I actually don’t remember how we discovered Café Andessa, just that we tried it once and instantly fell in love with the quaint ambiance and the good food made up of Filipino and Asian fare. The place is a little off the beaten path, located in an assuming road in a predominantly residential area thus parking is no problem with a couple of spaces in front and a vacant lot on the side.
I was not able to eat there during my 2010 trip to Davao because of the rolling black outs at that time coinciding with the one meal we were scheduled to eat there. This time I made it a point to definitely make it there.
We started off with their popular Kalye Salad (P85), which is made up of green mangoes, tomatoes, onions, salted egg, eggplant and spicy bagoong. Mix it up and you get a crunchy appetizer with sweet and sour hints then finished with a spicy kick from the bagoong. This got my appetite going, as if it ever stops.
Native Chicken Tinola (P145). Lauren’s special request. Native chicken is far superior in terms of taste compared to broiler chicken that its not even fair. I was not a believer before until I tried ordering one of each from a barbecue restaurant, and from then on have always ordered native chicken if available. The soup had a strong ginger flavor that is very soothing.
Chicken Andesa (P145).Their version of the chicken barbecue served with a siding of java rice. This is usually served on a hot plate but we requested them to serve it in an ordinary plate instead,not wanted the dish to be overcooked. The chicken was perfectly glazed and grilled with slight charring only keeping the meat juicy.
Ginataang Adobo (P115). I’ve actually never ordered this before so I bravely tried it since Lauren had already picked the Chicken Andesa. Despite the presence of the chilis on top, the dish was just a little spicy which complimented the coconut milk perfectly leading me to overeat on rice a bit. The breast pieces were not as tender as I wanted them to be.
Laing (P85). This is a recipe from the mother of the owners that their friends would always request it. The gabi leaves were very soft and absorbed the coconut milk perfectly and with a moderate spicy flavor. The best we’ve tasted in Davao.
Pinoy Fruit Mix (P80). A mix of macapuno, langka, papaya, pineapple, sago and pineapple jelly topped with vanilla ice cream. It looks and eats like a fruit halo-halo. A frosty dessert to end the nice meal.
If you ever visit Davao, I highly recommend a meal at Café Andesa. Great ambiance, good food at so very affordable prices too, what more do you need.
Café Andessa
2 Cabantian Road, Carpio Subdivision,
Buhangin, Davao City
302.9314
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I agree. Cafe Andessa is one of the best restaurants in Davao. I think if more people get to experience their quality culinary offerings then more people will be flocking here. I will definitely try this out again – highly recommended!