A taste of Filipino hospitality in Kaya, Orlando

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Since I was exposed to Filipino gastronomy movements, I have visited Filipino-owned restaurants featuring Filipino cuisine in each city I explore. This hobby led me to insist upon dining at Kaya in Orlando, Florida, during my family's trip there in December 2024. Although I had difficulty finding time for our Kaya dinner, there was availability for our group on our last night in the city!


(Kaya's signpost by the sidewalk. )


We went to Kaya straight after our gator adventure in Lake Tohopekaliga and arcade time at WonderWorks. The restaurant's façade was a welcome sight: a parol with twinkling fairy lights, kids playing street games in the parking lot, and a party in the front yard. The scene was the closest I could get to a fiesta in the Philippines.

It was good that we had snacks before travelling to Kaya because the wait was long! Chef Lo Lalicon and General Manager Jamilyn Salonga Bailey brought over salabat to ensure we were warm and cozy while waiting for our table—during what must have been the coldest evening of our visit. At the same time, we were seated near a fire pit, covered in a cozy fleece blanket (which we bought in Epcot).


(Ninang Trining, Daddy, and Mommy sitting by the porch, maximising the use of the fleece blankets we got in Epcot.)


(Donan was hiding under the fleece blanket while Anna and I were warming up by the fire.)


The food is so worth the trip (Kaya isn't in the tourist area of Orlando) and the wait! I was looking forward to eating Kaya's famous pancit sotanghon, but the serving plate was empty when it reached me. The sizzling sisig, sinangag, adobo risotto, and pork belly humba surprised Mommy, Daddy, Mommy, and Ninang Trining because the flavours were rich but not overwhelming. Donan had the Pinoy spaghetti all to himself (yes, he finished an adult portion—it was that delicious!). Anna enjoyed the specially prepared laing. Chef Lo even served it in a palayok. And the desserts (bibingka, silvanas, and corn flan) we ordered were so good, too! I had hoped that I would be able to taste the silvanas (or give some to Biboy and family as pasalubong), but these were finished off for breakfast the next day.

Tummy full; heart happy. Easily, this was the best meal I had in Orlando during this trip!

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