Filipino resto gives taste, feel of 'kamayan' in California

It doesn't just taste good, it feels absolutely delectable to the touch.

A restaurant in Anaheim, California is bringing more than just a touch of Pinoy food to its customers—it's serving the Filipino tradition of kamayan, or eating with bare hands.

In a GMA International report, Lolas By MFK (Modern Filipino Kitchen), showcases its Filipino culinary creations with a twist.

"There are Filipinos who haven't done a kamayan. Definitely a new experience for them. Some are a little shocked like, 'Oh I gotta eat [with] my hands,' but then you just get them a knife," executive chef and owner Henry Pineda.

Pineda is born to a Guatemalan father and Filipino mother.

Nick, a regular diner, shared that eating with his hands completes his experience with his meal.

"I love the chicken adobo. I love the coffee. I love that we have ube pancakes," he said.

For customer Melanie, eating with your hands brings a "unique way of eating."

"I know some other cultures do it, too. But I think that it's a really important aspect of filial culture and having kamayan, eating with people, it has that communal experience and it's just a fun way to enjoy your food with a community," Melanie said.

"You have to experience it because this is our culture. This is how you learn as the Filipinos and how we used to eat," diner Lin said.

Lola's also serves Filipino breakfast like tocino and longganisa.

"So, to people who never try it or people who want to try something, we would love to have them [try] it over here," Pineda said. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/ VDV, GMA Integrated News