JJ's Chika-an — Restaurant in Hilongos

In all of Hilongos, the high ceilings and seating layout, with its updated decor, feel the most modern in town.

Their food selections are the best reason to eat here. The food gets upgrades from culinary techniques from around the world, yet still remain authentically Filipino. Food combines buffet, diner, and restaurant style. The dishes capture big city appeal with local tastes, which can be a tight rope to walk, with many pitfalls, and somehow, they seem to stick the landing.

A good indication of service is that the locals greet the staff like family, where they dine, "take-away," or catch up on the latest gossip, to eat, and relax from the bustle outside.

For out of towners and tourists, if it's not on the menu, they can be accommodating to cook something they know they can make well. (I loved they made me a simple vegetable omelet without hesitating.)

The food and drink menu are reasonably priced, especially for the quality you expect.

BONUS: They cater too! If you're interested in hosting large family gatherings; special events, they have a reception hall for big occasions and large crowds. That makes JJ's Chika-an unique in all...

It is a combination of a casual dining and self-service. Actually, I thought we have to wait on the table for the menu to be given but we have to go to the counter to order the food. I was confused on the type of service. We were not able to take a photo of the food because we were hungry. The staff told us that the food choices on the menu depends on availability and he has to ask first the kitchen if it's available that's why we only ordered the lomi and rice inside the restaurant and BBQ outside. You have to pay separately. To our surprise, there were customers who dined late than us but they were able to order those on the menu. Seemed to me that the staff was not properly informed on how to offer their products to customers. It was our first time to dine so we just assumed that they are closing but we were wrong. We just continued eating so that we can go home. The store should provide a receipt even if the customer...

JJ’s Chika-an is by the main road in Hilongos, Leyte and has recently opened its food service to Leyteños. Whenever I go home for weekends in Leyte, my family always take me to Chika-an. I really like the ambiance of this place. It has a rustic vibe and cozy atmosphere. The food choices are authentic, home-cooked, comfort Bisaya cuisines. The portions are decent and good for sharing. Every Sunday, they serve a special kinilaw which is one-of-kind, and probably the best and freshest raw fish salad that I’ve ever tasted. The price range is very affordable and there are plenty of parking places. I believe they also offer a catering option, but I guess the owner could give more information on that. Overall, a great experience dining here. Thumbs up...