Kusina Luntian — Restaurant in Baler

Went to Baler for the long weekend and googled places to eat in Baler. Kusina Luntian was one of the most suggested so we headed there after Good Friday mass for early dinner.

Ordered 2 grilled liempo and bangus and requested for the side dish (pako) to be put separate from the viand/rice. We were actually the 2nd customer that time.

10mins passed and there was a conversation at the cashier area (we were seated near it) if all the orders were out. One of them said yes and the manang who got our order asked where our order was when she saw us still waiting for our food. That's when they realized that no one cooked our food. At this point, there were about 8 staff just hanging around in the area.

After a couple more minutes, we reminded one of the staff to put aside the pako side dish.

A few minutes more and our orders came. You guessed it! Side dish was put on top of the viand! Told the server our previous request and she went back saying no one told her about it.

I guess being in the food biz somehow made my patience longer but also put my standards a bit higher. I'm not expecting 5-star service but only the basics. That includes customer service and hygiene and cleanliness (that would make this review longer!)

In fairness, food was ok and we enjoyed it. Won't be craving for it though.

Food 8/10 Customer Service 6/10 Staff Hygiene 3/10 (just for 1 of them) Ambiance 8/10

Maybe it was just wrong...

Kusina Luntian is the place to be after a great morning surf. Still wet with seawater and ecstatic after catching a few waves, drop by Kusina Luntian to have the best Filipino 'kamayan' lunch set in Baler. Do not miss this discreet gem - have fun having a boodle bundle with your surfer friends.

Kusina Luntian is an ensemble of wildly tossed bamboo and drift wood reminiscent of the traditional Filipino Bahay Kubo. They have an open kitchen where you can watch their head griller work the coals while turning over the most delicious slabs of chicken for their Adobo and DinangDang dishes, my personal favourites, followed closely by their Bangus.

You sit there, waiting eagerly for your meals as the scent of grilled meat floats in the air. Your hands are washed, and you're ready- then BAM - the most beautiful dish to ever grace your senses on high noon appears.

Their dishes are served on top of a Banana leaf while coconut husks are used as containers for their sauces and Paco salad. Ample servings, more than enough to satisfy the hungry surfers who will scarf it with their bare hands.

Don't forget to try their famous Calamansi Juice with the Philippine-made Banayad Whiskey - it's a match made in heaven (especially when you ask for it to be sugar-free, it tastes like a very rich whiskey sour!).

I will always visit Kusina Luntian whenever I'm in Baler. It's an experience I'd never...

If you are looking for a unique dining experience then this place is what you are looking for.

It is quite hard to find since it is a bit hidden but its okay. When entering the resto you must remove your shoes. You don't wanna get the floor dirty coz you'll be sitting on it. The place is very breezy because it is made off bamboo and nipa. It doesn't have enclosed walls which I like because the ambience is very relaxing. It reminds me of the kubo kubo back in the province where I take siesta with my cousins.

They offer local cuisine and you'll get them served in clean banana leaves but the plating is on point. They do not have spoon and fork it means you'll have to eat with your fingers. They only have small bowls for the sauce. I can say I had a decent meal. It's clean and perfectly cooked. You should try their authentic calamansi juice because it is not the regular calamansi juice. 😜 They added ginger and oregano in it. I can say it is a little weird but it's healthy and refreshing.

They also have merch if you are looking...