“Our heritage gives us our identity, but it is through the hospitality of our people and the commitment of our partners that we bring that identity to life for every visitor. This is why we deeply value the partnership of Kingsford Hotel Manila in helping the City Government of Parañaque preserve and promote the rich cultural identity of our beloved city.” ~Edwin L. Olivarez, Parañaque City Mayor
Every city has a story to tell, and the most fascinating details are often found at the dinner table rather than in museums or monuments. Parañaque offers visitors more than just excellent lodging, shopping, and recreational opportunities. It is currently considered one of Metro Manila's top entertainment and lifestyle destinations. Beneath the city's contemporary landscape lies the rich history of Palanyag, the city's historical name, and its culinary traditions continue to bring generations of Parañaqueños together. One of the city's most popular regional specialties is Lauya de Palanyag, a hearty stew that captures the city's cultural identity and enduring sense of community.
As culinary tourism continues to gain importance in encouraging travelers to experience destinations through authentic local flavors, Parañaque is strengthening its identity through the preservation and celebration of dishes that reflect its heritage. One of the city's newest partners in this advocacy is the Kingsford Hotel Manila, which was the first hotel to formally offer Lauya de Palanyag on its menu. Situated in the vibrant Entertainment City, the hotel offers guests a genuine taste of Parañaque along with modern hospitality.
"This is only the beginning. We plan to introduce even more traditional Parañaqueño dishes to our menu as part of our commitment to promoting the city as a premier culinary destination. We are deeply honored to partner with the City Tourism Office on this journey." ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila
Destination Stewardship
To celebrate this important partnership, the Kingsford Hotel Manila organized a special preview where community leaders and media partners could try the traditional dish. The event was graced by Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and his wife Janet Olivarez, as well as OIC City Tourism of Paranaque Cisette Ricardo.
This collaboration closely aligns with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts' core values of sustainability through heritage preservation and mindful travel through its Sampaguita Brand of Service. This partnership also exemplifies a shared objective of boosting domestic travel by offering authentic culinary experiences that support local farmers and uphold cherished home-cooked traditions.
By using regional cooking techniques and sourcing local ingredients, Kingsford Hotel Manila actively works to prevent cultural erasure brought on by urban development. Instead, the hotel uses its platform to preserve the stories of ancient Palanyag for visitors from all over the world, Balikbayans, and modern tourists.
More Than Just a Dish
Lauya de Palanyag is associated with the early Palanyag settlement, when farming and fishing provided the means of subsistence. The narrative states that inland farmers contributed fresh vegetables like cabbage and sweet kamote (sweet potato), while coastal fishing communities supplied patis (fish sauce). The result was a substantial stew that symbolized the abundance of both land and sea. Slowly cooked for hours while families labored in the fields and at sea, the dish evolved into a comforting meal shared at the end of a long day. Now celebrated as a representation of Parañaque's rich culinary legacy, Lauya de Palanyag preserves the tastes and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
Locals altered the recipe to fit their personal preferences, resulting in distinctive variations across different barangays. Some communities favor slow-simmering tender beef or pork, but there are differing views on whether to add squash or sweet potatoes. But the key ingredients—a dependence on cabbage, sweet saba bananas, the distinctive aroma of kutchay (Chinese chives), and a characteristic reddish broth that is naturally colored with atsuete (annatto) and balanced with panutsa (palm sugar) for a savory-sweet flavor profile—remain remarkably consistent across heritage communities like La Huerta, Tambo, and Don Galo.
Ensaladang talong, or eggplant salad, is a traditional side dish that completes a true Lauya de Palanyag. In keeping with the dish's varied origins, some barangays boil the eggplant, while others smokegill it before mashing it with vinegar and garlic. In the end, Lauya de Palanyag is more than just comfort food—it's a bowl of Parañaque's living history.
“Lauya de Palanyag is more than just a dish, it is a celebration of Parañaque's rich culinary heritage and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Our goal was to honor this traditional recipe by preserving its authentic flavors while presenting it with the refinement expected in a hotel setting. Every ingredient reflects our commitment to supporting local producers, promoting sustainability, and creating a meaningful dining experience that connects our guests with the culture and history of Palanyag.” ~Angelo “Chubby” Timban, Executive Chef of Kingsford Hotel Manila
A Flavorful Invitation for Families to Reconnect and Reminisce
Food has always been the ultimate anchor for Filipino families, serving as the centerpiece for storytelling, celebration, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. As a heartfelt thank you to the community, Kingsford Hotel Manila is extending an exclusive dining privilege to the people who give the city its life. Residents and professionals working within Parañaque City can enjoy a special 20% discount on their total bill at Kingsford Café with every order of Lauya de Palanyag. Priced at Php 700, this comforting, heritage dish is perfect for sharing with families and friends.
To avail of this exclusive offer, guests simply need to present a valid ID verifying their Parañaque residence or workplace. For full promotional details and mechanics, please visit Kingsford Hotel Manila’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/kingsfordmanila. To explore more of our heritage-driven culinary offerings or to secure your table, please contact dine@kingsfordmanila.com or call +63 917 805 3585.
