Kinabuhayan Cafe

Be prepared for an experience you’ll never forget when you visit Kinabuhayan Café. Part of the Viaje del Sol route, you can find Kinabuhayan in the town of Dolores, Quezon, about a 3-hour drive from Makati. But I tell you, Kinabuhayan is definitely worth going through the traffic in SLEX. It may be quite a long drive from Manila, but just sampling Kinabuhayan's great food is well worth the trip.



Kinabuhayan is all nature; it’s totally laid back, where anything goes and almost everything (if not everything) is permissible. Jay Herrera (Part Owner Chef Extraordinaire) and Ralph (Jay’s ever-reliable friend and sidekick) treat all their guests with incomparable energy and enthusiasm. Time flies by so fast in Kinabuhayan and there is no dull moment. They both have unending stories, and there is never a dull moment when conversing with both. They have 3 pets: Onion the Pot-Bellied Pig, Muning the Dachshund, and Chongkee the Bantay doggie. Simply adorable!



On top of everything, Jay prepares the BEST FOOD ever. He’s a genius in the kitchen and I’ve had the finest Sukiyaki and Torikatsu, as well as the best Risotto ever – and I even try to steer clear of rice! I'm also not a huge fan of Breakfast, but boy, was Jay's meal superb. His meals are so yummy, one cannot help but finish off the plate! Jay has no set menu, and just prepares his meals from the top of his head. For food restrictions or requests, guests just have to warn him in advance. Otherwise, your meal will be a complete surprise -- but never fret, you won't be disappointed.




I suggest arranging lunch at Kubli Springs. A mere 10-minute jeepney ride to the private springs gives guests a different dining experience that is truly unforgettable. Imagine having your Risotto under the bright blue sky, with your feet on the water. Ahh.. Heaven.

Staying overnight is also an experience in itself. One must be all set to sleep in rooms with no walls, under a traditional kulambo, and take baths in open-air bathrooms. No air conditioners here, but the cool breeze from the mountains of Banahaw will surely relax the senses.

If one avails of 3 meals (at P600 each), there is already a free overnight stay. Lunch at Kubli Springs would be an additional P150/ head. Kinabuhayan is one place where you can just chill, have good conversations, and get a taste of Jay’s fine, fine, fine cooking. My friends and I spent a great weekend in Kinabuhayan and we’ll surely be back for more! Especially for Jay’s home cooked meals. :)

For reservations, you may contact Cecille at 0917-5241106. You can check their websites: kinabuhayancafe.multiply.com and (Jay's site) kubli.multiply.com :)