Mindanao is home to a lot of unique foods in the Philippines. Rooted in Spanish and Malay-Indo influences, it has become one of the main reasons why people visit many cities in Mindanao. People all over the Philippines go to Mindanao to try foods that people often overlook over other dishes in the Philippines. As a man from Mindanao myself, I can’t help but miss eating some of the foods I grew up eating with my family.

Also, as a Mindanaoan, I feel that the Young Pilipinas readers should experience tasting some of the following dishes at least once in their life. Food can be a gateway to many cultures. Trying Mindanao dishes can help people understand the rich culture of the people living there.

1. Sinuglaw

This dish is a variant of the well-known and popular Visayan-Mindanaoan Dish, Kinilaw. Sinuglaw got its name after two dishes, Kinilaw and Sinugba. This dish is prepared by mixing the Kinilaw, fresh fish, which is usually tuna, done ceviche-style with added cucumber and radish. While, Sinugba is Visayan for grilled pork, usually pork belly, over charcoal. This popular mix of two iconic dishes is served on beaches and the usual grilled fish and seaweeds. It is also traditionally served in cities near ports like General Santos City, though it is prevalent everywhere in Mindanao.

2. Satti

Satti is a Zamboangan dish that is similar to Malaysian Satay. It is meat, usually beef or chicken due to the Muslim culture, skewered and grilled and served with a sweet and spicy sauce and rice. What may surprise the people reading Young Pilipinas is that this savory meal is a popular breakfast dish.

3. Binaki

This snack is very popular with tourists in the Bukidnon area, which is one of the largest producers of corn in the Philippines. This delicacy comes from the word “baki” which means frog in Visayan. Despite the name, this is actually made from ground corn mixed with milk, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients. It is then steamed, then wrapped in a corn husk, and shaped in a form similar to tamales. Initially, it was shaped like a frog hence the name binaki.

4. Crocodile Sisig

Unlike the previous food on this list, this dish is exactly named as it is. Davao City is home to Davao Crocodile Park. Near said park, there is a restaurant that serves the now famous crocodile sisig. The crocodiles used in making this sisig are farm grown and are safe to eat. People who have tried this particular dish describe it as tasting like chicken sisig.

5. Pastil

To the readers of Young Pilipinas who are always on the go, this might be something you’d like to try. Another popular Muslim dish is a packed rice dish with dried chicken, beef, or fish wrapped in banana leaves. In most places in Mindanao, this dish is a quick pick-up food for people on the go. Nowadays, it has become well-known and popular that it has reached Metro Manila, and you can enjoy this dish in some spots in Quiapo.