Lunch at Kubli Springs, Quezon: eating with our feet under the water

After our hearty breakfast at Kusina Salud and visiting farms and ricefields, it wasn’t quite apparent where we were headed. All I know is that we were traversing Dolores, Quezon en route to Kinabuhayan Cafe and Kubli Springs. So I asked my van seatmate, Kinabuhayan proprietor Jay Herrera why I did not see sign boards or directional signs. He said that was really intentional, “the fun part is in discovering things.” He clearly didn’t want all sorts of people to flock to Kubli, which is the Tagalog verb for “hide.”

Finally, we arrive there and it seems the heavens smiled at us because it didn’t rain. The place is a secluded spot that can be reached after moderate trekking. It kinda reminded me of a place in our province where the womenfolk washed clothes in the clear water and took a bath there as well. It was all so clean and clear.

Our lunch for the day, like this salad of fresh veggies, was neatly laid out on bamboo tables. The delectable arrangement was a prelude to another fantastic meal on this Viaje del Sol trip. Our table was right there on the shallow part of the river so that we ate amid the rocks and the running water. Truly a whiff of the countryside!

I was surprised that only two men are at the helm of operating Kinabuhayan Cafe, and they bring all guests to Kubli Springs because the springs is part of the 19 hectare or so property which Mr. Herrera owns. The guy cooks the food himself and even concocts his own recipes.

Mushroom Risotto

Barbecued Pork Ribs

We loved the chef’s take on this dish called “Pinagulayan.” Veggies like eggplant, potatoes and peppers were sauteed in vinegar and an assortment of herbs in order to come up with something that resembles ratatouille.

Did you know that Kubli Springs can be spruced up for special events? The two guys take pride in that fact that the remote place can be transformed into a totally different setting at night, with candles on the water, flowers and petals strewn all over, music from a serenade – the works!

Kubli Springs definitely gets our vote as one of those off-the-beaten track destinations one must see, if only for eating picnic food under running water 😛

For the Kubli Springs, Kinabuhayan Cafe experience, contact Jay Herrera at 09162215791