Mindanao on a plate: Travel through your taste buds
- SM Supermalls takes you on a culinary journey with a food fest in its 7 Mindanao malls throughout September
Whether you’re going for personal all-time favorite dishes or trying out something new and crave-worthy, dining at restaurants in the mall is always a great idea. This will not only make your tummy happy but the senses satisfied while soaking up the ambience and maybe learning a thing or two about regional specialties and international cuisines.
Such is the case when taking the culinary journey that SM Supermalls offers through its seven branches spread out across Mindanao—SM City Butuan, SM City CDO Uptown, SM CDO Downtown, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, SM City General Santos and SM City Mindpro. It serves the tastiest in Mindanao, essentially on a plate, for everybody’s pleasure.
The food festival happens at these SM Malls throughout September.
SM City Butuan
Being the oldest city in Mindanao makes Butuan the ideal jumping-off point for a culinary journey. This city found in the province of Agusan del Norte was known in precolonial times as the Rajahnate of Butuan. It has archeological sites that prove its strong trading relations within Asia and beyond during precolonial times, thus enriching its culture, including the preparation and appreciation of food.
SM City Butuan is home to two restaurants that represent contemporary Butuanon cuisine: Verity Restaurant and Iam’s Kitchen Bar.
Verity is known for showcasing heirloom recipes and popular dishes using only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients. It puts the limelight on Butuan City’s delicacies, such as bunta’a, which is mud crab stuffed with a special type of baby coconut and then mixed with aligue (crab fat) and lots of aromatics. This dish is said to have been served to the Rajah of the past on special occasions.
Another hometown delicacy on the restaurant’s menu is palagsing, a kakanin (glutinous rice cake) made of unaw (rich starch obtained from the bark of the palm tree) and mixed with sugar. Over the years, palagsing has become the staple food of marshland dwellers, particularly the indigenous people in the barangay of Banza, where early inhabitants of Butuan settled. Verity’s version consists of one gelatinous cake-like treat made extra special with strips of coconut meat and a decadent chocolate dip.
Still another delicacy served at Verity that has long been a favorite in Butuan City and other areas in Mindanao is puto maja (steamed cake). This dessert is made of a special blend of rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk and then infused with the subtle flavor of fresh ginger and the sweetness of ripe mango.
On the savory side, Verity Restaurant’s take on the classic kare-kare dish becomes even more sumptuous with crispy pork. How? The tender, slow-cooked pork belly is crisped to perfection and then served on top of a rich, creamy kare-kare sauce made with freshly ground peanuts and a hint of spice.
Then there is Dale’s Submarine Sandwich, featuring a generous helping of tender, slow-cooked roast beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion all piled high on a soft, freshly baked sub roll. This comes with the signature sauce that gives a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Iam’s Kitchen Bar likewise pays homage to Butuan’s rich culinary heritage that is so now and new. It sets the mood with a backdrop of industrial-chic interior, complete with reclaimed wood accents and vintage decor, to craft dishes that are familiar yet different and totally innovative.
Its version of the braised pork dish humba, for instance, is given a twist using a rich, velvety chocolate sauce set in a bed of mashed potato and apple vinaigrette. It becomes Humba Au Chocolat that patrons keep coming back for in this trendy eatery.
Another tasty attraction is Chicken Tuscana, with its rich and creamy sauce giving distinctly Italian flavors by mixing sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. The international connection continues with the Singaporean seafood extravaganza Chili Crab Lah, the South American shrimp delight Chile Camarones, and the North African chili paste-infused fish dish Harissa Glazed Salmon.
SM City CDO Uptown
Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a first class highly urbanized city that serves as capital of Misamis Oriental province. This is where the first SM Supermall in the region opened in November 2002 as SM City Cagayan de Oro, located in Uptown Carmen area. It got its new name SM City CDO Uptown when another SM Supermall was built in June 2022.
Among SM City CDO Uptown’s many attractions is an interesting and satisfying mix of dining spots, three of which are Fat Chef, Ah Fong Asian Cuisine, and Hugo Restaurant and Lounge.
Going by the tagline, “The Ultimate Comfort Food,” Fat Chef makes good its promise of offering well-loved food items, from appetizers to main courses (including top quality steak) and desserts with filling snacks in between. The inspiration for this feel-good restaurant came from the owners’ family custom of getting together for meals and typically sharing their own cooking.
Fat Chef delivers comfort food exactly how diners want it. Its take on the classic crispy pata, for one, has the whole pork leg meticulously cooked to achieve tender, juicy meat on the inside, while the outside is expertly deep-fried to perfection. The result is the spectacularly crispy and golden-brown skin that crackles with each bite. The flavor is further enhanced by the tangy sauce made from the drippings and other spices.
Pasta lovers are in for a treat with how this restaurant whips up a delightful truffle pasta. This is unmistakably al dente pasta enveloped in a luxurious truffle cream sauce and expertly infused with the rich, earthy notes of truffles with shiitake mushrooms. The sauce is prepared with fresh ingredients, including sautéed garlic and a blend of decadent cream, in creating a velvety texture that coats each strand of pasta beautifully.
Then there are some surprises! To name just two: the sizzling sinigang is served on a hot plate garnished with vegetables, while the chicken inasal has gata, the creamy coconut sauce enveloping the perfectly grilled chicken.
Meanwhile, Ah Fong Asian Cuisine has been making fans, especially of Chinese dishes, sated and smiling. It also helps that the restaurant has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, as well as being noted for giving friendly service.
Ah Fong’s version of the pancit canton is so good that it’s been awarded as the best by the Soo Pinoy advocacy of a multinational company. Here, the pancit tastes beyond the usual stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, mixed seafood, and pork with fried onions as garnishing. It does wonders in mixing flavors with soy sauce, garlic, and various spices to make a savory and satisfying meal.
Here, the fried lapu-lapu with sweet and sour sauce is well seasoned and deep-fried to perfection, and made extra flavorful with a special sauce that Ah Fong makes from scratch. The lumpiang Shanghai is equally irresistible. The secret? A slow-frying technique that Ah Fong that has perfected.
Another dish that the restaurant has mastered cooking is crab meat fuyong. It makes sure that the omelet filled with crab meat and some green onions and bell peppers is cooked until golden-brown.
Don’t forget the salt and pepper spareribs! Repeat diners can’t get enough of the tender pork spareribs that has been marinated, fried, and sautéed with ginger, salt, pepper, and onion leaks. It’s then seasoned generously with a mix of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
Hugo Restaurant and Lounge is an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish dining destination that offers a unique blend of contemporary cuisine and a vibrant lounge atmosphere. The menu ranges from Filipino favorites to international cuisines to cater to various cravings. It also offers classic cocktail mixes and other spirits. Come on a Tuesday and enjoy a zesty gimlet for that midweek pick-me-up!
Start with beef quesadillas. Then move to the rest of the meat selections, including crispy pata, roast beef, and baby back ribs. The crispy pata doesn’t disappoint as the pork leg is deep fried until the skin becomes crisp and the meat, tender. Ditto for the roast beef, which is made of a classic sirloin cooked in the oven with a special gravy, and baby back ribs that ooze with sweet, smokey, and slightly spicy flavors.
For a white meat option, the chicken and mushroom pasta with truffle oil is highly recommended. It’s a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and a drizzle of truffle oil for a rich aroma and taste.
SM CDO Downtown
SM CDO Downtown is the second SM Supermall in CDO. It boasts of its own catalog of restaurants, including those located in the al fresco dining and entertainment area at the Sky Garden.
Bigby’s Café and Restaurant is a homegrown dining concept that made its debut in 1998 and has since expanded to many franchised branches across the country, including Metro Manila. Its creators came up with an idea of creating an atmosphere fit for an adventure into the different cuisines of the world. The menu, the interior design, and service style were built around the concept of finding a midway between fine dining and fast-casual dining.
Among the bestsellers are the poultry dishes Ticky Wacky Chicken Salad, Chix Ahoy, and Mojo Chicken Q. What makes the salad a hit is the generous use of crunchy greens, fresh fruits, and other ingredients like walnuts, Parmesan and pizza cheese cubes, and croutons, along with the addition of a creamy chicken salad on top and its signature dressing.
For the meat lovers, an order of Uncle Sam Roast Beef never fails to impress. It’s a slow-roasted U.S. beef served with potatoes, veggies and homestyle gravy. Getting the CDO Sinuglaw is another great idea as it combines grilled pork and fresh sashimi-grade fish, typically tuna or marlin. The fish is soaked in a zesty vinegar-based sauce, then mixed with a special ingredient called tabon-tabon, which tempers the fishy smell and taste while giving a distinct flavor. It is topped with a medley of diced onions, chili, and herbs before serving.
Fat Monk gives scrumptious representation to authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. There are Thailand’s famous Tom Yam Kung Soup and Indonesia’s signature Chicken Satay. The soup is a perfect blend of hot and sour flavors, while the skewered and grilled chicken becomes even more delectable with peanut sauce. There is also Singapore’s renowned Butter Garlic Prawn, with the deep–fried prawn being cooked in a rich butter sauce sautéed with garlic for a full-bodied flavor.
Of course, Filipino dishes are on the menu, this time infused with culinary ideas from our neighboring countries. A case in point is the Fried Lapu-Lapu Mango Sauce that is crunchy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. This is layered with a special sweet mango sauce that provides a refreshing contrast to the savory fish yet still balances sweetness and acidity.
Rib & Bibs is the answer to barbecue cravings. Diners can have their fill of Daddy Back Ribs, Mommy Back Ribs, and Baby Back Ribs. They can pair these meat dishes with special side dishes, like buttered veggies, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw salad, sweet potato mash, tropical salsa, chili con carne, and either plain or java rice. Other items on the menu include pork steak, beef burger steak, Mumsie’s Angus Roast Beef, and Angus Rib-Eye.
Aside from the mouthwatering food, the other thing that catches the eye is the collection of framed old photographs that captures CDO’s beauty from the pre-20th century and early 1900s.
SM City Davao
The country’s largest city by land area got its first SM Supermall in November 2001 aptly called SM City Davao, located on Quimpo Boulevard in the Matina district. It was also the first SM Supermall in Mindanao. Today, it continues to attract mallgoers, notably foodies on the lookout for culinary standards and new finds.
Selera Sets, which is described as “a chill hangout place serving classic favorite Filipino dishes,” also highlights the various ways the city’s famous durian fruit can change the way cooked food tastes. For starters, there’s the restaurant’s new offering, Binagoongan sa Durian. It inevitably bursts with the right combination of sweetness that mixes well with their house blend shrimp paste. Another fascinating dish is Chili Clams with Fermented Durian, which has a blend of spiced durian paste, aromatics, and savory broth.
Fret not if you don’t fancy durian as there are more items in the Selera Sets’ menu that will surely excite your taste buds. How about some salad with suha (pomelo), another pride produce of the city? This will prepare you for the signature dishes that consist of meats slowly cooked to perfection, like kare kare, Pochero Bisaya, and bulalo.
Since Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps opened shop in 2013 to introduce the “deliciously messy” dining experience, the seafood restaurant has not only grown but also become sought-after. Its concept clicked with diners who enjoyed choosing items from a wide array of seafood that’s placed in a food-grade boiling bag and mixed with the signature Blue Posts Cajun Special sauces, along with corn cobs and other extras such as sausages and boiled potatoes. The diners can also choose their food’s level of spiciness, from regular and mild, to spicy hot. Then they can dig in, kamayan-style, to their hearts’ delight.
Other special dishes worth giving a try comprise the Captain’s Specials, such as Grilled Tuna Belly, Grilled Squid, Garlic Fried Lapu-Lapu, Kinilaw, Buttered Cereal Shrimps, and Pan Seared Salmon with Citrus Mango Salsa.
Out of Nowhere Kitchen takes pride in its wide array of exemplary food selections. Its signature boneless grilled chicken, for one, comes in seven flavors: Asian Grilled (infused with special sweet garlic barbecue sauce), Caribbean (mixed with herbs and chili spice sauce), Spicy Korean (blended with Korean chili and spices), Teriyaki (mixed with special soy sauce and sesame infused oil), OON Inasal (marinated in lemongrass ginger and garlic with sugarcane vinegar), Satay (mixture of spices blended with peanut sauce), and Tandoori (mixed with tandoori Indian spice).
SM Lanang
Davao’s second SM Supermall opened in September 2012, this time in Lanang district, thus the name SM Lanang. The positive response continues along with the improvements, including beefing up its roster of restaurants that cater to diverse culinary preferences.
The New Davao Famous Restaurant, also known simply as Davao Famous, proves that it knows how to please the diners’ palate with its more than 40 years of experience in the food industry. It just maintains the quality of the interesting mix of classic and contemporary Chinese cuisine that they serve.
Those dishes that diners keep coming back include Satemi with Siopao Pork Bola-bola, which is fresh miki noodles stir fried with flavorful sate sauce and choice meat. Additionally, there is Sweet and Sour Malasugue Fish and Battered Chicken. Each dish is made tastier with Davao Famous’ signature sauce tailor fit for every cooking style.
Tonalá, a city in Mexico known as a place where the sun comes out, is also the name of the restaurant serving Mexican cuisine here. It offers a wide array of gustatory delights from the familiar to the novel (for Filipinos, anyway).
The familiar ones, like churros, or sweet fritters sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with butterscotch and chocolate dips, underscore the strong Spanish connection between two former colonies. The same goes with empanada de pollo, or deep-fried chicken cream stew encased in butter pastry dough and served with salsa roja (red sauce), and Pollo de Arroz, which is a combo of Mexican rice with fried chicken in lime sauce.
Then there is the quintessential Mexican food, such as Soft Pollo Tacos (stuffed with fried boneless chicken and whipped with cheese and fajita sauces paired with pico de gallo) and its other variety, Birria Tacos (tendered beef wrapped in soft pan-fried tacos and complemented by birria consomme, or beef stock, and pico de gallo). Another one is Chicharones El Pollo de Guacamole, or fried chicken bacon served with avocado-based dip.
Those who favor Japanese cuisine will enjoy dining at Tsuru, which boasts of diverse offerings crafted by world-class homegrown chefs from Davao City. Who can resist the delicate yet flavorful Salmon Aburi Maki and Volcano Roll (deep-fried salmon rolled with teriyaki sauce, tamed by the spicy kick of the dynamite sauce). Add the Tantanmen, a savory, spicy ramen enriched by the combined natural tastes of pork broth, ground pork, noodles, and egg.
Fancy some New York City café vibe and tasty treats? The NYC (New Yummy Corner) Uptown gives you just that—and more! It elevates the fried chicken dining scene in the city with its famous unli-chicken wings that come in 13 signature flavors. Take your pick: garlic parmesan, salted egg, buffalo, hickory BBQ, teriyaki, sweet chili, Korean spicy, lemon glazed, hot and spicy, honey mustard, cheesy buffalo, lemon pepper, and savory pineapple.
Also worth trying out at NYC Uptown are its baby back ribs, which is crafted from premium quality meat and expertly seasoned to perfection, as well as its sausages, fish and chips, and chicken tenders. Just make sure to leave some space for dessert as the experience is never complete with a slice of New York-style cheesecake. Its rich, creamy texture atop a perfectly buttery graham cracker crust combine tangy and sweet flavors that capture the essence of classic NYC indulgence.
SM City General Santos
SM City General Santos (GenSan), which opened in August 2012, is the largest mall in its region of Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos). While there’s a wide of variety of food choices in the mall, GenSan’s primary produce, tuna, is still appreciated in the restaurants.
Robata Gensan’s Tuna Tataki Salad with Japanese Vinaigrette, for instance, uses fresh fish that is the seared and drizzled with a tangy Japanese vinaigrette. There’s also Robata Signature Roll, a vibrant fusion of tempura prawn, creamy avocado, cream cheese, and cucumber, all wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice with torched fresh salmon belly on top. Each roll is a bite-sized celebration of flavors and textures, crafted to perfection.
There are many other dishes to choose from: Robata Baby Back Ribs, a succulent symphony of tender meat that is marinated and grilled to perfection; and Seafood Ramen, with the freshest catch of the day nestled in a rich, umami-laden broth and topped with vibrant veggies and a perfectly cooked egg.
Then there’s Truffle and Cheese Mushroom Gyoza, where earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and aromatic truffle unite in a delightful dumpling and pan-fried to golden perfection.
Another must-try restaurant is Hao Chuan by Phela Grande, which specializes in Cantonese cuisine. Its signature dishes include Torta Foo Yong, a luscious blend of fluffy eggs, fresh vegetables, savory meats, and pickled mustard greens, topped with crushed nuts that are all harmoniously cooked to perfection.
Its Salted Egg Shrimp has plump, juicy shrimps coated in a rich, creamy salted egg yolk sauce. The combination of briny shrimp and the indulgent, savory sauce creates an irresistible flavor explosion. Additionally, there’s Hum Chai Pao steamed buns that are filled with a delightful mix of pickled mustard greens, braised pork belly, crushed nuts, and savory seasonings, offering a tangy and satisfying bite that is both unique and unforgettable.
SM City Mindpro
In 2020, SM Supermalls ventured with Mindpro Retail Inc. to open SM City Mindpro in Brgy. Zone III Poblacion in Zamboanga City. One of the mall’s attractions is the row of restaurants that highlights the abundance of marine produce in the Zamboanga Peninsula region and also gives the spotlight to other cuisines.
Abalone Seafood Restaurant is an institution in the food industry, having been established in 1984. Its owners spent countless hours in their modest kitchen perfecting the art of cooking abalone, a delicacy that would become the cornerstone of their culinary journey. Its success was marked by the modern outlet in SM City Mindpro and later on in SM CDO Uptown.
The menu features a wide array of seafood delicacies, carefully prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the ocean. Foremost on the list of signature dishes is the Golden Abalone, which is meticulously cooked to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and firmness. Next is the Fried Locon with Garlic, a dish that brings together the finest flavors of the sea with a savory, aromatic twist. It features plump, succulent locon (prawn), fried to golden perfection.
Then there’s Sautéed Sea Cucumber, a vibrant stir-fry, where each ingredient is cooked to perfection, including crisp broccoli, cauliflower florets and young corn. Earthy mushrooms and fresh sea cucumber pieces absorb the rich, savory sauce, perfectly complemented by the tender chicken and juicy shrimp, creating a delectable bite every time.
Not to be missed is the Steamed Lobster with Garden Salad, which features a whole lobster that’s steamed to perfection. This dish showcases the natural sweetness and tender texture of the lobster meat. The salad is tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the lobster, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Established in 2016, Casa Velyn is the result of a heartfelt collaboration spanning three generations. It presents a delightful fusion of Spanish, Filipino, and Chavacano influences, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the city. The focus is on homestyle cooking that brings a modern twist to traditional recipes while embracing contemporary flavors and techniques.
The list of its signature dishes is led by Paella Marinara, which features a vibrant medley of the freshest seafood, prepared to capture the rich, coastal flavors that are beloved by many. Saffron-infused rice serves as the foundation, which holds together the generous portions of succulent shrimp, tender calamari, plump mussels, and juicy clams, all sourced locally to ensure the highest quality and freshest taste.
Chavacano Dinuguan is a savory stew is made from tender cuts of pork, simmered in a savory blend of pork blood, vinegar, and spices. Chavacano Bopes, also known as picadillo, is crafted with tender beef lung, finely chopped and simmered in a savory soy-based sauce. This base is enriched with a medley of fresh vegetables, including radish and bell peppers, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nourishing. Bulalo Ala Eh is a traditional Filipino beef shank soup that pays homage to the culinary heritage of Batangas.
Pork Bilao is a generous platter brimming with a delightful assortment of dishes. At its heart is a delicious combination of savory fried shrimp, tender pork chorizo, and crispy fish fillet. The platter also includes fried bangus (milkfish), which is flaky and tender with a crispy exterior, and kropek (prawn crackers) for a satisfying crunch.
Turkish Grille Plus, which used to go by the name Dayi Shawarma, has been a beloved culinary destination in Zamboanga since 2016. The restaurant’s journey took an exciting turn when the Bud family of Basilan acquired it from a Turkish businessman. The new owners rebranded the restaurant into Turkish Grille Plus, reflecting their commitment to offering authentic Turkish meals with a unique Filipino twist.
Its signature dishes starts with Boneless Barbecue with Biryani Rice, a fusion of tender, perfectly grilled chicken and aromatic, flavorful rice. This dish features premium cherry-picked chicken, deboned to ensure a seamless dining experience. Accompanying the barbecue is a generous serving of biryani, a rice dish prepared with a blend of aromatic spice and complex flavors.
Kebab Beef with Biryani Rice is another crowd favorite. It brings together succulent marinated beef and aromatic rice in a satisfying and delicious combination. It features tender cubes of beef, expertly marinated in a rich blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings, grilled on a traditional doner machine.
Kebab Kofte with Biryani Rice features tender balls of minced beef turned into patties, seasoned with a blend of savory spices and herbs. These spiced beef patties are grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful kebab with a crispy exterior. The mixture of spices imparts a rich and aromatic depth to each bite, making the Kebab Kofte a standout on the menu.
