With strong Arab influence, eating in Morocco is definitely a plate of heavy meat seasoned with a flavourful combination of coriander, parsley and cumin. Unlike Indian, locals said that their dishes (especially the Tagine) are usually subtle with just a dash of chilli. Here are some of the dishes I enjoyed during my 4 days stay in Morocco. FYI I did not try eating exotic dishes like lamb brain or dried eyes or something, but they have.
Tangine of all sorts. A tagine is not actually the cuisine but the manner of cooking food on a clay pot with a conical lid. It is like their version of rice toppings. Dishes are cooked only on low fire.
Unlce from one of the Stalls around Jemaa El Fna Square where I had my first Moroccan Dinner of Lamb StewLamb Tagine (stewed lamb with a hint of curry) this one is around 80 pesos at a cheap stall in Jemaa El Fna.Vegetable Curry Tagine over cuscous starch. This one I had in Essaouira, for around 250 pesos at a sit down restaurant, with refillable bread, olives and coffee.Kefta Tagine. Beef mince with garlic, fresh spices, cinnamon and is rolled into balls and cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. Just before the dish is ready, eggs are cracked into depressions in the sauce.Beef Tagine. One of the best meal I had from a small eatery along along Essaouira public market. This one was around 150 pesos good for two.Deep Fried Fish, Moroccan Style. From the same eatery, I ordered this fried fish because the meat was very fat and perfectly cooked.The fish was DIWIT (Cutlassfish), definitely the same fish we have here in the Philippines.Kebabs and Salads. This came a bit pricey at around 30 pesos per stick but it does come with bread, salad and preserved olives.Zaalouk – A bread filling that includes green peppers and tomatoes, sweet carrots or courgette purée, and a dish of local olives alongside. This was a street food I had along the public market.The bread prepared over an open oven, to pair with Zaalouk.
Some other usual food you’ll see along the street.
Its a cultural thing that Moroccan Pastries are guarded by bees. Of course, you are not supposed to eat the bees.Cheap, big bread. like only 10 pesos per piece.Expect to see a lot of olives!Moroccan Coffee. Nothing much to say. but the sugar cubes are cute. its my first time to see such. hahaFreshly squeezed grapefruit juice for 40 pesos. I would recommend though to be careful with anything uncooked and unprocessed for safety purposes.Mint Tea, the best meal closer. And usually it is complimentary. =)
Greek Street food was something I really looked forward during my trip to Europe. Apart from the interesting fusion of Italian cheese and spices with Middle Eastern influences, Greek street food is always served heavy, filling and cheap! Bumawi ako ng lamon sa Greece kasi mahal yung pagkain sa iba.The pizza and gelato in Italy were also great, but are just too mainstream, Lol.
Anyways, here’s my list of the street finds around Athens that should never be missed.
The Souvlaki is probably the most common Greek food you can basically find anywhere. This fast food is mainly grilled meat (could be pork, lamb, chicken or fish) wrapped in pita with all the greek spices in tzatsiki (yogurt)sauce. It is somewhat their version of shawarma, except that the greek bread is thicker and more chewy. Souvlaki is a heavy street food (big enough like around 8″ long, and priced at only around 3 Euro with Coke.
Here is a personal favourite, the Moussaka. This one is somewhat the Greek’s version of Lasagna. Layers of sautéed aubergine(mini eggplant), minced meat, fried pureed tomato, onion, garlic and spices like cinnamon, potato, cheese topping and béchamel sauce
Anything with Greek Feta Cheese is amazing. Here is literally a Slab of Feta Cheese topping a salad dish, like around 10 cm thick. Generous!
Lachmatzoun is an ancient greek style rolled pizza. Also a popular street dish.
Lachmatzoun is an ancient greek style rolled pizza. also a popular street food. The brown part shown is spicedLminced lamb meat.
lightly salted and grilled Lamb ribs, perfectly paired with cuscus. This was around 9 Euros, good for two.
Other Street food around the city…
Greek Yogurt with Walnut and Honey. Must not miss!Anything with cheese is good in Greecepastries and brittles and other stuff related to BaklavaThe Mythos Beer for the win! Mild and crisp, this is my 2nd fave beer in Europe (next to 10% Tyskie of Poland)Although not originally from Athens, Leonidas coffee is also a great bev, and cheap as well. only 1.50 Euro for this iced frappe. You’ll never find coffee as cheap as that in France or Italy.
A great view of Athens Agora Market, which has long been the center of trade for the Greeks, since Time B.C.
Today has been a long-working day for me here in Davao and all I have in mind right now is to fill myself up with a hearty (and heavy) Chinese dinner. It’s a good thing that Cafe Asia Dimsum House is not so far away from where I am staying, which by the way is among my favourite dimsum restaurant in the city.
Cravings can be contagious. And just to perk up your appetite, here are some of the dimsum house’s entries which I personally enjoy =)
A platter of Thai Spring Rolls, Sesame Beef, Prawn Patties and Chicken Pandan. You can never go wrong with this set.The Staple Dimsum Sets; Priced just right from 58 to 80 pesos per order.Crabmeat Fooyong PattiesSpicy Shrimp is almost always present whenever we dine at Cafe AsiaThe Staple Chinese PatatimPork in Chinese Tausi Sauce and the spicy breaded fish filletCrispy Minced Fish with cashewCrispy Tikoy. A house specialty all year round. ( You do not have to wait for the moon cake festival to enjoy this)
See more of the restaurant menu on Facebook.com —- ” Cafe-Asia-Dimsum-House “
Oatmeal thins, cappuccino brownies, Cookie Monster cake; These are among the specialties that made Margie’s Bakeshop, the popular pasalubong item from Butuan City.
Having been recognized as the among the best home-grown bakeshops in Butuan, Margie’s progressively expanded these recent years to other key cities in Mindanao like Surigao, Cagayan de Oro and Davao City. From a humble bakeshop selling home made products, Margie’s has now evolved into a Dine in cafe serving warm, flavourful snack and meals. To date, the bakeshop operates three dine in cafe’s here in Davao, apart from their distribution outlet in various areas.
Here are some of Margie’s best selling pastries, all in one Photo =)
Oatmeal Thins, Brownie brittles, and Sansrival are among the personal favourite =)Margie’s Choco Mousse Cup with a mild minty flavour. Photo Credits to Margie’s Facebook Page.Kani Salad Sandwich, among the best selling snack items from Margie’s CafeOne of the shop owners, Ms. Tan, is quite a hands-on boss.
Margie’s Bakeshop Dine In Branches in Davao
F. Torres Branch
Fairlanes Compound, F. Torres St.,
Davao City
Phone: (082) 304 5775
On the third day of DFAT 2015, the participants were invited for a late lunch treat by Alor’s Home Kitchen. ALOR’S is a notable food catering group that specializes in Oriental-Filipino fusion dishes. Alor’s as well serves lavish display of cocktails and dessert, buffet style, as carried by its pastry division, Dannie’s Patisserie.
Here are some of the best food entries that I personally recommend,
Crispy Baked Pork Belly is such a treat for meat lovers! Alor’s serves one of the best Crispy Belly I had here in Davao.
The Baked Imbao Clam is also a winner.
Other house specialties worth mentioning include Forty-Clove Chicken, Knock Out Knuckles and Spanish Callos.
Crispy Baked Pork Belly is such a treat for meat lovers! Alor’s serves one of the best Crispy Belly I had here in DavaoBaked Imbao Clam is also a winner
The highlight of the lunch treat would definitely be the lavish dessert buffet prepared by Dannie’s.
My absolute favourite would be the Chocopology, a Chilled cake with layers of chocolate, mocha and cream at just the right amount of sweetness. It was actually my first time to try this and it effortlessly became a fave from first bite… Coming back to Alor’s is worthy even just for this.
Chocopology – Chilled layers of chocolate, mocha and cream, with just the right amount of sweetness.A pretty view of the Dessert TableCuteness overload Strawberry ShortcakeThe Fruity Fluffs are equally as cuteA Pretty slice of rainbow sponge cake, coated in chilled cream frosting. Also a winner at Alor’s
Alor’s Home Kitchen Catering services is officed at Yummy Chicken and Burger House located at F. Torres St, Poblacion District, Davao City, just beside BIR office. For buffet and catering inquiries, get in touch with the operators though,
Started from a humble bakeshop along Malvar Street during the 90’s, Annipie todayhas become the best known Cinnamon destination in Davao. Annipie’s specialty, the signature Cinnamon Rolls, is undoubtedly one of Davao’s finest, and have become a staple snack for lovers of sweets. Though locally produced, Annipie’s soft bread and refined flavour can indeed rival the famous cinnamon rolls in Metro Manila.
DFAT 2015 made a quick stop at Annipie to sample their fine offerings. Here are some of the best.
The Famous Cinnamon Roll with cream cheese topping. A Personal FavouriteCaramel and Toffee topped Rolls are also worth a tryOther Toppings include chocolate chips and caramel-walnutCinnamon Rolls are best paired with Annipie Signature Coffee fixes . Photo Credit to Annipie Facebook Page / Stock Photos
Apart from the Signature Cinnamon Rolls and pastries, Annipie also serves hearty and filling meals for lunch and dinner. Tasty and served in big portions, theses meals are also worth a recommendation.
Pollo el Olivio ( Chicken in Olive and White Sauce ) is a personal favourite with its right blend of cream and spices with an added kick of Olive flavour. I honestly keep coming back for this. Definitely worth a try!
The Pollo el Olivio ( Chicken in Olive and White Sauce ) is a personal favourite with its rightful blend of cream and spices and an added kick of Olive flavour.Taco Pizzadilla is also one of my fave comfort food at AnnipieThree Cheese Pizzadilla is also a winnerOriental Cream Dory is a good alternative for heavy pork and beef setsFood Blogger on Duty, featuring Doi of travellingfeet.com and Sinjin of Libotero.com
Annipie Cinnamon Rolls, Cakes and Pastries
Malvar Street, Davao City
Contact No: (082) 295-3022
One of the highlights during our DFAT 2015 was a luxurious dinner buffet hosted by Vikings.
Vikings Luxury Buffet has recently been honoured the Theoxenia Award for Best Buffet Restaurant by the first ever Theoxenia Tourism Award, hosted by the Lyceum University and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (P.A.T.A.). The restaurant group was awarded for its excellence in providing high quality products, service, and ambience, as well as continuously finding new ways to improve the dining experience of its valued patrons. (www.facebook.com/VikingsLanang/info?tab=page_info)
Vikings is known for serving lavish buffet, with choices of American BBQs and Steaks, Oriental and Filipino fusion dishes, not to mention a wider range of salads, appetizer and dessert. Hot beverages, drinks and draft beer are also included in the set up. With such grand dining experience, I am always the happiest whenever I dine at Vikings. =)
Sampling Viking’s lavish range of Japanese Maki rollsFresh Sushi and Sashimi entries are among the highlights of Vikings BuffetMore Maki. A personal Fave !!!Wide choice of appetizers are always worth a stop at VikingsPrime Beef Steaks of Vikings are always the winnerBeef, Lamb and Roasted TurkeyPinoy Style Paella is among the choice of starch to particular any meat dishes. This one’s a personal fave.Sample of wide range of cakes and desserts served with the buffet
VIKINGS LUXURY BUFFET is located at SM Lanang Davao Al Fresco Dining Hall , Davao City.
Prices / pax :
Weekday Lunch: 588 +5% Service Charge
Weekday Dinner: 788 +5% Service Charge
Weekend/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 788 +5% Service Charge
Open Monday to Sunday for Lunch at 11:00 am – 2:30 pm , and dinner at 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
When visiting Davao, never ever leave our city without seeing the coral gardens and marine life of Samal and Talikod Island. And especially to first time Davao visitors, a day tour to our Coral Garden and Marine Park can smoothly be arranged for you by Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours.
The Coral Garden and Marine Park, around 45 minutes away from Davao City by boat, is located west of Talikud Island, and is dearly called “Linosutan” by local divers of Barangay Linosutan.
Divers are treated to a sight of hard and soft coral beds, tropical fish, garden eels, anemones of shrimps and the likes. For some thrill seekers, seeing banded sea snakes would be a highlight, but it is given of course that these marine lives are not supposed to be touched for conservation, as well as for safety.
In all honesty, I was hesitant at first to do diving. As all my friends know, I am not the best of the swimmers, and I never swim deep water without a floating vest. But Sir Darriel Quiogue of Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours, who is an avid diver himself, was good enough to talk me though it. All i needed was to be surrounded by experienced divers after all.
Fake smile. I was actually nervous to take the plunge! (Please don’t judge me. haha)
Although first timers do need to suck up some courage to begin with, intro diving does not really require a person to be super good at swimming. As arranged by Tide and Tribe, the intro diving is a “1 dive guide to 1 guest” policy; Each guest will be under capable hands of an assigned dive master. The intro dive can go 25 feet in depth. Each plunge would take around 20-30 minutes underwater.
Here are some of the snap shots taken by Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours. Indeed, diving first time is a surreal experience.
Me with Escape Manila, a fellow first timer. haha !An amazing experience of getting this close to the lush coral garden of Samal Island. This shot is at around 25 feet in depthHalf way through the diveOur fully equipped boat around Samal and Talikod Island
This amazing diving experience has been arranged by Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours, as part of the Two Day “Must-C” Davao package.
Apart from the two day package, the operator also offers a Three day package for broader Davao experience. They can also design special tours upon client’s requests. Get to know the operators by reaching through the following links below.
Here is something interesting to do on your Davao visit this summer. Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours has recently launched its creatively designed Davao“Must-C’s” Tour Package. The “Must-C’s” (Must See’s) is a brainchild of tour operators Darriel and Catherine Quiogue, which is essentially a bundle of Davao specialties and attractions that coincidentally start with the letter C — chocolate, cheese, coffee, clams and coral garden for example.
Apart from the catchy tour banner, what made “Must-C’s” tour distinct is that it does not conclude on mainstream stops and activities, to which any visitor could have expected. Rather, the tour introduces the city with focus on cuisine, culture, and conservation, the three things that define and distinguish the Davao experience; Interesting enough even for Davao locals.
I was fortunate to experience first hand what Tide and Tribe had to offer. The trip turned out smooth and hassle free with a bundle of activities carefully arranged to keep up the adventure cravings of the guests. Here are the highlights of my awesome weekend getaway, as part of the Two Day Davao “Must-C’s” Tour Package.
Day 1
The Tour started off with a hearty cheese-tasting session at Malagos Farmhouse, A local chocolate, wine and cheese producer, where visitors will hear from the artisan cheese-maker herself, Olive Puentespina, how she makes her cheeses and how best to enjoy them.
The Ricotta Cheese, one of the three kinds of cheese served by Malagos Farmhouse for the tour. Ricotta curds are creamy white in appearance, slightly sweet in taste, and contain less fat.
My Plate full of different kinds of cheeses , locally made in Davao by Olive PuentespinaChitchat with Malagos Farmhouse’s cheese makers during the cheese tasting Session, arranged by Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours
The tour hies off to the Philippine Eagle sanctuary in Calinan (some country side in Davao) to get up close—really close–and personal with the magnificent national bird, the Philippine Eagle, and other birds of the sanctuary, with a Keeper’s Talk.
A Portrait of an Adult Female Philippine Eagle ; Such a fierce beauty.The Brahminy Kites are among the exotic birds protected by the Philippine Eagle SanctuaryStriking a pose with the Majestic Philippine Eagle
After the visit to the conservation center, lunch of catfish (hito) and barbeque awaits in a countryside setting in one of the many hitoan restaurants that line up this stretch of the road. Catfish(hito) farming is also a lucrative and sustainable industry here in Davao.
Heavy Lunch with Darriel and Catherine Quiogue and other bloggers at a catfish (Hito) farm, not very far from the Philippine Eagle SanctuaryThe House Specialty, Deep Fried Catfish, a personal Fave.
Next up is a visit to Rosit Cacao Farm, where visitors will learn more about Davao’s growing reputation in the chocolate world from the owner himself, Mr. Grover Rosit, who has trained many a cacao farmer here and abroad. We top off this tour with an interactive experience at tablea-making and hot chocolate tasting.
The Process of Producing Pure Cocao (Cocoa), locally known as TableyaSampling the Native Hot Chocolate drink . Freshly grounded and brewed in the Rosit Cacao Farm
Day 1 ends with a privately hosted dinner of home-cooked, spicy Kagan food, prepared women of the Kagan tribe, who will also share their dance and music with you. Kagan is one of the eleven indigenous tribes of Davao. And to cool down the fiery heat of the Kagan dishes, we give you Davao’s signature fruits and a surprise dessert, capped with fragrant, freshly roasted and brewed Kagan-style coffee.
Sampling a traditional meal from the Kagan Tribe of Davao. The Tininuan is an Indigenous spicy chicken dish sauteed in shredded/roasted coconut flesh. On the side is a Kagikit, a mildly spiced shedded fish dish. The Yellow rice prepared in coconut milk and turmeric.
Day 2
Day 2 is beach day! The tour will take an exclusive boat ride to the Malipano islands where you will spend the morning snorkeling at the protected marine habitat of our ‘taklobos’ or giant clams and its smaller relatives, with the help of the official snorkeling guides of this eco-tourism project of the Davao del Norte State College, the AdeCor United Fisherfolk Organization and the local government. There are 3500++ number of living clams in this sanctuary, for conservation. The Clam sanctuary is limitedly open to the public, and the best way to visit is through an organised tour. More pictures and details of this on my next post =)
A closer look at the Clams. Photo taken by Darriel and Cathy QuiogueThe shadows on the water are actually living clams, around 12 to 18 inches in width. Some are even bigger, which can be found in deeper water. There are 3500++ number of living clams in this sanctuary,for conservation.The Must-C Team =)
Sumptuous BBQ and seafood lunch is served after the snorkling session at the Clam Sanctuary, Samal Island.
A Heavy BBQ lunch at the beach is served after the snorkling session at the Clam Sanctuary.Comfi boat to take you around the best snorkling and diving spots in Samal Island, as arranged by Tide and Tribe Travel and ToursA relaxing boat ride along the coast of Samal is provided by Tides and Tribe Travel and Tours. The boat has a comfort room, a Kayak and snorkelling sets to use.
The highlight of Day 2 on the afternoon when visitors get to experience Intro Scuba Diving, as part of the tour package. Scuba diving is forbidden at the Giant Clam Sanctuary but it is certainly a must-do at the shallow reefs of Samal islands. Visitors will be in the capable hands of dive masters who will guide you and carry you along on an intro dive. More of this diving experience on my near future posts.
The First Time DiverThe first time diver enjoying the Lush Coral Garden of Samal Island , under the good hands of Tide and Tribe Travel and ToursFirst time Scuba Divers. More of this diving experience on my near future posts.
All that activity will surely make one hungry. The tour concludes on a gastronomic high with an eat-all-you-can dinner at a crab and seafood buffet, which is Davao is also famous for. =)
A Sumptuous feast of Crab and Shrimp, served buffet style, concludes the “Must-C’s” of Davao Tour package.
A Sumptuous feast of Crab and Shrimp, served buffet style, concludes the “Must-C’s” of Davao Tour package.
This amazing experience has been creatively designed and arranged by Tide and Tribe Travel and Tours.
Apart from the two day package, the operator also offers a Three day package for broader Davao experience. They can also design special tours upon client’s requests. Get to know the operators by reaching through the following links below.
After getting recommendations re this new Kebab place/hanging chicken in Obrero, finally I got the chance to dine at Espetada Food House, and it was a delight from the first bite.
Espetada is located along Sobrecary St., Bo. Obrero. , in that strip of eateries where Blue Carabao used to be located.
The humble mediterranean inspired food house, serves mainly grilled chicken and beef kebab, among other meat dishes. They also serve hummus/yogurt dips at fairly affordable price.
What’s unique about this food house is that the Chicken Espetada is served hanging on a metal stand, juicy hot and dripping to a plate of rice below it. Espetada is a Portuguese dish made usually of large chunks of beef or chicken rubbed in garlic and salt, skewered onto a bay leaf stick. To put it in simpler term, Espetada is meat on a stick – the Portuguese way (from Espetada FB Page). You also have a choice to make your espetada mild or spicy.
Beef Kebab is also another house specialty; Tender meat, smoky and spicy with a hint of curry flavor to it. This one is super good ,I really recommend. May Competitor na ang Majids. Goodluck !
Here are my personal faves. 🙂
Chicken Espetada set, the house specialty at an intro price of 100 pesosYummy Cheesy Dip at 75 pesos , good for sharingBeef Kebabs . 3 sticks at 75 pesos . Rice at 10 pesos. This one is super good . I can really recommend. May Competitor na ang Majids. Goodluck !
Beefs Hummus ( Greek Style spiced yogurt dip ) at 85 pesos. Good for sharing. Chicken fillet at 85 pesos
Espetada House of Hanging Chicken is open Tuesdays to Fridays at dinner time from 4PM to 12Mn Saturdays and Sundays from 12nn to 12Mn . Closed on Mondays.
They also serve mixed drinks by shot and by the pitcher . Would love to have that soon.
The Chicken Espetada in full presentation. Photo credit to Espetada FB pageEspetada Location Map. Photo Credits to Espetada FB page
This is an al fresco restaurant and they do not have wifi and posh services so ‘Wag Maarte’ , but food here is affordable and worthy of a recommendation. 🙂
For inquiries and bulk orders , contact 0908 969 8694.
