YOHAN'S: Kinalas in Legazpi City

Kinalas ranks high among the comfort food of  the Bicolanos.  It is a noodle dish with piping hot soup and what set its apart from the mami, in the words of Renzelle Ann Palma of choosephilippines is the way it's prepared. A skinned cow's head is boiled for hours until the meat falls off, creating a delicious broth. It is then poured in a bowl of mami noodles, chicharon and boiled egg.

Ground zero for the kinalas revolution is Barangay Dayangdang in Naga City where Cordova's and other prominent kinalas joints can be found. Kinalas has been spreading to the neighboring towns in the province of Camarines Sur   

And just recently, it has made its landing in the beautiful city of Legazpi in the province of Albay and I found this out one rainy Saturday night this July.  Just arrived in Legazpi City from a long trip from Allen. Northern Samar after finishing  the CC2AC 50km ultramarathon.  It was raining hard and gloomy weather like this had me hankering for some soothing bowl of hot soup. 

Tinola would be good, Bulalo would be excellent and  Kinalas would be divine. Turns out that  the heavens were smiling at the Bicolano Penguin for I found myself walking along the Alternate Road (Benjamin Imperial Street), past Casablanca Suites and then I saw this roadside eatery with the name Yohans Food Express.           

Something about the name of the restaurant and its very welcoming front set up that had me going straight for the counter to make my order. Lo and behold, Yohan's was actually offering authentic Kinalas, proudly proclaiming it as "Bicol's Best." How lucky can a Bicolano get in this stormy weather. I immediately ordered Kinalas with egg and  the counter crew was knowledgeable of their menu to recommend one of their best drinks - Watermelonade.

I enjoyed the kinalas and the drink was healthy good as advertised. While eating, I could not help but notice this cute little boy toddling along the four corners of the restaurant. Turns out he owns the place. To be exact about it, his parents Ricky and Carol Masarate owns the restaurant and named it after the toddler - Yohan. 

Yohan's Food Express offers other delectable treats like goto, quesadilla, sisig and sinapot. It is open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 10pm.  

For all the runners, hikers, swimmers, bikers, triathletes and tourists  who visit Legazpi and its surrounding towns, go check out this place of comfort food. Experience what Yohan's mean by "Good and Quality Food are for All."