10 Top Places to Eat in Puerto Princesa: Balinsasayaw

Balinsasayaw

I waited for my friend, Mei, who was arriving at 1pm that day. After she was brought to Amerson Pension Inn, she met me at The Island Coffee, located in Robinson’s Place and planned our itinerary for our remaining time in the city. We were starving already and decided to have our lunch in Balinsasayaw.

It just took five minutes to reach the restaurant from Robinson’s Place by tricycle.

Fare:

From Robinson’s Place to Balinsasayaw via tricycle: P20/ride

 

Balinsasayaw is known for its chicken inasal or grilled chicken and wide variety of meals they offer. It has only 2 branches in Puerto Princesa one on Rizal Avenue, and another one in Manalo Extension. In fact, the restaurant is among the must-visit places in the city based on most reviews. At first, I had never seen the photos of the restaurant from any blogs, I expected that it would be as fancy as other restaurants like Haim Inato and Kalui. However, when I tried its branch along Rizal Avenue, I was a bit reluctant to enter due to its unsophisticated facade. Besides, some vendors were freely going in and out of the restaurant. But my false judgement had faded when I got a closer look of the entire place, and it was not so bad though.

Spacious areas for group gatherings (non-aircon)

A centerpiece using 'sungka' (a traditional Filipino toy) as its design 

Cottages mostly made of local wooden materials 

As I was waiting for our orders, I took a quick tour around the place. Generally speaking, Balinsasayaw gives every guest an impression of being at home and distinctive experience in a bahay kubo (a traditional Filipino dwelling chiefly made up of wooden structure with roof made of dried coconut leaves).

Mei, as she was enjoying her stay in Balinsasayaw

Whatta delightful afternoon we had!

After 15 minutes of waiting, we were salivating to take a look at our meals. I’m not really a fan of tanigue (local fish); nevertheless, it was really fresh and mouth-watering. It was cooked the way my palate wanted to. A budget meal like this was not average you could ever imagine. It was served simple, yet you wanted to eat more. Good thing, their rice is unlimited.  Yes, as I have said it. You can have rice as much as you can without any extra charge. And if I were you, you must have it with green mango shake and it’s perfection! The taste of tanigue will surely come out. Ow! I love the spareribs as well. It was tender and flavourful. It was not even over-cooked or too soft. I bet you will enjoy it even better if you match it with strawberry shake. This may lessen the greasy feeling on your palate.

The waiter as he delightedly scooped up our extra rice (it's unlimited!)

After enjoying those gastronomically-appetizing meals in Balinsasayaw, it’s time to get to know more about the history of Palawan and its essential contributions shaping the topography (how the county was formed) and anthropology (the origin of ancestors of a particular place) of the country.

Tip:

-          You don’t need to make a reservation unlike in Kalui and Badjao Restaurant.

-         The restaurant is open and located along the road, so you had better ask the waiter to clean        the table due to presence of some dust.

For more details about their meals, here's the list.

10 Top Places to Eat in Puerto Princesa: 

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.