Located a few minutes away from Nasugbu town proper, Kainan sa Dalampasigan, which means eatery by the beach, is a popular dining place visited by many for its beautiful garden-inspired interior and comforting fare.
Kainan sa Dalampasigan’s beautiful and refreshing nature-inspired ambiance that greets customers upon entering the place. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Meal with a view
The restaurant first opened its doors in the mid-70s as a 100-seater rooftop restaurant. It was built and designed by Apolonio “Poniong” Limjoco as a gift to his wife Teodora who loved to cook and entertain guests at home.
In the mid-90s, the Limjoco family decided to expand the place to a space that can accommodate up to 500 guests. Their daughter Normita Limjoco-Lucas and her children now run the restaurant.
The entrance and gazebo are brimming with lush tropical greenery. Photos by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Although the place is not situated near the beach, Nasugbu’s landscape and white sand beaches inspired the theme of the restaurant. Upon entering the place, you will be greeted by beautiful man-made stone fountains, stunning miniature waterfalls, vibrant flower ornaments, and lush tropical plants.
The restaurant was also designed with a high ceiling and large open windows so you can enjoy the view of the rainforest-like garden outside.
The restaurant features a spacious indoor dining area that can accommodate up to 300 guests. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Menu highlights
Kainan sa Dalampasigan is loved by many for their delicious home-cooked Filipino dishes. Their menu consists of traditional Filipino and fusion cuisines, and the restaurant prides itself on its cooking that bears a distinct Batangueño flavor, served in generous proportions. While many of their dishes are also for sharing, they are reasonably priced, making it an ideal place for large groups of people like families.
If you happen to pay Kainan sa Dalampasigan a visit, here are some of their bestselling dishes:
Balot sa Dahon is an original recipe of owner Teodora “Doray” Limjoco. She is one of the first to sell the dish in Nasugbu. Photos by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Balot sa Dahon is a combination of flavorful chicken and pork adobo, halabos na hipon (garlic-flavored shrimp), and steamed white rice wrapped in banana leaves, hence the name. It goes well with fried tomatoes and bagoong, giving it an added salty kick. This dish is the original recipe that the locals have known to love since Teodora Limjoco started selling it in the ‘70s. It can serve up to two people and only costs Php 300.
Bilao sa Dalampasigan is a seafood feast in one platter. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Cheesy baked tahong (mussel), daing na bangus (sun-dried milkfish), garlic fried shrimp, grilled liempo (pork belly), and atcharang kangkong (pickled water spinach) make up their special seafood platter known as Bilao sa Dalampasigan (winnowing basket by the beach). This delectable tray of dishes is a must-try for main course as it will flood your taste buds with the fresh and juicy tang of the sea. It is an assortment of Kainan sa Dalampasigan’s specialties put together in one platter. It can serve about four people for only Php 1,250.
Speaking of which, the restaurant’s Cheesy Baked Tahong (mussel) is a crowd-favorite. If you check the restaurant’s food reviews on Tripadvisor, you’ll see that many people love this dish—whether for appetizer or main course. This scrumptious baked tahong oozes with rich and creamy cheese that melts in your mouth. It can serve up to three people and costs Php 330 on its own.
Meanwhile, the Tanigue Steak (Spanish mackerel steak) is the restaurant’s version of Bistek Tagalog or (Filipino-style beef steak.) It is cooked in soy sauce and calamansi, and is topped with lots of onion. It is a bestseller for a reason: the fish is firm yet tender, while the (secret) sauce delivers just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness. This dish can serve three people, and costs Php 370.
Apart from these, the restaurant also offers Filipino comfort food that some of us grew up eating at home. For the main course, some recommendations include their Kare-Kare (oxtail and tripe stew in peanut sauce) for only Php 540, Bulalo (bone marrow stew) for Php 590, Sisig (pork dish made from parts of pig’s face and belly with limes, onions, and chili) for Php 360, Crispy Pata (deep fried pig trotters or knuckles) for Php 590, and Crispy Canton (crispy noodles) for Php 440. For starters, they also have Fresh Lumpia Ubod (heart of palm spring rolls) for only Php 110.
Kainan sa Dalampasigan’s Kare Kare is cooked in rich and thick peanut sauce. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Their Crispy Pata is crunchy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The Crispy Canton is also a must-try. It comes with a rich and flavorful sauce that is served separately. Photo by SinoPinas courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Kainan sa Dalampasigan sources fresh and locally-grown ingredients to maintain the quality and flavor of their dishes.
It is currently at 30 percent operational capacity. Temperature scans are being done at the entrance and they also give out health forms for diners to fill up. Make sure to only remove your face mask and face shield when you’re about to eat.
- Address: 4231 R. Martinez Street, Brgy. Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KainansaDalampasiganNasugbu
- Contact number: +63905-570-2123
- Operating hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (weekdays), 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (weekends)
Dine in, safely!
Kainan sa Dalampasigan is ready for local diners. Customers are required to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and wash hands before and after dining in. The restaurant sets sanitary and contact tracing procedures such as registration at the reception and using alcohol to sanitize hands before entering the premises.
To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.
