Ballena Kainan, Lagao’s Roadside Delight

Who would have thought that somewhere in a sidestreet of Barangay Lagao, lies a simple unassuming carenderia which has been attracting not only ordinary folks but also VIP‘s including the members of the City Council of GenSan?

Always on the lookout for GENSAN restaurants which hopefully turn out to be culinary gems, Bariles was brought to Ballena’s Kainan by his bosom friend Councilor Meg Santos who swears by its exceptional home-style cooking.

Managed by its resident cook Alvin Ballena, who took over from his mom’s old Balbacuahan, the eatery which could only fit 2 tables inside its tiny serving area spilling out into Capareda Street‘s wide sidewalk, the place has been around for more than a year now.

The place offer a variety of Pinoy cuisine ready for take out ala-turo-turo. Other than that, one can phone them in advanced and order whatever dish he fancies. In this case, before Bariles and company went there to eat, Councilor Meg already called in and ordered her favorite beef steak.

Meanwhile, it was lechon kawali for Councilor Ric Atendido who’s coming with us along with Councilor Nepthali Natividad.

The group was so famished that time from their stressful hosting of the National Convention of Councilors League of the Philippines that they also ordered the eatery’s bestseller, PANCIT CANTON. Being a noodle eater, Cook Alvin’s take on the favorite Pinoy staple did not disappoint Bariles.

Soup was Nilagang Baboy and veggies was Ginataang Langka, both ordered straight out of their array of pre-cooked food.

The famished VIP’s immediately settled on their tables arranged out into the front yard under a makeshift tent and didn’t mind the traffic passing by.

What concerns them is that their hungry tummies are once again fed with Ballena Kainan’s satisfying fare and at that point in time, that is all that really matters.

Ballena Kainan can be found along Capareda Street (KANAN), about 30 meters from the Nikki Louis College (formerly Canda School of Midwifery). For short orders of any kind, please call them at (083) 302-3393. PRICES START AT P65 FOR SHORT ORDERS.