“Where’s the best restaurant in Puerto Princesa?” I asked the receptionist of Aziza Paradise Hotel. “What restaurant do you suggest for me to visit in Palawan?” I asked a couple of friends from Manila. All of them replied enthusiastically with big eyes, “KaLui!”

Asking several people with one answer was a confirmation that the best restaurant to visit for tourists is KaLui. Yet I still had doubts in mind and wanted to see for myself. I was advised by friends to reserve at least a week before to avoid the risk of not getting a spot at the fully booked Filipino restaurant. Blabbers of stories I heard about not being able to score a seat. That’s frustrating!

I totally forgot about reserving so I only had the chance to reserve 2 days before our dinner. Prayers were my only companion during that time of hope to enter and taste the food of KaLui. With the help of Aziza Hotel’s staff, I reserved for 5 people at KaLui 2 days before the actual dinner. I think God wanted us to complete our Palawan story by giving us 5 seats at KaLui! Praise God for simple reward!

The most talked about restaurant, KaLui, was just few minutes away from our hotel, a few blocks away from Kinabuch’s Grill & Bar.

Barefootin’ was the greeting that welcomed us. No matter how fancy your footwear is, it’s useless in the house of KaLui.

Aside from the regular variety of choices at KaLui, the Filipino seafood restaurant also offers a special menu depending on the fresh catch of the day.

The set included fish steak, a couple of prawns, veggies of the day, fish roll in coco cream and rice.

Grilled mackerel with a few seasonings to taste. No frills to thrill, just the lovely freshness of this catch.

Two prawns, that’s it pancit! Too few for a family of 5. We ordered another shrimp dish to make up for this lonely plate of marinated prawns.

The richest out of all plates in our special set with its thick coconut cream covering the fish fillet rolls.

Special Set – Veggies of the Day Rate: 4/5

Palawan Seafood Sisig (Php 245) Rate: 5/5

I say dibs on this Palawan Seafood Sisig that mesmerized me by its robust combination of seafood and spices. Serving on a grilled plate adds points as to why I was fond of grabbing more spoons of Seafood Sisig with my steaming rice.

As I’ve tried KaLui’s version of Kilawin, I appreciate the Filipino cold dish more that it turned out to be my second favorite among our seafood orders.

Shrimps in Garlic Butter (Php 285) Rate: 5/5

The best way to enjoy seafood is simply getting a fresh catch, cooking them simply that doesn’t eject its natural flavors and eating them immediately! Nothing beats fresh seafood like this plate of Shrimps in Garlic Butter.

The native wooden house, surrounded with various patterns of art works, lets anyone entering grab their camera and click the shutter at any part of the restaurant. On one side, customers sit on the floor and eat on short mini tables that require them to sit like an indian.

Every space will crowd your eyes, overwhelm you, and simply stun you with all the colors creating wonders in the place. I walk, then I stop to pose for a photo. It took multitude of clicks to capture all our fancy photos in KaLui.

Polished and shiny floors won’t trouble you on walking and dancing around barefoot.

With the numbers of people in the restaurant, the staff of KaLui maintains their proper posture and grace to serve everyone with genuine smiles. These Palaweños know what customer service is. Defining it by acting correctly upon it.

We raised our glasses, bumped and said cheers to our KaLui experience.

I’m not exaggerating. Your Palawan is incomplete without taking off your shoes and eating with barefoot at KaLui.

Have you been to KaLui?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Location: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Operating Hours: 11:00am-2pm / 6:00pm-10:30pm

Contact: (+63 48) 433-2580 (+63 928) 753-9621

Website: http://www.kaluirestaurant.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalui-Restaurant/491498070965270

Budget: PHP350++

Rate:

Food	9/10
Ambiance	10/10
Service	9/10
Cost	9/10
Overall	9.25/10