Tempura Tradition in Dumaguete City

 

Dumaguete City is known as the culinary destination in Central Visayas. Prides itself on its beautiful view and lovely ambiance. Tourism in its infante stage after the pandemic recovery period. Nearly all streets in the city are lined up with fancy European restaurants and stalls serving delicious food at unbelievably cheap prices.

Among the most hangout places in the city is the “ Tempurahan” a ship of foods stalls lined along  Jose Rizal Patawan 2 People Park in the boulevard which starts near sundown. They serve squid balls, Cheese sticks, dynamic, squid balls,Balut penoy,soft drink, mineral water, and of course,the infamous Tempura. Monobloc seats are also provided for customer convenience.Perfect for those who just want to relax and enjoy the evening.

The tempura craze in Dumaguete city started in the 90s. It was originally introduced to the local food market by enterprising businessmen from Cebu city, where it was regularly manufactured. Since then, an increasing number of tempura vendors line up the boulevard from dusk till down. Other venders prefer to sell their tempuras in other corners of the city.

In one sitting, an average vendor can sell as many as five bags of tempura sold per night for a good day

 

The tempura’s unique beginnings date back to time when the Portuguese missionaries introduced food to Japan in the sixteenth century. It gradually adapted itself to Japanese needs and tastes, and eventually became a basic Japanese food. Its preparation reflects all the essentials qualities of Japanese cuisine a fried food that is so delicious.

 

Growing up in Dumaguete the best-known Bossing Tempura was a favorite afternoon snack among the young generation of my time. I would line up to get my tempura order deep into sauce number four or five and buco juice

One of the top food destinations one must not miss whether you are a local or a tourist in Dumaguete. Mr. Sanison A. Tabio or commonly known to Dumagueteños, specially Sillimanians, as “Bossing” is the man behind the best Dumaguete tempura and the famous ‘Five Levels’ sauce

Some customers want it golden brown; others just want it lightly fried. One can either dip on the sweet sauce or the hot and spicy sauce or both of the sauces. Bossing Tempura is like all other Tempuras sold in the city, but it’s their special sauce that makes it unforgettable and even addicting. Customers have 5 different levels of sauces to choose from, Levels 1 to 5, depending on the tolerance level for chili. Level 5 is so spicy you can literally smell the chili just by staring at the container (Make sure to ready yourself with a raging fire in your mouth and non-stop tears). The sauces do not differ in terms of flavor but on the level of spiciness/hotness

The tempura vendors job is very tiring. Since they work at night, they value time and spend it wisely. They take a rest and sleep in the morning and prepare things.

It was a nice experience to eat here after four years at the popular Rizal Boulevard. The Tempurahan is a popular spot, especially for Locals & Tourists. You get to eat fried tempura dynamite lumpia and cheese stick along the busy Rizal Ave. No other snack choices. The budget per head is P20-50. You also get to sit on small chairs. Mango slices are also sold nearby for P10 or sometimes a vendor will approach you selling peanuts and dirty ice cream. Must experience when in Dumaguete City.