When the sun sets over Davao City, something special starts to happen along Roxas Avenue. While most parts of the city begin to quiet down, one particular stretch of road wakes up with energy, color, and mouthwatering smells. This is the Roxas Night Market — a local hotspot where food, fashion, culture, and community meet under the night sky.
This isn’t just any night market. For locals, it’s a part of daily life. For tourists, it’s an unforgettable experience that offers a taste of Davao’s authentic street culture. Whether you’re hungry for grilled street food, hunting for cheap fashion finds, or simply looking to people-watch, Roxas Night Market offers something for everyone. Roxas Night Market
What Is Roxas Night Market?
Roxas Night Market is an open-air night market located in the heart of Davao City along Roxas Avenue. It opens daily after sunset, usually around 6 PM, and operates until late at night, depending on the crowd and the weather. The market stretches along a blocked-off road and transforms the area into a lively walking strip filled with food vendors, ukay-ukay sellers, and souvenir stalls.
The market is divided into sections. One end features grilled food and snacks, another section offers massage services, and further down, you’ll find secondhand clothes, fashion accessories, and souvenir stalls. Everything is arranged in a straight line, making it easy to explore from one end to the other.
The Food Scene: Grilled, Fried, and Full of Flavor
The main attraction of Roxas Night Market is its wide range of street food. When you enter the market, the smell of barbecue immediately pulls you in. Stalls are lined up side by side, each with their own grill full of meat skewers, chicken wings, and seafood. Most vendors display their options on trays, letting you pick exactly what you want before grilling them fresh on the spot.
Here are some of the most popular foods you’ll find:
Chicken and Pork Barbecue – A Filipino classic, marinated in sweet and savory sauce, grilled until juicy and slightly charred.
Isaw and Betamax – Grilled chicken intestines and coagulated blood cubes, surprisingly tasty for the adventurous eater.
Grilled Squid and Tuna Belly – Fresh from Davao’s coastal waters, often served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
Kwek-kwek and Fish Balls – Deep-fried street snacks coated in orange batter, paired with sweet or spicy sauces.
Halo-Halo and Ice Scramble – Cold, sweet treats that help beat the heat after all the grilled food.
Durian Desserts – From durian candy to durian coffee and ice cream, there’s no shortage of this local fruit’s unique flavor.
Most food items are affordable, priced between 10 to 100 pesos, so you can sample a variety without spending too much. The dining area is simple — plastic tables and monobloc chairs under tents — but that’s part of the charm. People sit, eat, and laugh together, whether they’re students, families, or foreign visitors.
Ukay-Ukay and Night Market Finds
Beyond the food stalls, Roxas Night Market is also famous for its ukay-ukay section — a Filipino term for secondhand clothing. For fashion hunters and budget shoppers, this is a paradise. You can find branded jeans, jackets, dresses, and shoes at incredibly low prices. Some items are as cheap as 50 pesos, and with a little bargaining, you might score big.
In addition to clothing, there are also stalls selling:
Mobile phone accessories
Wallets and bags
Keychains and magnets for souvenirs
Handmade jewelry
Cosmetic products
Watches and trinkets
Vendors are friendly and used to both local and international customers, so don’t be shy to ask questions or negotiate prices.
Safety, Cleanliness, and Order
One thing that makes Roxas Night Market stand out is how organized and secure it is. Unlike many night markets in other parts of the world, Roxas is known for its discipline and safety. The local government of Davao City, under strict city ordinances, enforces rules like:
No smoking and no drinking alcohol
Proper trash disposal
Regulated vendor permits
Security patrols and CCTV monitoring
There are uniformed security personnel present throughout the night to make sure everyone follows the rules. Visitors, including women and children, feel safe walking and eating even late at night.
Who Goes to Roxas Night Market?
You’ll meet all kinds of people at Roxas Night Market. It’s popular with students from nearby universities, office workers relaxing after a long day, local families spending time together, and tourists exploring Davao’s culture. Even solo travelers find it welcoming, as the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming.
It’s also a favorite spot for vloggers and social media influencers who want to showcase Davao’s vibrant street life. The mix of food, fashion, and friendly faces makes it an ideal location for content creators.
Tips Before You Visit
If it’s your first time visiting, here are a few helpful tips:
Bring cash – Most vendors do not accept digital payments like GCash or credit cards.
Come early – The crowd gets thicker around 7 PM. Arriving early gives you better food options and seats.
Dress comfortably – It can get hot and crowded, so light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Watch your belongings – While the area is safe, it’s always good to stay alert in crowded places.
Try something new – Don’t just stick to what you know. Take a bite of isaw or a sip of durian shake for the full local experience.
Final Thoughts
Roxas Night Market isn’t just a place to eat or shop — it’s a community space where the culture of Davao truly comes alive. It’s noisy, a little chaotic, and filled with smoke from the grill. But it’s also friendly, exciting, and full of heart.
Whether you’re a local looking for comfort food or a traveler searching for a real slice of Filipino street life, Roxas Night Market offers a night you won’t forget.
When in Davao, don’t miss it. Because the real flavor of the city? It starts after dark, right there on Roxas Avenue.
