Every city has a story to tell, and often, its most compelling chapters are found not in museums or monuments, but on the dining table. Known today as one of Metro Manila’s premier entertainment and lifestyle destinations, Parañaque offers visitors more than world-class hotels, shopping, and leisure attractions. Beneath its contemporary landscape lies the rich history of Palanyag, the city’s historical name, whose culinary traditions continue to connect generations of Parañaqueños. Among its most treasured local specialties is Lauya de Palanyag, a comforting stew that reflects 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 by preserving and celebrating dishes that reflect its heritage. One of the city’s newest partners in this advocacy is Kingsford Hotel Manila, the first hotel to officially serve Lauya de Palanyag as part of its menu. Located within the vibrant Entertainment City, the hotel offers guests an opportunity to experience an authentic taste of Parañaque while enjoying modern hospitality.
Expressing his full support for the initiative, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez shared, “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.”
“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, said.
Destination Stewardship
To mark this meaningful partnership, Kingsford Hotel Manila opened its doors for a special preview, gathering community leaders and media partners to experience the traditional dish firsthand. 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 is deeply aligned with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts core advocacies of sustainability through heritage preservation and advocating mindful travel through its Sampaguita Brand of Service. This partnership also highlights a shared vision of boosting domestic tourism through authentic food experiences that support local growers, while keeping cherished home-cooked traditions alive and relevant today.
By sourcing local ingredients and using regional cooking techniques, Kingsford Hotel Manila actively ensures that urban development does not come at the cost of cultural erasure. Instead, the hotel uses its platform to keep the stories of old Palanyag alive for modern travelers, balikbayans, and global guests.
More Than Just a Dish
Lauya de Palanyag is associated with the early settlement of Palanyag, where farming and fishing sustained everyday life. As the story is told, inland farmers contributed fresh vegetables such as cabbage and sweet kamote
(sweet potato), while coastal fishing communities supplied patis (fish sauce), creating a hearty stew that reflected the abundance of both land and sea. Slow cooked for hours while families worked in the fields and the sea, the dish became a comforting meal shared at the end of a long day’s labor. Today, Lauya de Palanyag is celebrated as a symbol of Parañaque’s rich culinary heritage, preserving the flavors and traditions passed down through generations.
Locals adapted the recipe to their own preferences, resulting in distinct variations across different barangays. While some communities prefer slow-simmering tender beef or pork, others differ on whether to include squash or sweet potatoes. Yet, across heritage communities like La Huerta, Tambo, and Don Galo, the core elements remain beautifully consistent: a reliance on cabbage, sweet saba bananas, the distinct aroma of kutchay (Chinese chives), and a signature reddish broth colored naturally with atsuete (annatto) and balanced with panutsa (palm sugar) for a savory-sweet flavor profile.
A true Lauya de Palanyag is never complete without its traditional side dish, ensaladang talong (eggplant salad). Mirroring the dish’s diverse history, some barangays prepare this by boiling the eggplant, while others smoke grill it, before mashing it with garlic and vinegar. Ultimately, Lauya de Palanyag is more than comfort food it is Parañaque’s living history served in a bowl.
“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, said.
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 [email protected] or call +63 917 805 3585.
