Despite the evolving food scene in Davao and the
growing number of restaurants and food themes to choose from, it’s undeniable
that our palates would still crave for the familiar taste of traditional
Filipino dishes that truly remind us of home. Good to know that Bagoong Club, a new restaurant
emerging at the south part of the city, offers great Filipono comfort food and
a warm homey ambiance to welcome families and groups looking for unique
home-cooked dishes to celebrate with.
What used to be an ancestral residence along
University has been creatively converted into an inviting gastronomic
destination. It’s laid back interiors and interesting decorative pieces bring such
a nostalgic feeling that sort of reminds of special traditional family
celebrations.
Their menu has a wide array of dishes to choose
from – which includes the common Filipino dishes like Kare-kare and
Binagoongan. Just seeing the names of dishes with bagoong was already enough to
stimulate my intense appetite and craving for the famous condiment. However,
not all dishes on the menu are infused with bagoong so it’s safe to say that
even those who are allergic to bagoong still have a lot of options. Dishes are
prepared as soon as it is ordered so make sure you’re fine with 15-20 minutes
of waiting time. No need to worry though, as a complimentary treat of singkamas
(turnips) served with two kinds of bagoong – the Bagoong Pag-ibig (sweet
version) and the Bagoong Umaga (spicy version) makes the waiting time more
exciting.
One fascinating thing with Bagoong Club was how
they creatively innovated classic Filipino favorites like the Ukoy, which was
commonly served as a round fritter. But in Bagoong Club, their version was a
tower of goodness made out of sweet potato, carrots, crispy shrimps and beans,
that’s not greasy at all.
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| Ukoy Php 265.00 |
Street food fanatics will surely be delighted to see their favorites at Bagoong Club, but prepared in the most sanitary way possible. No need to be wary of indulging in street food.
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| Isaw Php 145.00 |
Bagoong lovers will truly enjoy these flavorful bagoong-infused traditional dishes to their heart's (and tummy's) content. These dishes just had the right tinge of saltiness that doesn't disappoint.
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| Bagoong Rice Php 190.00 |
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| Club Binagoongan Special Php 290.00 |
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| Traditional Kare-kare Php 490.00 |
Of course, almost all traditional Filipino restaurants definitely serve these classic favorites:
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| Crispy Pata Php 530.00 |
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| Crispy Pork Dinuguan |
Unlike the usual Dinuguan, Bagoong Club’s version
has crispy pork meat in it. Not only was it flavorful, but the crispy texture
of the pork meat added a different feel to the usual version.
The following dishes are what I considered to be heart-captivating for me that's worth coming back to Bagoong Club for over and over again. Not only that these dishes stood out because of their uniqueness, these are also flavorful and surprisingly incredible. Whoever thought of whipping out such dishes must have been a culinary genius!
From among the dishes served to us, the Mula Sa Puso was my most favorite. Behind the clever name was actually a sisig of banana blossoms. Still not believing it? This dish may be far away from the usual kind of sisig but it tastes similar. Plus the dip made out of mayonnaise and pig brain was a perfect match. The dip makes the flavor pop out, you'd crave for more.
Another surprising dish that stole the scene was this Pancit Inasal. Imagine two Filipino favorites - Inasal and Pancit - in one dish will surely blow you away. Two familiar flavors make a very good combination that it's already tummy-filling in itself.
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| Pancit Inasal Php 280.00 |
Another unique but sumptuous dish that's a best-seller as well is the Bulalo sa Monggo. This bone-marrow soup with monggo is so packed with flavor that it makes an exquisite impression.
Desserts and fresh fruit shakes are also available. Of course, any meal would not be complete without desserts and thirst-quenching drinks to complete your satiety.
Dishes are usually priced at P150.00 to P500.00 but it's quite reasonable considering that one serving could generously feed at least 2-3 persons. Service is commendable although it might take some time before food is served since most dishes are prepared as you order. The place is usually jam-packed, regardless of whether it is lunch or dinner, most especially during special occasions so be sure to make reservations ahead.
Have you tried Bagoong Club? Tell us what you think!
BAGOONG CLUB
123 University Ave. cor Talisay St.
Juna Subd. Davao City
(082) 298 - 5968
Opens 10 am - 10 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bagoong-Club-Davao/1216589611784796
