Balai Pata, a Filipino restaurant by Maui Chef Joey Macadangdang celebrates its one year anniversary. Located just minutes from the airport in Central Maui, the restaurant pays tribute to the humble beginnings that most Filipino immigrant families experience.

The name is translated from Ilocano to English, directly meaning, “House of a pig’s leg.”

During COVID, Macadangdang was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” with Guy Fierri on the Food Network. The special dish that he chose to feature out of his westside restaurant, Joey’s Kitchen, was “Crispy Pata.” This Filipino dish is made from pork leg, usually from the hock area, and is typically deep-fried to perfection or baked in the oven. Regardless of the technique, the skin is known for the crisp while the inside meat can still melt in your mouth.

Macadandang created Bali Pata in honor of this dish. However, there was a deeper meaning and inspiration to the idea of the central restaurant, which symbolized his roots, in the Philippines.  His late father, Flor Macadandang was often the go-to cook for family parties and community events, offering catering services in their province in the Philippines. 

Balai Pata is a tribute to Tata Flor and the humble beginnings of their immigration experience – chasing the American Dream.  Chef Joey’s culinary journey and passion for blending different flavors has come full circle with his newest venture, Balai Pata.  He aims to pay homage to Filipino families and create a place where diners feel at home – like visiting your nana’s or favorite auntie’s house for a family dinner. 

In his most recent endeavors, Macadangdang not only opened Balai Pata but simultaneously handled relief efforts after the devastating Lahaina wildfire disaster. He used his Nāpili location of his other restaurant, Joey’s Kitchen, to serve hot meals to the community hours before they knew the devastation of the fire.

Macadangdang also spent 20 years studying under Chef Roy Yamaguchi, another renowned chef who is credited with putting Hawaiian Fusion cuisine on the map.

Balai Pata’s menu provides a large variety of choices from small bites/salads to meat and seafood entrees, memorable desserts and fresh juices that is reminiscent of his childhood.  Balai Pata’s team aims to serve and welcome everyone.  “They want you to leave with tummies full, feeling like they are a part of a family, and yearning to return,” according to the announcement.

Balai Pata also hosts a monthly late night service Filipino First Friday – offering a special themed menu – from Filipino street food, seafood, Spanish flavors, and many more, plus karaoke.  This has become a popular event and is typically sold out a week in advance, according to the announcement.  For up-to-date information, on Balai Pata’s Filipino First Friday follow their Instagram @balaipata.

Balai Pata also introduced a Loyalty Program.   Here’s how it works:

• After five visits: Enjoy a free lumpia appetizer or lumpia dessert.
• After 15 visits: Get a free lumpia appetizer and your choice of any dessert.
• After 25 visits: Indulge in a signature Crispy Pata.

To participate in the program, simply provide a number, or sign into Yelp and visits will be tracked through the Yelp profile, making it easy to accumulate rewards and stay in the loop on offers. Balai Pata is located at 425 Koloa Street, Kahului. More information is available by calling 808-727-2230.