General Santos City, fondly known as GenSan, is famous not only for its rich cultural heritage and world-class athletes but also for its incredible culinary scene. Whether you’re dining at a seafood restaurant like Gusteau’s Crab Hauz or enjoying the hearty Filipino dishes offered in various local spots, GenSan’s food culture offers something for every palate. Be it a hearty meal at restaurants or budget meals along the streets, you are assured of a wide selection of good food to eat.
Known for fresh crab dishes, pasta dishes, and iconic meals like pork sisig, the city presents a diverse array of flavors that promise to delight both locals and visitors. The relaxing atmosphere of GenSan’s dining spaces, paired with its flavorful offerings, creates a perfect backdrop for unforgettable meals.
Surrounded by the shores of Sarangani Bay and lush farmlands that offer bountiful marine and agricultural harvests, GenSan provides a gastronomic experience that is as diverse as it is flavorful. Whether you are a local or a traveler eager to explore fresh, bold, and hearty flavors of the region, the iconic dishes of GenSan promise an unforgettable feast for the senses. Here is a curated guide to some delicacies you simply cannot miss.
Famous and Best Foods to try in Gensan: A Curated Guide to Iconic Local Delicacies
General Santos City, fondly known as GenSan, is famous not only for its rich cultural heritage and world-class athletes but also for its incredible culinary scene. Surrounded by the shores of Sarangani Bay and lush farmlands that offer bountiful marine and agricultural harvests, GenSan offers a gastronomic experience that is as diverse as it flavorful.
Whether you are a local or a traveler eager to explore fresh, bold, and hearty flavors of the region, the iconic dishes of GenSan promise an unforgettable feast for the senses. Here is a curated guide to some delicacies you simply cannot miss.
Sashimi and grilled tuna
GenSan is renowned for its fresh produce, as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Locally caught varieties, particularly the yellowfin tuna, are served in various forms. Sashimi, thinly sliced raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi, is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. Additionally, grilled tuna belly is a popular dish, marinated and char-grilled to perfection, showcasing rich, savory flavors.
To prepare sashimi, start by ensuring you have high-quality, sushi-grade yellowfin tuna. Slice the fish into thin, even pieces about a quarter-inch thick and arrange them on a plate. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
For grilled tuna, marinate tuna steaks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high and grill the marinated tuna steaks for about three to five minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Allow the tuna to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tuna panga (Tuna jaw)
Another delectable way to enjoy the famed GenSan tuna is through tuna panga. This dish features the jaw of the tuna, marinated in a blend of local spices and grilled until tender and smoky. It is often served with a side of spicy vinegar for an added kick, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
To make tuna panga, marinate the tuna jaw in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon or calamansi juice, salt, and pepper for at least one hour. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated tuna jaw for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the marinade to keep it moist. Once cooked, serve hot with a side of spicy vinegar for dipping.
Kardis (Coconut slices)
Kardis is a traditional delicacy highlighting coconuts abundant in the region. The young coconut meat is sliced thinly and often served with a sprinkle of salt or sugar, allowing you to enjoy its natural sweetness. It is a refreshing snack perfect for the warm climate of GenSan.
Piyanggang (Grilled chicken)
Piyanggang is a flavorful dish originating from the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. It features chicken marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, spices, and charcoal-grilled to achieve a smoky flavor. It is often served with rice and a side of dipping sauce, making it a hearty meal perfect for gatherings.
To prepare piyanggang, mix coconut milk with turmeric, minced ginger, garlic, chopped chili, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade, and let them sit for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the marinated chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and slightly charred. Serve with rice for a satisfying meal.
Binignit (Sweet rice dessert)
For those with a sweet tooth, binignit is a must-try. This comforting dessert is made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and various fruits such as bananas and sweet potatoes. The warm, sweet concoction is perfect for enjoying after a satisfying meal or as a snack throughout the day.
To cook this sweet treat, combine glutinous rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in sliced bananas and sugar, simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes until everything is cooked and the mixture thickens. Serve warm.
While not unique to GenSan, the local version of kare-kare deserves a mention. This rich oxtail stew, made with a peanut sauce, is often served with a side of bagoong (shrimp paste). The use of local vegetables, such as eggplant and banana hearts, adds a regional twist to this beloved Filipino classic.
Boil oxtail in water until tender, which may take about two to three hours. Drain and set aside. In a separate pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add the cooked oxtail and beef broth, allowing it to simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in peanut butter, mixing until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. Add sliced eggplants, banana hearts, and string beans, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with bagoong on the side.
Sinigang na tuna (Tuna tamarind stew)
Sinigang is a staple in Filipino cuisine, and in GenSan, it takes on a unique flair with the use of fresh tuna. This stew is typically made with tamarind or other souring agents and includes a mix of vegetables such as radish, eggplant, and kangkong (water spinach). The combination of fresh tuna and the tangy broth creates a refreshing and hearty dish.
To make sinigang na tuna, boil water in a pot with quartered onions and tomatoes for about 10 minutes. Add the tuna chunks and simmer for about five to seven minutes. Include sliced radish and eggplant, cooking until tender.
Stir in tamarind paste, adjusting the sourness to your taste, and add kangkong, simmering for another minute. Serve hot with rice for a comforting meal.
Buko pandan (Coconut and pandan salad)
Buko pandan is a popular dessert made from young coconut, pandan leaves, and sweetened cream. This cool, refreshing salad is often served during special occasions and is a delightful way to end a meal, embodying the tropical flavors of the region.
For buko pandan, prepare pandan-flavored jelly according to the package instructions and let it set. Once set, cut it into cubes. In a bowl, combine shredded young coconut, jelly cubes, whipped cream, and condensed milk, mixing gently. Chill in the refrigerator before serving, and consider adding a few drops of pandan essence for extra aroma.
Tuna kinilaw (Ceviche)
Similar to sashimi, tuna kinilaw showcases the freshness of GenSan tuna but is prepared differently. The fish is diced and marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, and a mix of onions and chili peppers. This refreshing dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with rice.
To prepare tuna kinilaw, dice fresh tuna and marinate it in vinegar and calamansi juice for about 10 to 15 minutes to “cook” the fish. Stir in finely chopped onions, sliced green chilies, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled as an appetizer or with rice.
General Santos City is a trove of culinary delights, with each dish reflecting the abundant natural resources of the city. Whether you are savoring the freshest seafood or indulging in traditional sweets, the flavors of GenSan are sure to leave a lasting impression. The next time you find yourself in GenSan, make sure to sample these essential dishes for a true taste of local culture.
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