When the sun goes down in Davao City, a different kind of life begins to stir on Roxas Avenue. Lights flicker on, grills begin to smoke, and the sweet, smoky aroma of local delicacies fills the evening air. Welcome to Roxas Night Market, one of the most vibrant and beloved destinations in the city.
This open-air night market isn’t just a place to grab dinner. It’s a cultural melting pot where locals and tourists meet, a place where flavors, stories, and lifestyles come together. Known for its street food, budget shopping, and festive atmosphere, Roxas Night Market is considered a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Davao beyond the usual tourist spots.
The Transformation of Roxas Avenue
By day, Roxas Avenue is a busy street in the city center. But once night falls, especially around 5:00 PM, the street transforms. Vendors begin to set up their stalls, each one carefully organized and neatly arranged under colorful tents. By 6:00 PM, the entire street has turned into a buzzing pedestrian-only zone filled with food stalls, merchandise booths, and rows of massage chairs for those who want to unwind.
The night market spans several blocks and operates every night, weather permitting. It has become a tradition, a part of Davao City’s identity, and a community hub where people of all ages gather.
An Explosion of Flavors: What to Eat at Roxas Night Market
The food selection at Roxas Night Market is one of its biggest attractions. You won’t find gourmet dining here, but that’s the beauty of it. What you will find is authentic Filipino street food, lovingly prepared by locals and served fresh off the grill or fryer.
Some of the most popular dishes include:
Grilled chicken, pork barbecue, and other skewers cooked to smoky perfection
Fresh seafood such as grilled squid and tuna belly
Local favorites like isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), and betamax (grilled coagulated chicken blood)
Balut, the famous fertilized duck egg that is a rite of passage for adventurous eaters
Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), rice meals, and noodle dishes like pancit and bihon
Cooling desserts like halo-halo, buko shakes, and mango float in cups
For durian lovers, this is one of the best places to try durian candy, durian ice cream, or even fresh durian by the slice. The variety is overwhelming, and everything is very affordable, making it easy to try something new without spending too much.
Beyond the Food: Shopping and Services
Roxas Night Market is also a haven for bargain hunters. The non-food section is filled with stalls selling clothes, footwear, cellphone accessories, watches, wallets, caps, handmade jewelry, and even cosmetics. Many of these items are priced lower than what you’d find in malls, and haggling is part of the fun.
There are also massage services available right in the middle of the market. Professional masseurs offer full-body or foot massages in reclining chairs, providing a relaxing escape from the busy crowd. The gentle background music and cool night breeze create a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere amid the lively chaos.
Community, Culture, and Safety
The market isn’t just about commerce; it’s a community space. Students, workers, tourists, and entire families come here not only to eat and shop but also to socialize and unwind. The place is always filled with chatter, laughter, and music—proof that the night market is deeply woven into the city’s social fabric.
After its temporary closure in 2016 due to a tragic bombing, Roxas Night Market came back stronger, with improved security and better organization. Today, it’s one of the safest and cleanest street markets in the Philippines. Police officers and security personnel patrol the area, and the vendors strictly follow sanitation rules. Trash bins are placed around the market, and cleanliness is regularly monitored by the city government.
This sense of order and community pride makes the experience more enjoyable, especially for first-time visitors.
Best Time to Visit Roxas Night Market
The market officially opens around 5:00 PM, but most of the food stalls are ready to serve by 6:00 PM. The crowd typically peaks between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. If you want to avoid long lines, coming early is a good idea. But if you enjoy the full market vibe with more people and live energy, prime time is definitely the way to go.
It’s also best to bring small bills and coins for easier transactions. There are no ATMs on-site, so it’s ideal to come prepared with enough cash.
Why Roxas Night Market Is a Must-Visit
Whether you’re a Davaoeño looking for a quick and satisfying dinner or a traveler eager to explore local culture, Roxas Night Market has something for everyone. It reflects the heart of the city: simple, warm, flavorful, and full of life.
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the best of Davao. All you need is an appetite for food, adventure, and a bit of curiosity. Roxas Night Market will take care of the rest.
