For our first dinner in Puerto Princesa, we headed to Kinabuchs Grill and Bar along Rizal Avenue. The place is popular among locals and visitors. Many people recommend it when looking for casual dining in the city.
According to Kuya Arthur, a friendly tricycle driver, the restaurant often gets crowded. He even mentioned that reservations are usually needed. We were lucky that night because we got a table right away. No waiting time, just pure timing.
The menu at Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is impressively diverse. Categories include soups, rice, beef, pork, goat, and poultry. They also serve savory seafood, vegetable dishes, desserts, salads, bread, and sandwiches. For group snacks, there are pica-pica plates. Beverages range from coffee and tea to beers and wines.
With so many choices, deciding what to order was not easy. We finally settled on sinigang na ulo ng isda, grilled blue marlin, Bicol express, and sizzling mixed misono. For rice, we ordered bagoong and garlic rice. To complete our meal, we added banana shake, San Miguel Apple, Red Horse, and Sprite.
We were surprised when the food arrived. The servings were massive. The prices on the menu seemed affordable, so we expected modest portions. We were wrong. Each dish could feed four to six people.
The quality matched the quantity. The blue marlin was tender and perfectly grilled. The sinigang na ulo ng isda had a sour broth that could wake anyone up. The Bicol express was rich and creamy, with the right balance of spice. The sizzling mixed misono added a fun variety of flavors to our table.
Detailed Expenses
Here is the breakdown of our bill:
- Sinigang na Ulo ng Isda – ₱175
- Grilled Blue Marlin – ₱215
- Bicol Express – ₱185
- Sizzling Mixed Misono – ₱225
- Garlic Rice (2 orders) – ₱60
- Bagoong Rice – ₱35
- Banana Shake – ₱75
- SM Apple – ₱55
- Red Horse – ₱55
- Sprite – ₱35
Total: ₱1,130
That was only ₱282.50 per person for our group. Considering the generous servings, the value was outstanding. Kinabuchs Grill and Bar proves that eating well in Puerto Princesa does not need to be expensive.
Why Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is Worth a Visit
The restaurant offers more than food. The ambiance is casual and lively, ideal for groups of friends or families. The large open-air dining area makes it comfortable even when crowded. Staff members were attentive, despite the steady flow of customers.
Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is also famous among tourists who want to try exotic dishes. Their menu includes Tamilok, a local delicacy made from woodworms. While we did not order it this time, many diners try it for the experience.
Our experience at Kinabuchs Grill and Bar was memorable. The portions were large, the flavors were satisfying, and the prices were fair. It was an excellent start to our stay in Puerto Princesa. For travelers visiting Palawan’s capital, this restaurant deserves a spot on your food itinerary. Go with friends or family, and prepare to share hearty dishes.
Contact Information
You can reach Kinabuchs Grill and Bar at (048) 434 5194. The location along Rizal Avenue makes it easy to find. Most tricycle drivers know the place, so transportation is never an issue.
