Desa Tayting
Where to eat in Zamboanga City: Dennis Coffee Garden
When in Zamboanga City, Dennis Coffee is your go-to place for no-frills, authentic, and affordable Tausug pastries, dishes, and coffee. It centers not just on food and taste but, more importantly, on every guest’s overall experience of genuine Tausug hospitality.
Guests are received at this airy area
Dennis Coffee Garden, formerly called Omar’s Place, first opened in Jolo, Sulu. The humble cafe started by serving Kahawa Sug, or the native Sulu coffee. Since its establishment in 1962, the cafe has advocated for sustainability, youth and women’s empowerment, and inclusivity, which is another reason to support them.
Feels Like Home
We went during one lunchtime at one of its four branches – Dennis Coffee Garden on San Jose Road. They also have branches in KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Yubenco in Tetuan, and Southern Heights in La Paz.
The branch we visited looks like a house. It has a spacious reception area with high ceilings, where we were approached by one of their friendly staff. His warmth immediately told us that everyone is very welcome at the restaurant – whether you are just seeking a satisfying meal or maybe for an interesting dish that you haven’t tried before.
The whole restaurant is adorned with locally-made displays and beautiful paintings. We were asked where we wanted to sit because this branch is pretty big, with a second floor, an air-conditioned area on the ground floor, and outdoor seating with plants and vibrant ceiling decor.
Experience the Tausug food culture
We ordered rice meals for lunch, Beef Kulma and Chicken Pianggang, two of the most popular dishes on the menu.
In some parts of Mindanao, Beef Kulma is also known as Kurma, which is basically beef curry stew. It is composed of tender beef cubes with a flavor-rich sauce made of tomato sauce, peanuts, curry, and coconut milk. It’s complex, but it’s the great kind. For curry lovers, Kulma will still surprise you with its bold Tausug touch.
Another Mindanaoan pride is the interesting Chicken Pianggang, or simply the Blackened Coconut Grilled Chicken. If you are not familiar with this delectable dish yet, imagine Chicken Inasal or barbeque stewed in burnt coconut milk curry and also made more aromatic with lemongrass, ginger, onion, and chilies.
Of course, we also had to get what Dennis Coffee Garden is known for – a cup of hot and good Kahawa Sug, complemented with various Tausug delicacies for as low as P80 each. If you can’t choose which one among the list, get the Bangbang Sug bundle with your friends and family so you can try samples of its different kinds. The bundle already comes with three cups of native coffee.
My favorites among all are Biyaki, or steamed, grated sweet corn wrapped in corn husks, and Pitis, or glutinous rice flour with sweet coconut wrapped in banana leaves. Aside from these, Satti Ayam (skewered chicken in sauce), Daral (crepe with sweet coconut filling), and Pastil are also enjoyable food items as well.
With a heavy Malay, Arab, and Spanish influence that brings rich, bold flavors, it is really for a traveler who wants to complete the Mindanao experience. Dennis Coffee Garden is for guests who want to immerse themselves in authentic Tausug food culture.
Dennis Coffee Garden
Various branches in Zamboanga City
https://www.instagram.com/denniscoffeegarden/
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