When there are times when I am asked how I see myself a few years from now, I’d always confidently answer that I hope to become a restaurant owner. I’m extra-appreciative of Filipino food, that it eventually became one of my goals to share this love for Pinoy cuisine to others as well. Admittedly though, I’m better at eating than cooking (I’m trying my best to do well in the kitchen though), but hopefully my picky taste for Filipino food would eventually make this goal achievable in the near future.
One of my most recent inspirations for setting up my own restaurant has been the success story of the Cabalen Group of Restaurants, which is also celebrating 30 years of offering authentic Capampangan dishes and other Filipino specialties. From what started as a humble “pasalubong” store in 1974 at San Fernando, Pamapanga, Cabalen has grown to become one of the well-known buffet brands in the Philippines, having branches in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, Cavite, Subic, and even as far as California, USA.
I’ve already been to Cabalen several times, but given that it’s their 30th anniversary, I visited their SM Megamall branch again last week to see what new offers they have for eager buffet customers like me! Here are some of the dishes I had:
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| Ginataang Kuhol |
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| Lechon Kawali |
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| Siomai |
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| Okoy Calabasa |
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| Catfish with Mango Salad |
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| Crispy Kankong |
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| Bihon |
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| Bulalo |
Naturally, being the borderline-carnivore that I am, my personal favorites were the Lechon Kawali and Bulalo. The Lechon Kawali has just the right amount of meat and fat, and oh gosh I don’t even know where to start in describing how crispy the skin was. The bulalo was pretty tasty two, so much that I actually asked for a second serving!
Despite being already full, my tummy magically made room for more when I went over to the dessert station.
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| Tibok Mais |
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| Halo-Halo (you can make your own) |
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| Minatamis na Saging |
The Tibok Mais was the one I loved the most among the desserts. It was creamy yet not too sweet – just enough to cleanse your palate from all the meat and oil of the main dishes. If I may suggest though, maybe a Pinoy sorbetes would also be a good addition to the dessert station? It would be perfect for the Halo-halo too!
Needless to say, I left Cabalen that night fully satisfied and with my tummy happy. But don’t worry, I won’t take all the good stuff for myself! I’m giving away two Cabalen GCs to one lucky reader! A Cabalen buffet meal costs Php 398.00 so this is already a pretty awesome deal. If you win, you can bring with you a friend to a lunch or dinner buffet at any Cabalen restaurant.
Joining is easy peasy! Simply get your entries from the Rafflecopter widget below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The contest would run until December 12, 2016. Good luck!
I want to taste sisig 🙂
Nice review.thank you for this. Definitely look forward to dine here soon loved their kare-kare so much
Can't wait to eat Ginataang Kuhol again!
I love Ginataang Kuhol (it's my fave!)
I love Ginataang Kuhol (it's my fave!)
I Always look forward to Ginataang Kuhol (my fave) Yummy!!!
I would like to try their version of the Kare-kare and sumptuous lechon kawali. I'm wondering on their take on popular Asian dishes as well. So hoping! 🙂
Looking forward to having ginataang kuhol. It's been years since my mom prepared this and knowing now that Cabalen Restaurants have it, will definitely order it.
looking forward to eat sisig from cabalen! https://www.facebook.com/notyourordinaryteacher.tumblr/posts/1041640849280364
Kare-kare! 🙂
I want the lechonn kawali and Ginataang Kuhol
I am looking forward to eat their Lechon Kawali.
Ginataang kuhol and DIY halo halo and also the choco fountain ����
Nagugutom ako while reading, hehe.. Btw I wanna try their Kare-kare..Manyaman!!