Kainan ni Lakay is a famous local eatery or carinderia in Paco Manila that serves affordable and simple Filipino dishes. Carinderias are known for offering a variety of traditional Filipino home-cooked dishes readily available for people looking for quick, filling, and budget-friendly meals. They are an integral part of Filipino culinary culture. Often found in neighborhoods, marketplaces, or along busy streets. Moreover, they are convenient options for people on the go. They offer takeout and dine-in options, making it easy for individuals to grab a meal when they don’t have the time to cook. Some carinderias gain local fame for specific dishes or specialties they excel at, attracting patrons from near and far. For Kainan ni Lakay, it’s their takes on Sinigang and Nilaga. With its generous servings, savory signature dishes, and reasonable price, Kainan ni Lakay quickly became a community favorite.
Sinigang, a Filipino sour soup has the base of a tangy tamarind broth that awakens the palate with its zesty, sour notes. This classic dish can also be prepared with various proteins, including pork, shrimp, fish, or beef. Each protein brings its unique character to the dish, making Sinigang a versatile and customizable delight. On the other hand, Nilaga is a clear and hearty soup traditionally made with boiled beef or pork. Typically with bone-in cuts like shank or short ribs. The dish is often with the warm, familiar flavors of potatoes, corn on the cob, cabbage, and sometimes plantains. It is a simple yet satisfying soup that is a go-to meal for many Filipinos, especially on rainy days or when seeking a comforting, filling dish. Whether you’re craving a Nilagang ulo ng baboy (boiled pork’s head) or Sinigang na Isda (Fish sour soup), Kainan ni Lakay has you covered!
The trending Nilagang Ulo ng Baboy and Sinigang na Panga ng Isda
Kainan ni Lakay traces its roots back to a time when the owner’s children were just starting their elementary school journey. What began as a modest halo-halo cart, a popular Filipino dessert, eventually evolved into a thriving local eatery. Over the years, the eatery has garnered a loyal following, becoming a beloved culinary institution in the neighborhood. While Kainan ni Lakay offers an array of delectable Filipino dishes, it’s their “Nilagang Ulo ng Baboy” that has truly made them legendary. This dish, which features a boiled pig’s head, costs Php 200 per order. While this might seem relatively expensive for a local eatery (carinderia), the generous portion includes half the head of a pig and can easily satisfy 2-3 people. The secret to their Nilagang Ulo ng Baboy’s fame lies in its huge servings and tender meat, which effortlessly separates from the bone.
This beloved dish sells like hotcakes, with Kainan ni Lakay serving approximately 50 pieces of pork head daily, resulting in 100-140 orders on average. In addition to the famed Nilagang Ulo ng Baboy, Kainan ni Lakay offers a diverse range of Filipino delights. “Gigantic Sinigang na Panga ng Isda” (Fish Head Sour Soup), priced at Php 140, is another crowd-pleaser. “Panga ng Isda” refers to the Maya-maya fish (snapper) head, which adds a unique dimension to this classic dish. Similar to the first one, they give huge servings and meaty tender cuts for each order. One of the aspects that sets Kainan ni Lakay apart is its commitment to old-school cooking techniques. The dishes are prepared using wood as the heat source, giving each bite a distinct, smoky flavor that harks back to traditional Filipino cooking. They also have other pinoy favorite dishes such as Lechon Kawali, Liempo, and Sisig.
My experience
When I visited Kainan ni Lakay, it was evident that this eatery was a popular spot in the community. Customers started arriving as early as 10 AM, and I quickly realized the importance of arriving during the morning hours to secure a table. One thing to keep in mind is that their Nilagang Ulo ng Baboy tends to sell out by lunchtime. Unfortunately, during my visit around 12 NN, I missed out on it. Still, I was more than compensated with a piping hot bowl of Sinigang na Panga, which was incredibly satisfying. The dining space at Kainan ni Lakay has a cozy, alfresco charm, accommodating around 30 people. Tables and chairs are under a simple shed. They also told us that they would be moving to a better nearby location on Paz Street in front of Police Station, the week after our visit.
I also appreciate their sense of gratitude and compassion. In the challenging times of the pandemic, Kainan ni Lakay exemplified the spirit of Bayanihan, a Filipino tradition of communal unity in times of adversity. They stepped up to support their community by preparing and distributing meals to those in need. Highlighting their commitment to both culinary excellence and social responsibility. Kainan ni Lakay opens its doors daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Offering a wide window for customers to relish their authentic Filipino dishes. Whether you’re starting your day with a comforting breakfast or indulging in a hearty dinner, Kainan ni Lakay is ready to serve you.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for similar food spots to try, you should check;
- Sinigang ni Kagawad – The best in Manila!
- Pat-Pat’s Kansi – A Bulalo with a sour twist!
- Bulalohan sa Laon Laan – The Best Bulalo!
How to get there?
Their new location is on Paz Street in front of the Police Station. Nearby Paco Catholic Church beside Ever Supermarket.
Via LRT 1
- Take the LRT Line 1 and alight at the station nearest to Paz Street in Paco, Manila. Alight at Central Station, as these stations are relatively close to the Paco area.
- Once you arrive at your chosen station, exit the LRT station and proceed to the street level.
- Take about a 3-5 minute walk to SM Manila.
- Ride a tricycle going to Paz Street or the Police Station
Via LRT 1
- Take the LRT Line 2 and alight at Recto Station, which is a major interchange station that connects LRT Line 2 with LRT Line 1. This is where you will transfer to LRT Line 1.
- After exiting the LRT Line 2 train at Recto Station, follow the signs or ask station personnel for directions to LRT Line 1.
- Once in LRT Line 1 and alight at the station nearest to Paz Street in Paco, Manila. Alight at Central Station, as these stations are relatively close to the Paco area.
- Once you arrive at your chosen station, exit the LRT station and proceed to the street level.
- Take about a 3-5 minute walk to SM Manila.
- Ride a tricycle going to Paz Street or the Police Station
