Where to eat in Laguna: Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

Thursday, September 18, 2014


Drizzling at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

Those visiting Kamay ni Hesus healing shrine as a form of penance during lenten season should be familiar with Palaisdaan, a restaurant that features floating nipa huts as dining areas. We attest to this, as after our first ever visit to the shrine, we ended up in Palaisdaan restaurant in Tayabas, Quezon. At the time, there was even a vendor inside the restaurant, selling pilipit, essentially a Filipino version of the pretzel but made with glutinous rice.

The Palaisdaan restaurant in Tayabas is the original establishment, then they branched out to Lucban, Quezon and Bay, Laguna. They called the restaurant branches as Kamayan sa Palaisdaan… for reasons I don’t know. Out of the three branches, we already visited two - the Tayabas and Bay branches.

Being a long-time resident of Laguna, we frequented Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay, especially during special occasions. For residents of Bay and Los Baños, we consider Kamayan sa Palaisdaan as our go-to restaurant during birthdays, lunch after mass, graduation, anniversary, and mother’s day celebrations.

Diners eat on banana leaf on rattan plate to enhance that Pinoy dining feel

One of Kamayan’s specialty is Sinugno, a dish of grilled tilapia that is then simmered in coconut milk, mustard leaves, and some chili. This style of cooking is unique in Quezon as they use coconut milk a lot in cooking. Just imagine the fresh tilapia with the creaminess of the gata and the kick of the chili. I truly enjoyed this dish when I haven’t developed allergies to tilapia yet.

Top from left to right: Sinugno, sisig, pakbet, sinigang na hipon

Sisig and sinigang na hipon are two of our most ordered dishes in the restaurant.

Out of focus sinigang na hipon




Dining in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is not only a treat for the tastebuds - it is also offers a visual treat. The floating nipa hut offers customers relaxation, especially when it gives the feeling of being swayed like in a boat. It is perfect for a group of people or couples who would want to have quiet conversations - just as long as the nearby nipa hut is not noisy.

There are also times when a group of musicians will take rounds on the nipa hut and entertain you. You can even request them to play your favorite song. But of course, you need to give them a tip - you decide on how much you can pay them.




Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay seemed to dominate the restaurant industry in terms of ambience and food in the area until Isdaan was built a few meters beside it. But I have to tell you - you go to Isdaan for the carnivale-like sights and experience but you go to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan for the food. No question.

I won’t disclose the prices of the dishes - as you have to find that out yourselves.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay (Laguna)

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