CALAMBA CITY, Laguna
-- Native food delicacies and specialties could be the unifying factor for
this city’s 54 barangays (villages) during Thursday’s “2nd Salusalo ng Aning Calambeño,” a food
festival which showcases traditional recipes out of the bounty of the farm harvest, fisheries, and
aquatic resources.
This event is one of the major highlights of our annual “Buhayani Festival” which kicked off June 8
and culminates to Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s birth anniversary on June 19, owing to tradition where native
dishes and delicacies are served during fiestas and village banquets, all the barangays participated
in the food festival, with farmers, fisherfolk, farm workers and village leaders preparing native dishes
like the popular “puto” (rice cake) varieties including “suman”, “kutsinta”, ube (purple yam) sweets,
“malagkit” (sticky rice), maruya (fried banana wrapped in flour), “lumpia” (spring roll), shing-a-ling
(crispy flour stick), green mango slices, and other native sweet delicacies.
Also up for the city folks ’ “boodle fight” were special native viands from tinola sa bayabas and
papaya (stew in guava and papaya), “pesang dalag” (mudfish stewed in ginger),” sinaing na
tulingan” (scad), chicken and pork adobo, pancit (noodle) variety, stuffed egg cakes, dinuguan (pork
stewed in blood), “laing” (taro leaves), home-made longganisa (sausage), an array of unique
gastronomic delights and beverages from native “barako” coffee, lemon grass and cucumber juices.
Calamba City is famous for different reasons -its rich historical background and being the resort
capital of the Philippines among them. Tourists love this city in South Luzon, making it a venue
for celebrations, company team building activities, and quick weekend getaways.
Being a part of a country with diverse food selections and a wide taste palette, Calamba is rich
in culinary history and gastronomical feast. The homemade foods and dishes served in
restaurants in Calamba keep up with appealing food presentations, while never losing the
classic taste from recipes passed down through generations.
1. Aviles The Original Bulalo
Since 1965, Aviles Restaurant has been serving all-time favorite Filipino
cuisines at a reasonable price. Their most sought after dish, Bulalo, is
famous for its fall-off-the-bone meat and rich broth. The said dish paved
the way for the restaurant to be well recognized locally. It also gained
popularity from patrons and food aficionados. such as the homecoming
of OFW family members, graduations, birthday celebrations, and the like.
Location: National Highway, Real, Calamba City
2. RSM Lutong Bahay
Another favorite is the RSM Lutong Bahay. With its wide menu selection of classic Filipino
dishes and homey ambiance, RSM is the go-to place of families for their significant occasions
such as the homecoming of OFW family members, graduations, birthday celebrations, and the
like.
Location: Bacnotan Road, Real, Calamba, Laguna
3. Lutong Pilipino ni Aling Ely
Back in 1993, Lutong Pilipino ni Aling Ely began in a kubo (nipa hut),
serving their humble Lechon and Chicharon. They are the first to offer
Lechon in Calamba. Today, this 27-year old restaurant serves what locals
and tourists hail as the “best Lechon in town”. Its façade looks like a
typical karinderya serving a wide variety of Filipino cuisine. Without a
doubt, you will feel at home as you eat a platter of their incredibly
delicious Lechon.
Location: National Highway, Halang, Calamba City
4. Mommy’s Garden Café
Decorated with plants and trees, Mommy’s Garden Café is a favorite
among titas and mommies that are looking for a place to breathe and
relax. Known for its natural setting, serene ambiance, yummy food, and
accommodating staff, this one-of-a-kind garden café is the perfect spot to
enjoy Filipino delicacies such as Biko and Halo-halo, while listening to the
calming sounds of nature.
Location: Bucal Bypass Road Calamba City
5. Tita Sally’s Restaurant
Situated in the busy swimming district of Pansol, Calamba, Tita Sally’s
Restaurant is a delightful place to enjoy delectable Filipino dishes. They are
notable for their Crispy Pata and seafood dishes such as Ginataang Kuhol,
and Buttered Tahong. If you are adventurous enough, you can give their
unique dish, Adobong Palaka sa Bawang, a try.
Ding-Hao Chinese Cuisine
Since the 80s, Ding Hao has always been the go-to restaurant of many Calambeños for every
occasion, be it a birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or graduation day–name it, they’ve
hosted it. This restaurant is best known for its authentic Chinese dishes that are always good for
sharing.
When in Ding Hao, don’t forget to try their assorted cold cuts for appetizers and the fish fillet
with sweet and sour sauce for the main dish. Even their Yang Chow rice is worth trying as it’s
already tasty as it is even without pairing it with the main dishes yet! Bring the whole family or
your friends and celebrate your special occasions at Ding Hao for a perfect sumptuous meal.
Location: Brgy. Uno, National Highway, Calamba City
