Travel News

Dennis Coffee Garden: Home of Tausug Native Coffee and Heirloom Delicacies

Guests are received at this airy area

Out of Town Blog
Dennis Coffee Garden: Home of Tausug Native Coffee and Heirloom Delicacies

Where to eat in Zamboanga City: Dennis Coffee Garden 

When in Zamboanga City, Dennis Coffee is your go-to place for no-frills authentic, affordable Tausug pastries, dishes, and coffee. It centers not just on food and taste, but more importantly on every guest’s overall experience of the true and genuine Tausug hospitality.

Dennis Coffee Garden, which was once called Omar’s Place, actually first opened in Jolo, Sulu. The humble cafe started by serving Kahawa Sug or the native Sulu coffee. Since its establishment in 1962 up until now, the cafe advocates for sustainability, youth and women empowerment, and inclusivity, which is another reason to support them.

Feels Like Home

We went during one lunchtime at one of its four branches – Dennis Coffee Garden on San Jose Road. They also have branches in KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Yubenco in Tetuan, and Southern Heights in La Paz.

Guests are received at this airy area

The branch we visited looks like a house. It has a spacious reception area with high ceilings where we were approached by one of their friendly staff. His warmth immediately told us that everyone is very welcome at the restaurant – whether you are just seeking a satisfying meal or maybe for an interesting dish that you haven’t tried before.

Eye-catching painting at Dennis Coffee Garden
Eye-catching painting at Dennis Coffee Garden

The whole restaurant is adorned with locally-made displays and beautiful paintings. We were asked where we wanted to sit because this branch is pretty big, with a second floor, an air-conditioned area on the ground floor, and outdoor seating with plants and vibrant ceiling decor.

Alfresco at Dennis Coffee Garden, San Jose branch
Alfresco at Dennis Coffee Garden, San Jose branch

Experience Tausug food culture

We ordered rice meals for lunch, Beef Kulma and Chicken Pianggang, two of the most popular dishes on the menu.

Beef Kulma comes with rice, Php 270
Beef Kulma comes with rice, Php 270

In some parts of Mindanao, Beef Kulma is also known as Kurma, which is basically beef curry stew. It is composed of tender beef cubes with a flavor-rich sauce made of tomato sauce, peanuts, curry, and coconut milk. It’s complex, but it’s the great kind. For curry lovers, Kulma will still surprise you with its bold Tausug touch.

Chicken Pianggang with rice, Php 265
Chicken Pianggang with rice, Php 265

Another Mindanaoan pride is the interesting Chicken Pianggang, or simply the Blackened Coconut Grilled Chicken. If you are not familiar with this delectable dish yet, imagine Chicken Inasal or barbeque stewed in…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Out of Town Blog…