PHILADELPHIA - Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's East Passyunk neighborhood, Perla has established itself as a must-visit culinary destination. Located at 1535 S. 11th Street, this cozy, minimalist BYOB restaurant beautifully reimagines traditional Filipino cuisine through a modern lens.
Founded in 2016 by Chef Lou Boquila, the restaurant is a deeply personal project, affectionately named after his mother. Chef Boquila draws on his childhood and heritage to introduce Philadelphia diners to the distinctive, vibrant flavors he grew up loving, blending them with the refined culinary techniques he honed throughout his career.
The Kamayan Feast Experience
While Perla is celebrated for its modern approach to Filipino food, it is best known for its unforgettable, highly interactive dining experience: the Kamayan Menu. Offered Wednesday through Sunday, this traditional, family-style feast takes communal dining to a whole new level.
"Kamayan" translates from Tagalog to mean "by hand," reflecting the traditional Filipino style of eating without utensils.
- The Setup: Upon arrival, diners are greeted by a table completely lined with fresh banana leaves. There are no individual plates. Instead, the entire meal is plated directly onto the table in a stunning, colorful spread.
- The Experience: Guests are encouraged to dive in and eat with their hands, making for a fun, tactile, and communal experience (though plates and silverware are happily provided upon request). The pre-fixed menu is priced at an approachable $55 per person.
What's on the Menu?
The Kamayan feast is a generous, multi-course spread designed to hit every flavor profile—from savory and smoky to crisp and comforting. A typical spread at Perla includes:
- Sinangag: A massive, central mound of fragrant garlic fried rice.
- Ginataan: A rich vegetable curry featuring eggplant, long beans, cauliflower, squash, and zucchini, often serving as a flavorful base.
- Chicken Inasal: Tender chicken marinated in lemongrass, annatto, and vinegar, roasted to perfection.
- Pork Liempo: Savory, grilled pork belly prepared with a soy-calamansi marinade.
- Whole Fried Fish: A stunning, crispy whole Pompano.
- Lumpia: Classic Filipino spring rolls stuffed with ground pork, carrots, onions, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger.
- Dessert: The feast concludes with a sweet finish, such as a decadent chocolate coconut budino topped with almonds.
(Note: For larger parties, the feast may also feature Crispy Pata, a beloved dish of deep-fried pork knuckle.
Plan Your Visit
Because the Kamayan feast is highly curated, reservations are strongly encouraged, with a minimum of 2 guests per party. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday during dinner hours.
Whether you are looking for a unique date night or a massive, crowd-pleasing dinner with friends, Perla offers an immersive cultural and culinary experience that you won't soon forget. Don't forget to grab your favorite six-pack or bottle of wine on the way, and prepare to roll up your sleeves!
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