Davao City, Philippines. On August 29, at the Philippine Women’s College Flow Park, something more than a food cart opened its doors. Black Burgers, a bold new entry in the local food scene, carries with it not only flavor but also centuries of heritage.

The story of Black Burgers begins with the Sultanate of Sulu, the first sultanate in the Philippines. The Tausug people, at the heart of this history, hold close to a signature royal dish known as Tiyula Itum—a black-colored beef stew, rich in spices and depth.

From this dish of kings and warriors comes the inspiration for Black Burgers. Each burger is more than just a meal, it is a nod to Tausug ingenuity, a way of bringing heritage to the present table.

Fittingly, the first Black Burger cart in Davao is also owned by a member of the Tausug tribe. “Reliving what has been forgotten, Sobrang beautiful ng Mindanao Dishes, and Mindanao itself. So dun kami, Faizi and I, fell in love with the concept, to help, but also helping ourselves, that’s why we’re here. ” Fritiltyn, Commune Partner for BlackBurgers PWC Branch. For the Tausug community, this is not just business, it’s identity, memory, and continuity. For diners, it’s the joy of biting into something honest, clean, and safe, with no extenders or preservatives (perfect for families and children).

“When was the last time you shared a meal with a friend and it sparked a conversation, about our culture, our history?” said Kristine Nantes, co-founder of Negosyo Tayo. “What if decolonizing our minds could start with decolonizing our palates. Every food cart is not only an access point for wealth, it tells you the story of our heritage, it gives you a glimpse of the micro entrepreneurs dream, the scholars that operate the food cart, the small farmers where we get our supplies, and the community that it supports.”

The launch at PWC Flow Park marks not just another food cart but a cultural presence—where a heritage dish inspires modern taste, and where a Tausug story finds its way into everyday dining.

About Black Burgers

Black Burgers is part of NegosyoTayo, a low-cost, profitable, and tech driven negosyo start-up program. Their food cart line features culturally rooted, locally sourced, high-quality food. Inspired by the Tausug dish Tiyula Itum, BlackBurgers brings together history, safety, and flavor in every bite.