top of page
Search

How to Kamayan: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enjoying a Filipino Feast at Home

  • Writer: B's Sizzling Kitchen
    B's Sizzling Kitchen
  • 14 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

What Is Kamayan?


Long table with banana leaves is covered in vibrant fruits and food, black lanterns, red cups. Hands arrange items, creating a festive mood.

Kamayan comes from the Filipino word kamay, meaning hand. Traditionally, Kamayan is a style of dining where food is laid out family-style and enjoyed using your hands — no plates, no cutlery, just good food and great company.

It’s commonly seen during celebrations, family gatherings, and special occasions, but at its heart, Kamayan is about:


  • Sharing food

  • Eating together

  • Creating connection around the table


How to Kamayan at Home: Step-by-Step


Step 1: Prepare Your Table


Person arranging green leaves on a red tablecloth in a cafe. Background has colorful plants, chairs, posters, and a festive garland.

Start with a long table or any flat surface that can comfortably seat everyone.

If you have banana leaves, even better. They’re traditionally used as a natural table liner and add aroma, authenticity, and visual appeal.


Tip: Some of our guests request banana leaves with their Kamayan or K-Box orders — and if you ask nicely, we’re happy to include them when available


Step 2: Lay Down the Base


Person arranging green leaves on a red tablecloth in a cafe. Background has colorful plants, chairs, posters, and a festive garland.

Line your table with banana leaves (overlapping them slightly), or use parchment paper if banana leaves aren’t available.

This becomes your “shared plate” where everything is placed.


Step 3: Arrange the Food


A woman serves food on banana leaves at a banquet table. Lanterns decorate the setting, while people sit and chat in the cozy cafe.

Presentation matters — but don’t overthink it.

Place rice down the center, then arrange dishes around it:

  • Grilled meats

  • Crispy items

  • Saucy dishes

  • Sides and condiments


The goal is abundance and accessibility — everyone should be able to reach and share.

If you’re ordering from B’s, our K-Boxes and Kamayan sets are already portioned and curated to make this step easy.


Step 4: Wash Hands & Gather Everyone


Hands covered in soap under running water over a sink, with bubbles and water droplets. Blurred kitchen counter in the background.

Kamayan is meant to be enjoyed together — not one person at a time.

Have everyone wash their hands, gather around, and wait until everyone is ready before starting.

No phones.No rushing.Just enjoy the moment.


Step 5: Eat, Share & Enjoy


Person arranging green leaves on a red tablecloth in a cafe. Background has colorful plants, chairs, posters, and a festive garland.

Use your hands, mix flavours, and don’t be shy.

There’s no strict rulebook — Kamayan is about comfort and connection. Talk, laugh, and enjoy the experience as much as the food.


Tips & Tricks for a Great Kamayan Experience


  •  Keep napkins and wet wipes nearby

  •  Serve everything at once — Kamayan is meant to be shared

  •  Don’t over-decorate; let the food shine

  •  Relax — it’s meant to be fun, not formal


Kamayan isn’t about perfection. It’s about togetherness.


Want Kamayan Without the Setup?


If you love the idea of Kamayan but don’t want to prepare everything yourself, we’ve got you covered.


Kamayan at B’s Sizzling Kitchen


Person arranging green leaves on a red tablecloth in a cafe. Background has colorful plants, chairs, posters, and a festive garland.

Join us at the restaurant and enjoy Kamayan the way it’s meant to be — fully prepared, beautifully laid out, and ready to enjoy with family and friends.

Perfect for:

  • Family gatherings

  • Celebrations

  • Sunday get-togethers


Off-Site Kamayan & Catering



People enjoying a long outdoor feast on a sunny day, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery, in a cheerful backyard setting.

Hosting at home or at a venue? Our Off-Site Kamayan service brings the full experience to you — from food to setup.

Ideal for:

  • Birthdays

  • Weddings

  • Corporate events

  • Large family gatherings


K-Boxes & Kamayan Sets To Go


Open boxes of assorted seafood and fried foods with vibrant toppings like lemon, tomato, and scallions. Labels with contact info visible.

For smaller groups or easy at-home feasts, our K-Boxes and Kamayan sets are designed for sharing and convenience.

Simply pick up, set up, and enjoy — we’ve done the hard part for you.


Kamayan Is Always Better Together


Whether you’re learning how to Kamayan at home, ordering a K-Box, or joining us for Kamayan at B’s, one thing stays the same — it’s all about sharing food and creating memories.


And whenever you’re ready, B’s Sizzling Kitchen is always here to Kamayan with you.


Comments

bottom of page