Savoring the South


 

A Food Journey from Zamboanguita to Dumaguete

 Welcome to my blog, where every bite tells a story and every stop is a new adventure! I'm here to share my food trips from the peaceful town of Zamboanguita all the way to the lively city of Dumaguete. Along the way, I discovered cozy cafés, beachside restaurants, and hidden gems serving everything from healthy meals to Korean BBQ.

Whether you’re a local, a traveler, or just someone who loves good food, I hope this helps you find new spots to try. From fresh smoothies and salads to cheesy pizzas and sweet desserts, there’s something here for every taste.

Let’s start the trip, one bite at a time!

 

Dream Beach Café – Big Portions, Great Prices, and a Beach View

Our first stop is Dream Beach Café, a relaxing spot with an amazing beach view and a menu filled with dishes from around the world. It’s the perfect place for groups or families because the servings are big, the prices are affordable, and the vibe is super chill.

We tried a little bit of everything, and each dish was full of flavor. For the main meals, we had:

  • Sinigang with pork and shrimp – a nice Filipino touch, sour and comforting
  • Beach Café Salad – light, fresh, and colorful
  • Carbonara and Schnitzel – creamy and crispy, a nice combo of Italian and German flavors
  • Calamares – crunchy and perfectly cooked
  • Chicken Fricassee – rich and savory
  • Chicken wings – flavorful with a good kick

To drink, we ordered fresh fruit juices, refreshing and perfect with the food. For dessert, we ended the meal with a classic mango float that was sweet, cold, and creamy, just what we needed.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy a variety of dishes while relaxing by the sea, Dream Beach Café is definitely worth a visit. Great food, great view, and great for sharing!



 

Tropika – Healthy and Delicious Food for Everyone

Next stop is Tropika, a place known for its healthy dishes and vegan-friendly options. They also serve fresh smoothies and juices that are perfect for a refreshing treat.

During my visit, I tried several dishes: the crispy chicken fingers, fresh Caesar salad, a tasty burger with real potato fries, and a delicious pizza. For dessert, I enjoyed their creamy blueberry cheesecake. To drink, I had fresh blueberry juice and tangy calamansi juice, both made with natural ingredients.

Tropika is a great spot if you want to eat well without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re into healthy meals or just want a fresh smoothie, this place has something for everyone.



 

Coffee Mokki Café – Café Along the Highway

A small but popular spot right along the highway. It’s owned by famous TikToker Diana Rantamaki, and just like her content, the food here is fun, flavorful, and affordable.

They serve nachos, fries, burgers, and shawarma, all packed with so much taste! Everything we tried was well-seasoned, and the portions were just right for a quick snack or even a light meal. It’s perfect if you’re on the go or just want something filling without spending too much.

For drinks, they offer fresh lemonade that’s super refreshing, plus different kinds of coffee for all you caffeine lovers out there. Whether you want something hot or cold, they’ve got you covered.

One cool thing about Coffee Mokki is that you can order through their page and have your food delivered straight to your home, super convenient!

If you're passing by or just craving some flavorful bites, Coffee Mokki Café is definitely worth a stop.



 

Infinity Diving Resort – Cozy Overnight Resort

If you’re looking for a place to relax, eat well, and enjoy the beach, here is the perfect spot. We stayed overnight and had a really good experience. The rooms were comfortable, and we got a good night’s sleep. They also have a nice swimming pool and a beautiful beach view, which made the stay even more relaxing.

In the morning, we had a free breakfast, which was a nice bonus. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, always ready to help with anything we needed.

We also got to enjoy their food and drinks, which were full of flavor. We tried:

  • Spicy buttered shrimp – rich, tasty, and perfectly cooked
  • Infinity garden salad – fresh and colorful
  • Carbonara – creamy and satisfying
  • Calamares – crispy and delicious
  • Fruit shakes – made fresh and super refreshing
  • And their cocktails, which they prepare live at the bar, fun to watch and even better to drink!

Whether you're staying overnight or just dropping by for food and drinks, Infinity Diving Resort offers a calm and relaxing vibe with food that’s worth the visit.

 



Finbar – Cozy Bamboo Vibes and Comfort Food

Next on our food trip is Finbar, a charming spot known for its bamboo-style building and peaceful, natural vibe. It’s a great place to chill, enjoy a quiet meal, and take in the simple, cozy surroundings.

We tried a few of their bestsellers:

  • Caesar salad – fresh and crisp, with a nice balance of dressing and crunch
  • Pizza with mozzarella – cheesy, flavorful, and cooked just right
  • Fresh potato fries with gravy – real potatoes, golden and crispy, made even better with their tasty gravy
  • Carrot cake – moist, sweet, and perfectly spiced—great with coffee or as a light dessert

If you’re looking for a relaxing place with good food and a nature-inspired setting, Finbar is a must-visit. It’s a simple spot with flavors that feel like home.


 


Soft Serve – Good Food, Cool Vibes, and a Fun Game of Pickleball

Our next stop is Soft Serve, a cute and cozy café located along the highway. It’s more than just a place to eat. Here, you can enjoy fresh, delicious food and even play pickleball before or after your meal!

We tried a mix of healthy and sweet dishes, and everything was fresh and full of flavor. On our table:

  • Sourdough with avocado and egg – simple, healthy, and satisfying
  • Garden salad with cranberries – light and refreshing with a nice fruity twist
  • Nachos and dips – cheesy, crunchy, and great for sharing
  • Mango crepe with Nutella – sweet, soft, and perfect for dessert
  • Gelato ice cream – cold, creamy, and super good
  • Coffee and mango shakes – both were refreshing and well-balanced

The owner was also kind enough to let us taste their new dish for free, Italian spaghetti with tomato sauce. It was classic and tasty, with a rich homemade flavor.

Soft Serve is a great stop if you want good food and something fun to do after, playing pickleball adds a nice, active twist to the visit!


 


Délices Bake House – Croissants and Coffee Along the Highway

If you’re craving authentic croissants and great coffee, Délices is the place to go. Located along the highway, this cozy café is known for its freshly baked croissants with different kinds of delicious fillings, made by a talented French chef.

We tried:

  • Nutella croissant – soft, flaky, and filled with rich Nutella
  • Croissant with pistachio ice cream – a fun and tasty twist, creamy and satisfying
  • Almond croissant – sweet, buttery, and perfectly baked
  • Strawberry filled croissant - very fruity and fresh
  • Chicken Salad croissant - meaty and healthy

Their coffee is also worth mentioning, strong, smooth, and the perfect match for their pastries.

If you’re a fan of French-style baked goods or just looking for a quick stop for coffee and a treat, Délices is definitely worth a visit.



 

Pearl Meat and Restaurant – My Favorite Samgyupsal Spot in Dumaguete

To end this food trip, I have to share my go-to place for samgyupsal in Dumaguete, Pearl Meat and Restaurant. It may not be unlimited, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it!

This is my favorite spot to enjoy Korean BBQ, especially when I'm with my partner. The short plate is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It comes with a variety of side dishes, fresh Korean salad, and all the things that make a samgyupsal meal so satisfying.

What makes this place even better is the Korean mart right beside the restaurant. If you're craving Korean food at home, you can buy ramen, noodles, sauces, and other Korean ingredients there.

If you're looking for a high-quality Korean BBQ experience in Dumaguete, Pearl Meat and Restaurant is a must-try.


 

If you’re craving authentic tastes and unforgettable moments, the road from Zamboanguita to Dumaguete is calling your name!

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