Ever found yourself in a sleepy little town and thought, “Where do I eat without regretting my life choices?” Yeah, same here. But when it comes to Majayjay, Laguna, this low-key paradise doesn’t just win you over with cold waterfalls and foggy mornings — it feeds your soul with some seriously underrated local food.
So if you’re the type who thinks travel isn’t complete without a food coma or a belly full of rice (hello, we’re in the Philippines), then this guide is your holy grail.
Let’s dig in — literally.
1. Pancit Habhab (Lucban-style but Local)
Okay, so technically this originated in nearby Lucban, but trust me, Majayjay locals have made it their own — and some might argue it’s even better here. Served on a banana leaf, eaten with no utensils (just shovel it in, no shame), this noodle dish has that sour-savory kick when drizzled with vinegar.
- Where to try it: Local eateries in the poblacion (town proper) or at street stalls during fiestas.
2. Nilagang Baka with Native Corn
Nothing hits the soul like hot soup in cool weather — and in Majayjay, the weather is often cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Locals love a good nilaga, but here they sometimes add sweet native corn that makes it comforting on a whole new level.
- Best served: At roadside carinderias or at a homestay where the host insists you eat more.
3. Inihaw na Native Chicken
There’s grilled chicken, and then there’s backyard-raised, slow-marinated, kissed-by-smoke kind of grilled chicken. Majayjay’s version of inihaw na manok is all that. It’s often paired with homemade dipping sauce — a mix of calamansi, soy sauce, and crushed chili.
- Tip: Some locals offer these at weekend markets or right outside their homes — so keep your eyes and nose open.
4. Kakanin Galore (Bibingka, Espasol, and Sapin-Sapin)
You haven’t truly been to a Philippine province if you didn’t try kakanin. Majayjay has an abundance of it — often sold by old ladies with baskets at the plaza or at church steps on Sundays.
- Bibingka – Rice cake with salted egg, sometimes grilled in banana leaves
- Espasol – Cylindrical rice cake rolled in toasted rice flour
- Sapin-Sapin – Multi-colored, layered rice dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat
These treats make perfect pasalubong too.
5. Pako Salad (Fern Salad)
One of Majayjay’s hidden culinary gems is its pako (fiddlehead fern). Locals whip up a tangy, fresh pako salad with tomatoes, onions, salted egg, and a vinegar-based dressing. Super refreshing after a hot hike or a cold swim.
- Health bonus: It’s organic, locally harvested, and packed with nutrients.
6. Lechon Kawali (Crispy & Local Version)
Yes, you’ve had lechon kawali in Manila. No, it doesn’t compare. In Majayjay, the pork is often raised locally, seasoned traditionally, and fried to golden perfection. The skin? Shatteringly crisp. The meat? Juicy. The whole thing? Worth every calorie.
7. Sinandomeng Rice
Wait, rice? Seriously? Yes. Hear me out.
Majayjay still has areas where they harvest their own rice — specifically Sinandomeng, a local variety that’s soft, fragrant, and doesn’t clump up like store-bought rice. Paired with anything, it elevates the entire meal.
- Buy a kilo or two on your way home. It’s that good.
8. Kesong Puti (White Cheese from Carabao Milk)
This one’s more associated with Laguna in general, but plenty of households and small vendors in Majayjay make homemade kesong puti. It’s mild, slightly salty, and creamy — perfect with warm pandesal for breakfast.
- Find it at: Public markets or local farm shops.
9. Sinaing na Tulingan (Slow-Cooked Tuna)
A dish that takes hours to make right — tulingan (bullet tuna) is cooked with dried kamias, garlic, and pork fat until tender and slightly oily in the best way. You’ll find this in small eateries and carinderias, served with rice and often a side of green mangoes.
- Warning: Highly addictive. Causes unplanned second helpings.
10. Barako Coffee and Local Herbal Tea
Need to warm up or just relax after a full meal? Majayjay’s cooler temperature makes coffee and tea breaks especially enjoyable.
- Barako Coffee – Strong, bold, and traditionally served black
- Pandan or Lagundi Tea – Herbal brews served in homestays or farm cafes
No need for fancy cafes — just real, heartfelt brews.
Insider Tips for Foodies
- Visit the public market early – You’ll catch the freshest produce and homemade meals.
- Attend a fiesta – Food is everywhere, and it’s usually free if you’re friendly enough.
- Ask locals for recommendations – Don’t rely solely on Google Maps. Some of the best eats are hidden.
Where to Buy Pasalubong in Majayjay
- Town Plaza Vendors – Selling kakanin, vinegar, fruit preserves, and wild honey
- Dalitiwan Resort Store – Offers snacks, condiments, and handmade items
- Sari-sari Stores – Look for coconut vinegar, peanut brittle, and dried fruits
Final Thoughts
Majayjay may not be a food capital, but what it offers is genuine, homemade, soulful food that tells a story. From the aroma of grilled native chicken wafting from someone’s backyard to the delicate sweetness of freshly steamed kakanin, this town feeds more than your appetite — it nourishes your nostalgia.
FAQs:
Are there restaurants in Majayjay, or just small eateries?
Majayjay is known more for carinderias, homestyle eateries, and weekend markets rather than big-name restaurants. That said, some resorts and homestays offer authentic home-cooked meals that beat most restaurants in flavor and heart.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Majayjay?
Yes, though it’s limited. You’ll find vegetable dishes like pako salad, ginisang gulay, and fried tofu in local eateries. Just ask vendors to skip meat or fish sauce — they’re usually happy to accommodate.
What is the best time to buy local food or pasalubong?
Early morning is best, especially if you’re heading to the public market. This is when fresh produce, rice cakes, and native delicacies like espasol and bibingka are available. Sundays and fiesta days have more variety.
