If you ever find yourself in Davao City, Philippines, you can’t miss the famous Roxas Night Market. Packed with sizzling grills, colorful stalls, and the scent of smoky flavors in the air, this market is a street food lover’s paradise.
Looking for the best food Roxas night market has to offer? Here’s a guide to the must-try eats that locals and tourists crave.
Chicken Isaw: A Filipino Favorite
Nothing screams Filipino street food more than chicken isaw — grilled chicken intestines marinated and char-grilled to perfection.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Smoky and slightly crispy
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Dipped in spicy vinegar sauce
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Affordable and addicting
Tip: Choose the slightly charred ones for that extra crunch!
Grilled Squid: Tender and Flavorful
Freshly caught and straight to the grill, grilled squid is a top pick for seafood lovers.
What to Expect:
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Tender texture, not rubbery
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Brushed with sweet-savory sauce
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Often served whole with spicy vinegar dip
This is a must-try for anyone wanting a taste of Davao’s coastal bounty.
Barbecue Davao Style: Sweet and Savory
If there’s one thing that defines barbecue Davao, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
Top picks:
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Pork barbecue
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Chicken wings and thighs
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Pork belly strips (liempo)
Make sure to pair it with hanging rice (“puso”) for the full Filipino experience.
Kwek-Kwek: The Street Classic
Bright orange and crunchy on the outside, soft and savory inside — that’s kwek-kwek!
Quick Facts:
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Quail eggs coated in orange batter
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Deep-fried and served with spicy vinegar or sweet sauce
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A favorite merienda snack among locals
You’ll find kwek-kwek sold from cute pushcarts all over the market. Food as a cultural symbol
Durian Ice Cream: A Bold Dessert
Davao is the land of durian, and the market brings it to dessert form with durian ice cream.
Taste profile:
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Rich and creamy texture
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Sweet with that unmistakable durian aroma
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Best eaten fresh at the market to enjoy the chill
Even if you’re unsure about durian, this is a sweet way to try it!
Turon: Sweet Banana Delight
For a safer, more familiar dessert, grab a stick of turon — deep-fried caramelized bananas wrapped in crispy spring roll wrappers.
Why it’s a crowd favorite:
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Crunchy outside, soft and sweet inside
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Sometimes filled with jackfruit for extra flavor
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Perfect for an easy walking snack
Turon is a staple for every Filipino’s sweet tooth cravings.
Halo-Halo: Beat the Heat
Cool down with a tall cup of halo-halo, especially during Davao’s humid nights.
What’s inside:
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Crushed ice, ube (purple yam), leche flan, sweetened beans, and fruits
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Topped with evaporated milk and sometimes ice cream
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Each bite is a refreshing mix of textures and flavors
It’s the ultimate Pinoy dessert for market goers.
Street Shawarma: Middle Eastern Twist
Not everything is purely Filipino — you’ll find delicious street shawarma stands too!
Why try it:
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Thinly sliced beef or chicken wrapped in pita
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Packed with garlic sauce, veggies, and spices
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Affordable and satisfying, perfect for late-night cravings
Street shawarma is gaining huge popularity at Roxas Market!
BBQ Chicken Skin: The Crispy Addiction
BBQ chicken skin is pure indulgence — crispy, smoky, and full of flavor.
Reasons to grab it:
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Perfectly grilled and crackling
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Best eaten freshly cooked
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Often sold by the stick at a super cheap price
Locals swear by it as the ultimate beer match (“pulutan”).
Davao Desserts: Sweet Local Treasures
Round off your night with local Davao desserts that are unique and proudly Mindanaoan.
Must-try treats:
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Mangosteen candies
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Durian candies
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Coco jam and fruit preserves
Bring some home as edible souvenirs!
Tips for Enjoying the Best Food Roxas Night Market
Before you dive into the food trip of your life, remember:
✔️ Bring small cash for quick transactions
✔️ Go early (before 7:00 PM) to avoid long lines
✔️ Try a little of everything — sharing is caring!
✔️ Respect market cleanliness policies — dispose of trash properly
✔️ Watch for fresh grill batches — hot-off-the-grill always tastes better
And of course, don’t leave without trying at least three of these delicious street foods.
Final Bite
When it comes to flavor, fun, and Filipino culture, the best food Roxas night market offers delivers like no other. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, there’s always a new taste waiting for you.
From chicken isaw to Davao desserts, the next great bite is just a few steps away under the night lights of Roxas Market.
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