KaLui Restaurant is always jam-packed with tourists as it is actually the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa. KaLui is known for its best customer service, native wooden house, alluring artworks, and you also have to enter the restaurant barefoot. Glad I was only wearing slippers that time as my feet stink so bad when wearing shoes.

It is just 10 to 15 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa Airport and you MUST call first for reservations before going. You can ask your hotel to reserve for you.

As we entered the restaurant, we had to put our shoes and slippers in their locker and walk barefooted. We were greeted by friendly staff and immediately assisted us to our table where it was floor-seating.

While waiting for the food, we roamed around and noticed the whole place was decorated with beautiful artworks mostly paintings of native Filipina and fish sculptures.

The bathroom for boys and girls were also amusing. It actually looked more of a living room than a bathroom, very fascinating, clean, and no foul smelling odor. There were even more paintings inside which was very tempting to steal.

I felt that the owner is a huge fan of native Filipino girls as he invested a lot in unique Filipiniana paintings, seeing him as an artistic menyak (maniac) even slipped my mind.

Starting from the ceiling to the flooring, all were made of wood and because of that, KaLui restaurant isn’t air-conditioned as it is naturally cool inside.

The lighting was very warm as well, they used incandescent light which added to the feeling of being in a bahay kubo (nipa hut). So, if you’re a super duper feeling photographer who bends a lot, KaLui might not be a very friendly place for you.

Our food finally arrived after 5-10 minutes of waiting. Food attendant seemed to be very nice and pleasant as well. I even had a crush on one of them, the one who kept on staring at me, perhaps he was attracted to my kinky hair and thought I was kinky as well.

Foods were served separately and accordingly — drinks first, then appetizers, main course, lastly desserts. Before you scroll down, you might want to grab a bread or snack most especially if you’re reading this in the middle of the night and feeling hungry.

Fresh fruit shake: Coco Banana with sliced water melon

Choice catch, Fish Cordon Bleu

Stingray in Coco cream

I forgot what was this, I think it’s Squid in Coco cream

Shrimp

KaLui’s trademark, complimentary dessert of mixed fruit topped with muscovado sugar in a coconut shell.

This is a backlog from our March 2010 Puerto Princesa experience, which was the first time I went there. I loved the place so much as well as the food. My favorite was their Sting Ray in Coco cream and their green mango with awesome bagoong (fish sauce).

However, when I came back there last February 2011 and ordered the same meal, the twist was no longer there. I think they changed the cook or the chef. There was nothing special in their food anymore. The bagoong tasted very different and the coco cream wasn’t that good anymore. The ambiance of the place hasn’t change though, it’s still really nice.

How to Get to KaLui Restaurant

KaLui Restaurant is 10 to 15 minutes travel from Puerto Princesa Airport. If your hotel has a free shuttle van, ask them that you are wishing to dine at KaLui. You can also take tricycle going there, just tell the driver you’re going to KaLui.

Location: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Budget range per person: Php250 to Php500 ($6 to $12)
Hours of Operation: Mondays to Saturdays (Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Dinner 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). Closed Sundays.
Reservations Requested: Landline: (048) 433 2580; Mobile No:+63 928 753 9621; Or ask your hotel front desk to call them.