Flavors of Davao: Lachi's

Home-style cooking and one of Davao's best kept secrets, Lachi's is a favorite among Davao locals for classic and comforting Filipino dishes. Located in a primarily residential area, which seems appropriate with Lachi's style of home cooking, Lachi's elevates the simple flavors of home cooked meals a notch higher with its made from scratch dishes. 

Named after the family's matriarch, Lachi's is also known for its desserts, reason enough for locals to patiently line up at Lachi's for a table. Michael Aviles, who runs Lachi's along with brother Melvin, manages the family-run establishment. Unlike many restaurants, Lachi's is closed on Sundays and on most holidays so the staff can be with their families. This alone makes Lachi's different. And special.

Our lunch begins with some of Lachi's signature dishes, Lachi's Unforgettable Grilled Pork Ribs (P 158) served with rice and pickled vegetables. Tender pork ribs with a rich and sweet glaze for that distinct home style flavor. Great flavors, and great value too.

Breaded Soft Tofu with Teriyaki Sauce (P 115), deep fried tofu covered in sweet teriyaki sauce for a comforting blend of textures. The teriyaki sauce adds a flavorful punch to the tofu, a great starter.

Oriental Fried Chicken (P 135), richly spiced and crispy fried chicken topped with sesame seeds. A meal in itself, everything you need on a plate.

Callos (P 185), slow cooked for hours until fork tender, and my personal favorite. The rich and mildly spicy sauce coats each piece of tender and buttery tripe, as the chickpeas and peppers round out the flavors. Extra rice? You bet.

Asian Spicy Chicken (P 140), Lachi's take on the popular Korean-style fried chicken. Crisp and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a cooling layer of just the right amount of heat from the sweet soy glaze.

Spicy Laing (P 60), with just the right level of heat, the soft and creamy taro leaves are cooked perfectly, giving that distinct butter-like feel. A deceptively simple dish that can be tricky and quite challenging to prepare, Lachi's version is another hands down winner.

Laing Pasta with Lechon Kawali (P 135), Lachi's unique spin combining crispy pork belly and the richness of laing in a unique and creative pasta dish that's different. And works well too.

Then, there's dessert. Lachi's signature Durian Sans Rival, combining the sweet and nutty flavors of the iconic durian and the buttery richness of sans rival. The unique blend of flavors adds a distinct local taste unique to Davao, definitely not your usual sans rival. Lachi's also serves a more traditional butter and cashew layered sans rival, and a even a coffee flavored version.

Classic New York Style Cheesecake topped with strawberries and blueberries. Why limit yourself to just one topping when you can have both.

We also sample some of Lachi's new dessert offerings...

...like the unique Creme Brulee Cake...

...Key Lime Tart...

...and Financier...all rich and flavorful, perfect when paired with coffee.

And one more dessert with durian, the Davao Durian Cheesecake, rich and creamy with the distinct flavor of Davao's iconic fruit. I've said it before, you either love or hate durian, and this cheesecakes definitely makes it easier to enjoy durian without its overpowering aroma.

Luscious Mud Pie, which seemed to be everyone's favorite, rich and moist chocolate cake, great when paired with Lachi's specialty brewed coffee.

Dining at Lachi's felt like dining at a friend's home, and its no surprise why Lachi's is a hit among locals. And it felt great to feel at home at Lachi's. Special thanks to owners Michael (L) and Melvin (R) Aviles for a comforting lunch at Lachi's.

Lachi's is located at Door 1-H VAL Learning Village, Ruby Street, Marfori Heights, Davao City or call (63 82) 224-5552 for inquiries.

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