found in Japan and other Southeast Asian countries, Nagaraya is especially well known both inside and outside the Philippines, and remains a popular treat among Filipino communities abroad.
Sponge is a chocolate-flavored corn puff snack sold in the Philippines. It is mainly manufactured under the Oishi brand and is easily found in local convenience stores and supermarkets. Typically sold in small packets, it is popular in a variety of settings such as schools, workplaces, and homes. Known for its light texture and chocolate flavor, Sponge is considered a familiar snack in the Philippine confectionery market.
Pastil is a traditional dish widely consumed in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. It typically consists of seasoned meat or fish placed on top of steamed rice, wrapped in banana leaves. This dish is especially popular in areas with large Muslim populations, such as the Bangsamoro region. Known for its convenience and portability, pastil is commonly enjoyed at food stalls and as a breakfast food, making it a staple in daily life.
CreamO Vanilla is a sandwich cookie manufactured and distributed by the Filipino snack brand Jack 'n Jill. It mainly consists of cocoa-flavored biscuits with vanilla cream filling and is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the Philippines. Due to its affordable price and convenient individual packaging, it is popular among a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. As one of the representative items in the local confectionery market, it has recently expanded its distribution to neighboring countries.
Lechon-don is a modern fusion dish that combines lechon, the traditional Filipino roasted whole pork, with the Japanese concept of donburi (rice bowl). Mainly popularized in large cities and tourist destinations' night markets, it features pieces of savory lechon served atop a bowl of rice, often accompanied by a special sauce or calamansi citrus for added flavor. Particularly at night markets in Davao, it is enjoyed as a popular street food by both locals and tourists alike.
Steamed Prawns with Garlic is a seafood dish made by steaming fresh prawns with a generous amount of chopped garlic and aromatics. It is widely consumed in southern China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, and is characterized by its simple cooking method that brings out the natural flavors and aroma of the ingredients. The dish is a staple in local households and restaurants, and is also a popular menu item at Chinese seafood establishments such as Ahfat Seafoods Plaza in Davao, Philippines.
MOGUMOGU Lychee is a fruit juice beverage from the Thai beverage brand ""MoguMogu,"" characterized by a combination of lychee juice and cube-shaped nata de coco. Production and sales began in the early 2000s, and the drink has since expanded to various countries around the world, particularly throughout Asia. The enjoyable texture of nata de coco and the tropical fruit flavor make it popular among a wide range of consumers. In Southeast Asia especially, the drink matches the local climate and food culture, making it a popular item that is easily available at convenience stores and restaurants.
Pork sisig is one of the representative meat dishes of the Philippines, made primarily by finely chopping pork and stir-frying it with aromatic vegetables and seasonings on a hot iron plate. Its origin traces back to Pampanga Province in Central Luzon, where it was originally a local dish devised to utilize parts of the pig such as the face and ears without waste. Today, it is widely enjoyed in a variety of settings, from casual eateries and night markets to restaurants and home dining tables, featuring numerous variations and serving styles. It is often served sizzling on a hot iron plate and is a classic accompaniment to beer or distilled spirits.
The Yamashita Roll is a sushi roll served at Yamashita Diner, located in Davao, a city on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is a creative sushi inspired by Japanese makizushi, incorporating uniquely Filipino ingredients and seasonings, and is characterized by its integration of local legends and food culture. The name originates from the legend of ""Yamashita's Treasure"" related to World War II, and it has become a symbol of the diversity of Japanese cuisine and intercultural exchange in Davao.
