Whether we are talking about fashion, music or food, nothing beats the classics. More often than not, the fresh and hip trends are derived from what is thought to be the “good and old”. And this certainly holds true in Dumaguete especially when it comes to food. From being a relatively small city known to be a university town, the place has earned yet another title as a thriving food town.
It’s amazing that through the years, small food stalls, big restaurant chains, local cafes, coffee shops and diners have been popping like daisies. The city is now one of the most diverse culinary melting pots in the country and perhaps the world. And I’m sure the “gentle people” couldn’t be any prouder of what their humble city has become. However, if we take a step back in history and revisit the city’s glorious and tasty path, there is that one food place that started it all. It is a place that is truly a Dumaguete Classic and it’s none other than the Lee Plaza Food Avenue.
So here’s a fun fact, Lee Super Plaza is one of the city’s first ever department stores that came with its very own food court. The 4 story building located at the heart of the city was a symbol of progress and development. To the 80s and 90s kids like us in Food Trip Dumaguete, the place is where we had most of our fun memories with family and friends, and it’s probably where we had our very first food trip.
The food avenue then and now still attracts so many patrons from different walks of life, but here are some of the stellar dishes that stand out and form part of our top picks.
Mr. Lee Dimsum
I think we all agree that the best siomai in town is found here at Mr. Lee Dimsum. You can choose from a wide array of flavors, such as original pork siomai to the ones decked with mushrooms, quail eggs and a lot more. Also we firmly believe that somehow the popular “rice toppings” dishes served in almost every resto in the city originated here because there is no other steamed rice like that of Lee Dimsum as well. Their rice comes with pork, chicken and beef toppings too. To cap off their meals, they offer a wide variety of native desserts or “kakanin” like kuchinta, sapin-sapin, malagkit balls, palitaw and maha blanca. And the best part is that you can get all of these delicious patriotic treats in one “bilao” platter.
City Burger
The famous city grilled chicken with the sweet and spellbinding sauce is also sold in the Food Avenue. We are talking about the City Burger Chicken with its signature sauce that keeps people coming back for more and more and more. The mouthwatering dish comes with unlimited rice and it is paired perfectly with the guilty pleasure called “fried chicken skin”. Apart from the grilled barbecue chicken, their grilled pork chop is also a treat for the tummy. And do not forget to end your meal with their light yet creamy leche flan.
McNeloy’s and Alex Pizzeria
Another restaurant that has Dumaguete written all over it is the good old McNeloy’s. They pride themselves of their specialty burgers that is packed with a little extra surprise in every bite. And right next to it is Alex Pizzeria where you can find fancy yet affordable Italian pizzas with different flavors and seasoning.
Cafe Icelandia
Here is yet again another first in the city, Cafe Icelandia! It is one of the first ice cream parlors in Dumaguete. The name of the store sounds like it was taken out from a fairytale and true to its name this is the place where all your ice cream dreams and sweet fantasies come true! From the delectable parfaits, creamy halo-halo and oh so good banana split, this stall has got your sweet tooth covered.
Tunami
When eating at Tunami, one has to harness their inner ninja because it will take great skill and discipline in eating overflowing and unlimited sushi and maki! Yup you heard that right, unlimited sushi and maki because they offer an eat all you can buffet of these popular Japanese cuisines every weekends. This came as a surprise to us because we did not know that there is another place in town that serves Eat All You Can Japanese food, but what a pleasant discovery indeed.
Casa Ilongga and Pasta & Noodle Station
Casa Ilongga is perhaps one of the newer stalls in the Food Avenue, but it has definitely gained the patronage of mostly families who just want to eat out over home cooked style kind of meals. The best seller of the place is their La Paz Batchoy and our personal favorite it their sisig. Right beside the Casa is also the Pasta & Noodle Station who also happens to pride itself of its batchoy and mami goodness. Truly , these stalls are the go to for foodtrippers looking for comfort food.
RJ Food To Go, Ang Kusina, House Recipe
For the hard working students of this unitown, the Food Avenue also offers some of the most affordable value meals. For as low as P50 to P100, students can buy sumptuous value meals at RJ Food To Go, and make sure to try their own take of the yemma cake bursting with sweetness. The House Recipe also offers value meals at the same price range and present their own sweet treat the moist chocolate cake. Another stall that caters to the student populace is the Ang Kusina with a wide variety of home style cooked meals as well. They also serve everyone’s favorite chicken inasal. And almost all of the value meals offer a free glass of iced tea for each deal.
There is indeed a treat for everyone in the Lee Plaza Food Avenue. If it has been a while since you last visited the place, we encourage you and everyone to take a trip down memory lane, relive the memories of the good old city before the hustle and bustle. Treat that palate of yours with the better and bolder flavors of the dishes of the Lee Plaza Food Avenue and enjoy the taste of the Dumaguete Classics once more.
Food Trip Dumaguete 