The Bistro: Elevating Davao Flavors Through Modern Gastronomy
The Bistro invites guests to experience its Kadayawan Learn and Dine Night. A one-night-only culinary and cultural showcase happening on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
With only a limited number of seats available, this exclusive diner promises an intimate setting, perfect for food enthusiasts, culture lovers, and festivalgoers who want to experience Kadayawan in a truly unique way.
As Davao celebrates the Kadayawan Festival this month. The season that honors the city’s indigenous roots, harvests, and cultural identity. Samal’s The Bistro offers a unique dining experience that embraces the spirit of the celebration.
More than just a feast, this event will take its guests on an exciting journey of gastronomy, storytelling, and culture. This year, the spotlight shines on the richness of Davao’s delicacies and traditions, reimagined for the modern table.
The Bistro Modern Flavor to be serve for you
At this table, guests will know the story behind each dish. Exploring how indigenous practices, local ingredients, and modern culinary techniques come together. Creating flavors that are both familiar and yet different. The evening will serve as a celebration of Davao’s bounty, from land to sea, from ancestral kitchens to contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of The Bistro’s Kadayawan Learn and Dine is a thoughtfully curated five-course menu, each dish crafted as a narrative of Davao’s culinary heritage:
Appetizer: Tres Alab
A bold opening inspired by Mindanao’s kinilaw traditions, featuring tuna cured in Tabon-tabon and Biasong Citrus, Malasugi with tart green mango and velvety coconut, and a final note of Malasugi with pomelo pearls and spiced oil. A harmony of acidity, freshness, and cultural roots.
Soup: Tiula Itum
A contemporary interpretation of the Tausug Classic: a slow-cooked chicken in a velvety sauce of burnt coconut, lemongrass, and native spices, enriched with black garlic oil. A dish of depth, heritage, and warmth.
Fish Course: Pasalubag by the Bay
A reimagined Mindanaoan inun-unan, this course pairs sesame-crusted malasugi with heirloom adlai rice and tangy soy-calamansi glaze, presented in a handcrafted pasalubong container. A modern culinary gift that celebrates coastal traditions.
Main Dish: Pastil ng Davao
A refined take on the well-loved pastil — tender Canadian ribeye confit wrapped in a fragrant rice parcel, served with banana leaf-infused chips for crunch. A union of tradition and modern craftsmanship.
Dessert: Durian Diwa
A luscious durian mousse shaped in homage to the “King of Fruits,” finished with Kadayawan-inspired hues and tropical accents. A sweet finale that honors Davao’s most iconic fruit with artistry and pride.
A story of Culture and Modern cuisine
What makes this dining experience unique is the interactive and educational elements it offers. Each course is not only served artistically, but also tells a story of its cultural significance, origins, and culinary process. Guests are invited to engage with their own stories behind the food, making the evening as enriching as it is indulgent
“We created this event to bring people closer to Davao. Davao has a lot to offer, from its culture, flavors, and people. Now, during Kadayawan, where everyone is celebrating Davao’s cultural roots. We thought that it would be the perfect time to tell the story of Davao’s heritage through its dishes, that are deeply rooted in culture yet presented with a fresh and modern perspective.” shared Discovery Samal’s Director of Food and Beverage, Mr. Jordan Tan.
Meanwhile with breathtaking views of Davao Gulf, The Bistro is located at Discovery Samal. It is one of Discovery Samal’s culinary centerpieces, offering a mix of international and locally inspired cuisine. Furthermore, it is known for its artistry in its dishes and commitment to using fresh and seasonal ingredients, The Bistro continuously redefines elevated dining on the island. It’s Learn and Dine stands as a testament to its vision, to celebrate culture through food while creating momentous experiences for all guests.
The Bistro goes beyond dining; it is a celebration of culture immersing its diner to enjoy the learning toward tradition and innovation. Celebrate Kadayawan at Discovery Samal’s The Bistro, where culture, flavor, and storytelling come together in one unforgettable evening.
The Bistro’s Kadayawan Learn and Dine will take place on August 30, 2025, from 6pm to 9pm at Discovery Samal. For reservations and inquiries, please contact fb@discoverysamal.com.
