What to Eat in Tawi-Tawi

SEAFOOD PLATTER
This seafood platter from Mardo’s Restaurant captures the wonder and bounty of the sea and is quite literally the taste of the island life on a plate. The dish is good for 4 to 6 people (or 2 famished ones) featuring a beautiful selection of grilled fish, curried crabs, seaweed, fried squid rings, grilled squid, baked clams and pyanggang (this is actually blackened coconut curry chicken just thrown in there for good measure). Everything is fresh and cooked to perfection served with a generous serving of sambal. This should not be missed.

SEA MANTIS

There are several ways to enjoy sea mantis – one of which is to stir fry it with garlic and butter. This alien looking sea bug that tastes like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster can be an acquired taste. It is considered a delicacy in Tawi-Tawi for its soft and delicate meat. You can also try this in Mardo’s Restaurant.

FRESH CATCH

I know… more seafood because you can never have enough of it in Tawi-Tawi. This bucket full of assorted seafood is sustainably caught by the Badjaos not too far from the shores of Panampangan Island. All of that for only 50 PHP!

TIYULA ITUM
Finally, something that’s not seafood for a change. Tiyula Itum comes from two Tausug words “tiyula” meaning soup and “itum” meaning black. Its distinctive dark color comes from “pamapa” which is powdered burnt coconut mixed with coconut milk, chili, turmeric, lemon grass, galangal, and other spices. Although any meat can be added to this dish, beef is typically used. This dish is usually served at Tausug weddings and other celebrations. It is best enjoyed with rice. You can have this at Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant.

ARROZ CALDO

Near Sanga-Sanga Airport is a hole-in-the-wall eatery where locals and frequent visitors go to when in need of something warm. Their version of the humble, unpretentious bowl of rice soup is the best one I’ve tried. It is perfect as it is. No need of any more condiments. Something you need to try before leaving Tawi-Tawi.