Earlier last month, Kababayan, a long-time staple for Filipino food in Woodbridge, Virginia, moved to a new location on Minnieville Road. The move comes after 17 years of serving homestyle Filipino dishes and specialty grocery items in Smoketown Plaza. 

“We’re very proud of what we’ve done here,” says John Dela Rosa, who owns the business with his wife. When asked about the move to relocate Kababayan during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dela Rosa told the PW Perspective that he wanted to create a fresh, new and inviting environment for Kababayan’s loyal customers that have supported the local business over the years. “I’m glad that we’ve been able to present something for them [the customers] to enjoy.”

The name of the restaurant, Dela Rosa notes, means “fellow countrymen” in Tagalog–the national language of the Philippines–which he and his wife deemed ideal given that many of the customers they serve are Filipinos. 

“They’ve really fallen in love with the decor,” says Dela Rosa on the response from customers since the relocation took place. The new storefront boasts a large seating area that includes large and small tables for families and friends to enjoy their food. It is also thoughtfully designed with decor inspired by Filipino culture–from capiz light fixtures, various artworks depicting Philippine life and a large mural of famous landmarks in Manila. 

“Any food that you have here would remind you of what your mom, dad, or grandma would prepare for you as a kid,” told Dela Rosa, remarking upon the classic Filipino dishes served at Kababayan in the turo-turo or cafeteria style. The food, Dela Rosa says, is meant to bring a sense of comfort and give a glimpse to the foods people enjoy in the Philippines for Filipino and non-Filipino customers alike. 

Kababayan: Filipino Kitchen can be found at 13352 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192 from 10am-7pm everyday.