Just about a three-hour drive from Metro Manila, you’ll be embraced by a cool breeze and the familiarity of nature reminiscent of what coming home feels like. However, it’s not simply the distant view of mountains or the remnants of the previous Pahiyas Festival which makes Quezon Province a cradle for deja vus, taking you back to the comforts of your childhood—it’s also the flavors offered by the restaurants nestled within the province’s luscious landscapes.
The province’s high regard for nature and the livelihoods it provides, such as farming and fishing, is reflected in the dining experiences it offers. Whether your wheels take you to the foot of Mt. Banahaw or just beside the winding highway, here are three spots in Quezon Province that serve a wide range of food that is unique yet familiar to the taste—while also offering ambient settings that stray from typical dining setups.
Jive to music and birdsong in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan
When asking locals who bring their families over for the weekend, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is one of their top recommendations for a dining experience during one’s stay in the province.
Located in Tayabas, this restaurant, which has built its name since its establishment in the 90’s, also doubles as a hotel and resort for travelers who wish to extend their getaways. Nonetheless, its main dining space consists of a floating restaurant, brought to life by its lively musicians who entertain guests dining on the kubos built on bamboo rafts. With meals that are priced at ₱200 and above, families and friends can satisfy their cravings with the food offered at the establishment.
Sisig Pork
Kamayan sa Palaisdaan’s take on the Filipino-favorite, sisig, relies solely on its most basic ingredients for its flavor—and it simply delivers. Despite lacking the usual sunny-side up egg and sliced sili, their Sisig Pork remains fairly delicious. For ₱300, those craving a milder variant of the sisig's familiar taste can find satisfaction through this dish.
Sinampalukang Native na Manok
The preparation of Sinampalukan can be likened to the Filipino-favorite sinigang, with both having sampaloc (tamarind) as its main base. However, the sour flavor of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan’s version of this dish is not as apparent as its name implies. Priced at ₱350, the authentic native chicken at the dish’s core may surprise first-timers due to its texture and chewiness when compared to the usual chicken meat.
Sinugno
As the coconut capital of the country, Quezon Province makes dishes cooked with gata, or coconut, a must-try—hence, the Sinugno (₱390). The main ingredient is tilapia, grilled to tenderness, which is then coated in sweet gata dabbed with a tinge of garlicky flavors.
Sizzling Seafood Mix
Kamayan sa Palaisdaan honors Tayabas's fishing industry by highlighting a variety of seafood on their menu. This is most evident in their Sizzling Seafood Mix, which centers around crab, shrimp, octopus, and an assortment of vegetables. Although drenched in a tasty marinade, its flavors fall short of further complexity. For ₱360, the quantity of seafood in the dish may leave you wanting more.
Pancit Lucban
Also known as “Pancit Habhab,” Pancit Lucban consists of soft, thick noodles paired with a mix of vegetables and sliced longganisa. This version of the dish is quite savory and filling on its own—no longer requiring the help of typically paired sauces such as vinegar to enhance its flavor. Those who enjoy the distinct taste of vegetables may find the blended soy taste in this dish a fine touch, which is worth trying for ₱250.
Bask in nature’s peak at Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin
Why settle for fast food when you could dine by the foot of a mountain? As its name suggests, Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin is a site for travelers who long for breathtaking views to accompany the symphonies in their taste buds. Moreover, if you are a fan of cold winds and pretty flowers dancing in the breeze, this dining spot is made for you—just head over to Sariaya, the municipality sitting between Candelaria and Lucena, and drive up and away from the bustling national highway.
Caramel Macchiato
Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin’s hot cup of Caramel Macchiato is just one of their many espresso-based drinks that can temporarily soothe your hunger while you watch the view and wait for your food. Decorated with pleasing latte art, this drink is fit for coffee lovers who prefer their cups not too sweet nor too bitter. While the price of this Caramel Macchiato begins at ₱89 for a hot 8oz cup, you can also try its 16oz iced and frappe version for ₱119 and ₱169, respectively.
Rosemary Grilled Salmon
Next is the Rosemary Grilled Salmon, cooked to a wonderful softness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture when blended with the creamy sauce it is drizzled with. The vegetables served with the salmon are not only evenly seasoned—they are also grown straight from Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin’s farm which is just right beside their dining area. In fact, this meal belongs to the restaurant’s farm-to-table menu, along with other food with fresh vegetables as ingredients. For ₱330, you can give this dish the attention it deserves.
Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef
The restaurant’s take on the Garlic Pepper Beef is quite a delight, priced at ₱365. From the tenderness of the beef to the finely balanced taste of the gravy-like sauce and the sprinkled garlic flakes, this dish is another enjoyable meal you’ll likely want to heap onto your rice.
Chicken Salpicao
Consisting of chicken breast and mixed vegetables, Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin’s Chicken Salpicao adheres to the dish’s textbook definition by using cubed meat as its core. Despite being served sizzling, it comes across as rather ordinary, with the taste of vegetables being the most apparent in the dish. You can get this dish at the same price as their Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef (₱365) so take your pick!
Sisig Bangus
To add a fun twist on the classic Sisig, this dish uses bangus meat as its main ingredient. Despite the bangus’ tangy taste taking center stage, the egg, onions, and sili create a fine, complex blend whose flavors do not overpower each other. For only ₱240, you can try out this Sisig spin for yourself.
Crispy Pork Kare-Kare
Another Filipino classic, Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin’s Kare-Kare is quite generous in its servings of crispy pork belly, eggplant, okra, and string beans. However, the amount of Kare-Kare sauce isn’t enough for the amount of components in the dish, nor does the flavor of the sauce fully coat the dish's staples. Luckily, the side of bagoong aids in this, its strong taste being the most evident as you eat. Also priced at ₱365, you can decide if this Kare-Kare is enough to drive your tastebuds nuts.
Simmer down and unwind at Earthkeepers’ Garden and Restaurant
Nestled beneath the shade of pink bougainvilleas, travelers searching for this hidden grove should stroll slowly along the highway in Tiaong to find this place. With a dining area gracefully intertwined with a garden of unique flora, both the ambiance and the food served at Earthkeepers’ Garden and Restaurant create a feast for the senses.
Those who wish to indulge in a gastronomic experience away from the usual confines of more traditional restaurants will certainly have a great time here. With a starting price of about ₱400 per group meal, guests can enjoy varied family-sized dishes paired with a cup of their complimentary coffee.
Ginataang Kalabaw
Adventurous types who are growing tired of the usual chicken and pork can try Earthkeepers’ Ginataang Kalabaw, which features “carabeef,” the term Filipinos use to distinguish local carabao meat from beef. Dipped in creamy gata, the sauce of this dish perfectly balances with the spice of bell pepper, complementing the surprising tenderness of the carabeef, which has its own distinct taste. For ₱495, servings of this dish are sure to find their worthy place on your plate—over and over again.
Fried Barracuda
For ₱420, you can swim away from your usual seafood choices through Earthkeepers’ Fried Barracuda. Featuring the barracuda belly meat, the fish’s naturally salty flavor is heightened by its coat of extra crunchy breading. Although the dish in itself is rather simple in taste, the radish-based atsara served on the side adds a balanced sweetness and sourness to the mix.
Sinigang na Spare Ribs
The usual sinigang cooked instantaneously through ready-made flavor mixes can be easily topped by Earthkeepers’ rendition of Sinigang na Spare Ribs (₱470). Although its soup is not overflowing with the sourness Sinigang is typically known for, its flavors are sourced heavily from actual sampaloc, adding a delectable sweet taste and an aromatic scent reminiscent of flowers in the garden.
Sinulbot
After clearing your plate of Earthkeepers’ remarkable meals, you can finish off your course by ordering Sinulbot for dessert. The name “Sinulbot” specifically refers to the brown sugar syrup or arnibal, which acts as the dish’s “sauce.” While the neighboring Batangas province uses saging na saba as its main ingredient, sticky, glutinous rice takes the spotlight in this Quezon Province rendition. With its satisfying, oozing taste, Sinulbot can more than fulfill a sweet tooth’s craving, for only ₱75 per small bowl.
As you savor your last spoonful of ulam, it’s almost certain that you will miss the festival of flavors these three restaurants joyfully offer their guests. Still, the long drive to the province will always prove worth it—not only because of the food that satiates hunger, but also because of the relaxing scenery that can calm all the burdens you may carry.
To read more about these food spots, head over to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan’s website, Mt. Banahaw Viewdeck and Cabin’s Facebook page, and Earthkeepers’ Garden and Restaurant’s Facebook page to begin planning a food trip to remember!
