Exotic Dining at Kinabuchs Grill and Bar in Palawan

On our last night in Puerto Princesa, my family and I had an exotic gastronomic experience. Though I love to eat, I have always been scared to dwell on the wild side. So, I felt it was about time to widen my culinary horizon! Heheh. I delightfully grabbed the opportunity to have the infamous bizarre cuisines of Palawan. 

We went to Kinabuchs Grill and Bar, a restaurant in Puerto Princesa famous for serving exotic delicacies such crocodile meat and tamilok (woodworm). Kinabuchs is an open-air native restobar. It was booming with a lively ambiance when we arrived for dinner. I could tell that it is where people can dine and chill at the same time. There's a spot for casual dining under the stars, an area with huge flat screen tvs for sports fans and a native cottage with billiard tables and a bar.

It was some sort of a Fear Factor night for the family! We ordered two kinds of exotic food; the well-known Crocodile Sisig and the outlandish Kinilaw na Tamilok. I was scared that I couldn't stand the peculiar flavors, hence I also asked for two dishes I am familiar with. 

First up was the Crocodile Sisig. The crocodile meat was served sizzling and looked 'normal'. The men immediately took a portion and I waited for a feedback. I didn't see a cringe or signs of queasiness. Great! So, I placed a spoonful on my plate and curiously examined the meat. I tried not to think about scaly reptiles as I went for a bite. It doesn't tastes like beef, not like chicken either, but it's not as weird as I was expecting it to be. 

It's actually okay and well-seasoned. I don't hate it. I don't like it. It's just worth the try. :)

Exotic Cuisine #1: Crocodile Sisig

The next foodie challenge was the hardest. When the strange-looking Kinilaw na Tamilok was served on our table, I was petrified. The long and slimy woodworm is actually not a worm, but a saltwater clam specie or a mollusk found in mangrove trees. Whatever it is, it looks ewww!          

Exotic Cuisine #2: Kinilaw na Tamilok

Without any doubts, the brave men dipped the spaghetti-long woodworm in vinegar and gobbled like they had it a thousand times before. They both said it tastes like oyster, but I saw Ed's face turned sour on the first few seconds. My mom dared to try it as well, so I was left without a choice. I took the shortest piece, dunked it in vinegar, then in my mouth. 

The Tamilok is weirdest thing I have ever tasted. I can never compare it to the succulent oysters! It has a woody flavor with a rusty aftertaste. No, I never had wood and rust in my mouth before! It's just that I couldn't match it to any edible stuff on planet Earth! Worth-trying? Nah! Never again!   

my cool Father: always up to take the challenge

The Husband: Is that a smirk or a cringe?

Kinabuchs is not just for adventure eating. The restaurant also serves native Filipino cuisine. I made the right decision of ordering Smoked Baby Back Ribs and Fish Sinigang. Both dishes were great, but it was the tender, fall-off the bone meat of the back ribs that deserves a shout out!  

Smoked Baby Back Ribs to the rescue!

Seems like I can't keep my hands off the Tamilok plate in this picture.
I tell you,  I never dared to look or touch the plate again after the photo op! :)

Though I never enjoyed exotic dining, I still think Kinabuchs should be in every Puerto Princesa foodie itinerary. Never say goodbye to Palawan without crocodile meat and a long strand of tamilok in your stomach! Gross? I know! Heheh!  :) 

Prices (as of May 2014):

Crocodile Sisig: Php 345

Tamilok: Php 135

Fish Sinigang: Php 185

Smoked Baby Back Ribs: Php 270 

Location:

Kinabuchs Grill and Bar

Rizal Avenue

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

More of Puerto Princesa

Where we stayed: 
Marianne Home Inn

Where we dined: 
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
KaLui Restaurant

Where we roamed:
Puerto Princesa City Tour
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Ugong Rock Adventures
Honda Bay (Two Islands in Two Hours DIY Trip)

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