A rainy Dampa afternoon
The Filipino word “dampa” means hut or shanty. Normally a hut that is located inland is called “kubo”. However if the same kubo is built beside the ocean, it is called “dampa”. A dampa is built on bamboo stilts strong enough to withstand the currents. Dampa is also the name of one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the Metro today. One holiday ago, I brought Noreen and my uncle to the Dampa seafood restaurant in Farmer’s Market, Cubao, QC. There is no doubt about it, Dampa serves only the freshest seafood at the right price.
See how happy my Tito Udol is? Balikbayans (returning residents) love going to this place because they have the choice of either buying from the wide selection of seafood or going into the adjacent market and buying and selecting the freshest catch yourself. All the food stalls at the Dampa accept paluto service (this means they will cook the food you buy from the market according to your specifications), except for Andok’s whose roasted chicken is a big hit with the Dampa regulars.
Ninang Lyn, do you want to know what we had? Our plates were overflowing with goodness. Just look at what we ordered:
Large FAT crabs with oozing aligue or crab fat. Three large pieces in one order costs P300.00 (US$6.25) only.
This one was cooked in chili sauce.
Crispy battered spinach leaves. Good as appetizers.
A plateful is only P65.00 (US$1.35), and is good for three or four people. It comes with a ranch-flavored dip.
Seen here is crispy pata (deep-fried whole pork leg) at P289 (US$6.10) per order, chicken adobo (in the middle) which was only P75 (US$1.60) and bulalo (boiled beef with marrow) and was only sold for P140 a bowl (US$3.00).
Prawns in chili sauce were only P100 (US$2.80) for every order of five prawns.
The crispy pata up close…
And very very personal.
At P140.00 (US$2.017) per order, you get to enjoy both the meat and the softened tendon!
Noreen’s favorite, the grilled squid. Only P80.00 (US$1.67)
The sinigang na salmon (salmon cooked in sour broth) was very very good. Only 140.00 (US$3.00).
They serve Sisig (pork ears marinated and cooked) in a sizzling plate for only P85.00 (US$1.78).
My special thanks to Mr. Jun Castillo, manager of Dampa in Farmer’s Market for the wonderful tour and service he gave me. So the next time you’re in the mood to go seafood, try Dampa. It won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Comments
Comment from Arpee
Time: October 5, 2008, 11:32 pm
to cielo: it’s a nice place to bring the whole family simply because it’s not so expensive. incidentally, there are airconditioned rooms equipped with videoke where you can dine and sing your heart out in the privacy of your own space. i think it’s only 300 pesos for two hours, with each room able to accommodate 20 diners or so. thanks for visiting my blog!
Comment from alma buenviaje
Time: October 6, 2008, 4:15 pm
ang sarap ng post na to…lahat ng food pics, mukhang masarap…grabe nagutom kaya ako…
Comment from Arpee
Time: October 7, 2008, 5:43 pm
to alma: we should eat here one of these days. parang plurkfiesta!
Comment from bellestar
Time: October 7, 2008, 6:03 pm
what’s also good about this dampa is that they offer function rooms upstairs with videoke machines for rent– it’s perfect for birthdays etc. this post makes me want to go now to farmers market to eat! yumyum!
Comment from fides flores-carlos
Time: October 7, 2008, 6:36 pm
Hi arpee! this post is really a treat! nakakatakam. nakakagutom! when mommy gets better, we’ll suely try this out. maraming salamat sa inspiration! ako pa rin, ate fides
Comment from jencc
Time: October 7, 2008, 9:56 pm
grabe, arpee, you got me craving there!!
Comment from Badet
Time: October 8, 2008, 3:37 pm
I prefer eating out at Dampa, Paranaque or Palutuan along Diosdado Macapagal especially Aling Tonya’s. My experience with Dampa in Farmers Market ain’t that good. It seems that what they served us are the ones pre-cooked already even though we bought our seafoods fresh.
Comment from Arpee
Time: October 8, 2008, 11:08 pm
to bellestar: the function rooms are great for large gatherings. will definitely come back for my birthday.
to ate fides: tama! sama ako ha?
to jencc: stop craving, go grab your fill and bring the hubby and kids along!
to badet: sorry to hear about your experience. i’m sure if you try it again, things will be very different. the manager in the picture is mr. jun castillo, look for him when you visit the place and he will ensure that you and your family will have a great dining experience. thanks for visiting my blog!
Comment from ayi
Time: October 9, 2008, 12:41 am
hay….tulo-laway na naman ako sa mga foods mo …tsk..tsk…like ko na umuwi to eat all
that..yum,yum…nakakagutom talaga.
Comment from dyosa
Time: October 9, 2008, 5:34 am
I was just mesmerized by the Crispy Pata. My super favorite. Wonderful food shots you got there. 
Comment from Joie
Time: November 1, 2008, 10:42 pm
Hi, Sir Jun! Kala namin pagkain pa ang last picture…yung manager na pala! he he he! How are you na? Tumaba kana po…..you look good and you seem to be enjoying your job….good for you……..goodluck!
Hope we could visit your place and taste the yummy foods there…..
Regards to all poh……………..
Comment from nona
Time: November 27, 2008, 4:48 pm
Thanks for sharing your food experience at Dampa Farmers. The food look great and cheap according to your prices. We are planning to visit the place any time. I think this place has a wide variety of fresh seafoods, pork, meat & chicken especially so if you’ll do your marketing at their main market. Unlike in Dampa sa Libis though the food is ok, the stalls of seafood is very few. Thanks for sharing!
Comment from cielo
Time: October 5, 2008, 9:50 pm
Oh mY Gulay, from a simple lurker here, here I am commenting kasi sobra akong nagutom sa post na ito…pag nagvacation ang aking OFW hubby we will surely go to Dampa for that overflowing goodness gracious great food….