There’s no shortage of food finds in Pampanga. Kapampangans are known for their unique and delectable dishes. Their taste buds ensure that their meal preparation is always spot on. Hence, foodies should discover the hidden gem that is the Kapampangan buffet.

Pampanga buffets allow you to get the most of Kapampangan cuisine. They‘re sure to satisfy any appetite and fit any budget. Look no further because here are nine of the best eat-all-you-can spots in San Fernando.

 

Bale Capampangan

Address: 69 McArthur Highway, Dolores
Contact: (045) 961 0539
Open: Daily, 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Source: The Light and the Sword

Bale Capampangan is one of the many restaurants that serve unlimited local delicacies. The line of dishes you can find at the Bale include fresh vegetables, Kapampangan dishes, and Filipino desserts. You can enjoy Tortang Talong and assorted boiled vegetables with Balo-Balo, a kind of buro made of fermented shrimp, which enhances the flavors of bland or fried food. Buro is a Filipino condiment that usually contains fermented ingredients such as vegetable and shrimp.

Other must-try dishes from Bale are the famous Kapampangan dishes like Fried Camaru, Fried Frog, Adobong Balut and Bistek Kalabaw. There are also seafood recipes such as Fried Talangka, Hito, and Sinigang na Maya-Maya as well as unique ones like Asadong Itik, Adobong Usa, and Kalderetang Bibi. Besides the homegrown food, the also serve Asian inspired cuisines such as Shrimp Tempura and Pancit. Their pancit is quite different as it contains a bit of spice for an extra kick.

Bale Capampangan serves lunch daily for only P295 per person. Dinner rate for the weekend is higher than weekday rates. Dining on Saturdays and Sundays costs P255 while Monday to Friday eats costs P225 per person. Children over three feet but under four years-old need to pay P195 for lunch and P175 for dinner. You can dine and buy pasalubong at the same time. There are chewy gummy bears and sansrival up for grabs.

 

Capampangan Island Grill

Address: G5 Building, McArthur Highway
Contact: 09175245572
Open: Daily, 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

 

 

Capampangan Island Grill gives tribute to Kapampangan tradition. The restaurant lets guests experience a literary tradition called Polosa, an extemporaneous melodic poetry rendition. The local buffet also has in-house karaoke rooms that give customers the chance to belt their hearts out. The rooms also allow large groups to enjoy their meal in private. The lively and cozy restaurant complements the colorful surroundings and savory food which makes it perfect for events and casual dining.

Patrons highly recommend the grill’s Crispy Pata, Shabu-Shabu, and Fried Crablet. Their extensive buffet table also has other Kapampangan dishes that can satisfy an adventurous palate. Unlike other buffet-style restaurants, Capampangan Island Grill has an Almusal Express from 6:00 am until 10:00 am. Their Lunch Fiesta Buffet starts thirty minutes after and lasts until 2:30 in the afternoon. At 3:00 pm onwards, they have the Ningnangan Adventure.

The buffet rates are also affordable. Breakfast and lunch cost around P240 – P290 per head. Each person has to add P20 when checked in the KTV room. Children below three feet have no charges except when they use a plate.

 

Pipanganan

Address: McArthur Highway, Dolores
Contact: (045) 963 7501 | 09216000960
Open: Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Source: Tripadvisor

Pipanganan is undoubtedly the most affordable buffet in San Fernando. You can enjoy plate after plate of local and international inspired delicacies for less than P200!

A serving of steamed rice is best with Kapampangan-style Longganisa, Sisig, Kare-Kare, Lengua, and Pritong Lumpia. You can partner it with hot soup, Chopsuey and a side of atsara or buro. A few recommended meals to try are Pipanganan’s Fried and Roasted Chicken and Beef Steak with Gravy Sauce and Fried Hito. They also have entrees perfect for pulutan such as Fried Dilis and Fish Ball. Their Pancit Canton is also one to try.

After a flavorful meal, it’s best to try your hand at making Halo-Halo. They also have simple yet delectable desserts such as Minatamis na Kamote, Minatamis na Saging and seasonal fruits like melon and watermelon.

A meal at Pipanganan is only P185 while getting unlimited or bottomless iced tea is P230 per person. You can bring as many people as you can as their space can accommodate large groups.

Cafe Rustico

Address: Jose Abad Santos Avenue corner Lazatin Boulevard
Contact: (045) 963 7174
Open: Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Source: Facebook

Cafe Rustico rivals the price of Pipanganan but wins when talking about ambiance. It is the perfect place if you are looking for a party venue with unlimited food. Cafe Rustico is a Filipino restaurant and indoor events place that serves a wide array of Asian dishes.

Lechon Kawali is their signature dish. The crispy skin and tender pork meat best matches with spicy suka and soy sauce. They also have Korean frozen snacks like Melona that helps you wash off the saltiness from the meal.

On regular days, you can fill your tummy with Kapampangan favorites from Cafe Rustico for as low as P188.

 

Souq

Address: Lazatin Boulevard, San Fernando, Pampanga
Contact: (045) 409 7728
Open: Daily, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Source: TripAdvisor

Souq is an Arabic word that means “marketplace”. The restaurant brought the term to a whole new level. Not only does it serve delicious food, but it also functions as a showroom. Everything you see—the tables, chairs, mirrors—are for sale. The pieces of furniture are also very tasteful, enticing you to purchase at least a piece of furniture before leaving.

The restaurant offers a la carte servings during the day and a market that becomes an eat-all-you-can affair at night. If waiting for the evening is too long, you can try Souq’s recommended meals. They have a Sicilian Salad (P210) that includes fresh fruits (grapes, mango slices, and strawberry), lettuce, grilled chicken, and their salad sauce. The main dishes to try are the Prime Rib Caldereta (P450), Double Cooker Crispy Pork Belly Kare Kare (P450), Chicken Fajitas (P160) and Aligue Pasta.

You can finish your meal with Lemongrass with Calamansi (P95/glass) and Locucu (lemon, orange, and cucumber) drinks. Of course, they also have dessert. Their upgraded version of Palitaw with caramel filling, and Pitchi-Pitchi received a lot of great reviews. Other unique desserts in the menu are Buru Cheese Ice Cream (P70) and Ube Halaya Cheesecake which can be ordered as a whole or per slice. (P140/slice and P850/whole)

 

Holidayland

Address: Jasa Road (Olongapo-Gapan Road)
Contact: (045) 961 0100 | (045) 961 3667 | 09327899818

Source: Tripadvisor

Holidayland is by far the most affordable restaurant. The place allows liquor drinking and smoking in designated areas. It is also suitable for parties and special events.

The buffet table abounds with delectable options, but their fried rice is the one worth trying. They also have Adobong Balut, Patatim, Chicken Pastel, Sinigang, Tapang Usa, Lamb Adobo and Kapampangan favorites such as Camaru and Fried Frog. Of course, there are meals perfect for pulutan like Papaitan. People looking for a regular meal can still enjoy their time at Holidayland. There are various boiled vegetable platters to choose from.

The restaurant also has Japchae and homemade Ube for dessert, which is popular among the diners of Holidayland. There’s also a souvenir shop that sells local sweets and delicacies perfect as pasalubong and take-outs. A person can have an amazing time at the place without spending a huge amount. It charges P168 per person.

 

Partyland Restaurant

Address: 69 McArthur Highway, Dolores
Contact: (045) 961 4866
Open: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Source: MyOpenRice | essel31

Partyland Restaurant has extended operating hours because it is not only a restaurant, it’s also a favorite go-to for night owls. The restaurant’s name is true to itself because it becomes a place for drinking and dining until the early hours of the morning.The restaurant serves Kapampangan meals fit for family lunch and dinner as well as barkada hangouts. The must-try dishes are Sisig Baboy, Bistek Kalabaw, Kalderetang Baboy, Kare-Kareng Baka, Adobong Baka and Balut. They have Caramelized Camote for dessert—a sweet dish that sits well with partygoers and diners alike.

The eat-all-you-can party hub also has unlimited drinks. The place serves lunch at a rate of P247.50 per head and dinner for P214.50 per head.

 

Tabehoudai

Address: McArthur Highway, San Agustin
Contact: (045) 455 1300 | 09985761540 | 09153981876
Open: Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Source: Tabehoudai Asian Buffet

Tabehoudai is a Japanese word made of two verbs – ‘taberu‘ and ‘houdai‘. “Taberu” means to eat and “houdai” means as much as one likes. You can eat as much Japanese and international food you can while on a budget. The fresh sashimi salmon and tuna are highly-rated by diners. The pink salmon is exceptional while the rice used for different maki and sushi is likewise very good. Their dips and sauces are almost similar to authentic Japanese flavors. The tempura is worth the try. Each meal is best served with steaming miso soup.

 

Mogora

Address: 3rd Floor, Vista Mall, McArthur Highway, San Agustin
Contact: 09060389195 | 09478297461 | 09325749883 | 09778561606
Open: Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Source: Mogura Asian Buffet

If you are looking for an Asian culinary adventure on a budget, then you must visit Mogora. The restaurant offers a selection of Asian and international gourmet food. The buffet has modern and seasonal dishes including grilled meat cuts, seafood shabu-shabu and various cakes and pastries. Their best seller is the Samgyupsal and Salmon sushi.The usual rate for dining at Mogora is P559 while the weekend and holiday rate is P599. Mogora offers a complimentary ticket for a group of ten individuals who plan to have an Asian food adventure.

San Fernando is truly the place for unlimited eating and drinking! With the Kapampangan’s love to feast, you’ll never go wrong when trying out a buffet at Pampanga. A house and lot in Pampanga will bring you closer to these places and allow you to enjoy the experience without the guilt.