A long debate on the way back to the hotel, and even in the hotel, happened. The family of 5, including O, couldn’t decide which restaurant to take a tricycle for our second night. We left the decision to the head of the family, dad, to finally give a final say on which restaurant he wanted to try. Everyone agreed to his decision, Kinabuch’s it is!

Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar didn’t take a long ride from our hotel, Aziza Paradise Hotel. Although if we were coming from the airport, the restaurant would take less of our travel time. I was worried they won’t be able to accommodate our group of 5 after seeing every table occupied. It had that Dencio’s vibe where almost everyone had beers on their tables.

The city tour around Puerto Princesa must have sweated our bodies. We were on a rush to get our orders ready. Everyone was starving for authentic Palawan food! Gladly, we didn’t have to wait that long. Seats for 5 of us and food was served right on time.

The Food:

Dad and O forced me to try this classic Palawan recipe. Tamilok is special wood-worm mollusk ceviche. I gave them a gross look when I heard the sound “worm.” But the way it looked didn’t scare me off. My adventurous side kicked in and loved it actually. Slimy with the smell of vinegar joint with fresh ocean scent. If this will be served in Fear Factor, I’ll win the challenge while enjoying chewing it. I don’t regret taking my first try of Tamilok in Palawan. Worth the try!

The second dish served was my most-awaited dish of the night. I was eager to try Palawan’s Crocodile Sisig!

I’m not a real fan of crocodile meat. Its texture gives me a difficult time chewing and digesting properly. Despite that, I dared to share a sizzling plate of Croc Sisig with my folks. I was in the island of crocodiles, how could I miss crocodile dishes right?

Kinabuch’s Croc Sisig turned me into a crocodile sisig fan instantly. I finished my rice mostly on hot plated bits of crocodile meat. Mixed with egg, bell peppers, onion bits and spices, I give two thumbs up to this Croc Sisig.

I know my mom too well. I bring her to a Filipino restaurant and the first item that will sparkle in front of her eyes is the one and only Crispy Pata. Since we were in a different province, she didn’t want to walk out of Kinabuch’s regretting she didn’t get to try a piece of their special Crispy Pata.

For me, Kinabuch’s presented us decent Crispy Pata with enough meat and crispy skin to pick out and munch on. There was nothing remarkable but it generally satisfied everyone’s craving for Crispy Pata.

Next to Croc Sisig, I had my plate full of Mixed Seafood a la Bicol Express. Cubed tuna, diced squid and shrimps in spicy coconut cream sauce. I kept on scooping its coconut cream sauce for my rice that I almost forgot about using its serving spoon. I haven’t been to Bicol yet and Kinabuch’s bicol express made mom think about visiting Bicol someday.

Dad and O shared mostly, while mom, Reine and I were satisfied with a few to taste. I guess we all have our own favorites. The men reveled in this goat meat stewed with grated cheese, potatoes, green peas and bell peppers. Too much with the goat that made them order more rice. Also, as men, they’ll always be the ‘taga-ubos!’ Haha!

Kinabuch’s bar was under the roof, one of the few indoor spots of the restaurant. For most part, you’d be eating at a lot parked with tables and chairs.

Kinabuch’s saves electricity by not using air conditioner to cool the place. Visitors prefer the outdoor scene under coconut trees and bright lights.

I was warned about mosquitoes in Puerto Princesa, especially by our driver whose province is in Palawan. To be sure, I had Off Lotion in my bag, wherever the wind took me along the trip.

Kinabuch had the vibe of fun at night than day time. Put in together my type of music, sizzling dishes, cool weather and the right company, Kinabuch’s is ideal to spend the night in Puerto Princesa.

Reine, O and I missed to order dessert at Kinabuch’s. As an improvisation, we bought packs of Magnum Bar, Chips Ahoy and marshmallows from the 24-hour convenience store nearby. We plated the snacks as if we were food stylists. So ta-dah, here’s our dessert for the night. Specially made with love for our mom. 🙂

Ask any native from Palawan about Kinabuch’s, they’ll gladly give you the directions to this Filipino restaurant. Most jeepney and tricycle drivers could take you from point A to this point B.

Be sure to add this restaurant to your list if Palawan is your next escapade trip in the Philippines.

Cheers,

Food	9/10
Ambiance	8/10
Service	9/10
Cost	8/10
Overall	8.5/10