Luz Kinilaw Place: Davao’s Best Ihawan

In anticipation of the travels that I am planning to do this year, I stumbled on some old pictures of my trips. One particularly interesting trip was the Davao Food Tour in 09. It was fun and I really want to go back. However, I realized there were other provinces to visit and I can’t keep going to just the same place. I need to have some variety, thus in the coming months you will see posts of my travels.

Visiting provinces in the Philippines is always a good experience. Believe me, this is not marketing speak. In my experience, and I am very picky during my travels, I have not been to a provincial city I didn’t like. Foreigners and Filipinos alike must realize that there is a lot of color and dazzle to life outside Manila. Multinationals are beginning to look at Davao and Cebu to bring to do business. Cost of living is much cheaper than in Manila. Compared to other Asian destinations, Philippine provincial cities have cheaper food and lodging, yet the basics of good business can also be found. We have 5-star hotels in almost all of our major cities. Food is an eclectic mix of Asian and European tastes, you can’t complain about not having anything decent to eat, if you know where to go. The secret to enjoying the islands is to be adventurous. Try new things and stop looking for 7-11 or McDonald’s. Our water is clean, our facilities complete and our service, superb.

This grilling restaurant in Davao is the perfect example. Foreigners come here very rarely because of the way it looks on the outside. No maître d’hôtel, no sous chef, no valets. Just a bunch of ladies in t-shirts fanning the coals while you wait for your orders. It is weird how these foreigners are constantly afraid of eating unfamiliar food. That is how you will be familiar with the local cuisine, you have to try it. Luz Kinilaw is a good place to learn how to eat raw fish. Their tuna is so good and is fresh, not frozen like the ones fancy Manila restaurants serve. You will taste the difference.

The acidity of the vinegar and other spices will literally “cook” the tuna. If you are craving for something grilled, there’s chicken (native), tuna (this is their specialty) and other seafood. I liked their grilled squid.

Bottomline, you will not spend an arm and a leg for a filling and delicious meal. I ate here last 09 and I spent no more than P500 pesos, including take out. I don’t know exactly where this is in Davao city but I am 100% sure, all cab drivers know where it is.