Kamayan: A Filipino Feast + Live Music at Culture Lab LIC

Join Little Chef Little Cafe at Culture Lab LIC for a special evening of Filipino food, music, and community centered around the tradition of kamayan.

Kamayan, meaning “by hand” in Tagalog, is a communal style of dining where a generous feast is laid across banana leaves and enjoyed without utensils. It is meant to be shared—bringing people together around the table to eat, connect, and celebrate.

For this gathering, the feast will be curated by Chef Diana Manalang, the Little Chef Little Cafe team, and a lineup of talented contributing chefs, each bringing their own voice and perspective to the table. Participating chefs and menu details will be announced as they are confirmed.

Guests will be welcomed with an introduction to kamayan and the dishes being served before gathering around the table to enjoy the feast together. The evening will also feature a live cultural music and dance experience curated by Queensboro Dance Festival and Karesia Batan, bringing another layer of storytelling, tradition, and celebration to the night. Together, the food and music create an interactive cultural experience rooted in sharing, hospitality, and connection.

Whether you grew up with kamayan or are experiencing it for the first time, everyone is welcome at the table. Come hungry. Eat with your hands. Share the table. Celebrate Filipino culture through

food and music.

Your Ticket Includes:

● A communal Filipino kamayan feast

● Dishes curated by Chef Diana Manalang, the Little Chef Little Cafe team, and contributing guest chefs

● An introduction to kamayan and the dishes being served

● Two drink tickets (additional drinks will be available for purchase)

● A live cultural music and dance experience curated by Queensboro Dance Festival and Karesia Batan, featuring a traditional live Rondalla band, the National Dance of the Philippines Tinikling, indigenous dances from the Northern and Southern regions of the Philippines, and Filipino social line dancing with Mr. Pinoy Linedance aka Noel Gamboa and Friends!

Featured Dance Companies and Artists:

Kinding Sindaw

Cordilliera Cultural Ensemble

The Physical Plant

Marc Nunez

Mr. Pinoy Linedance

Presented by Little Chef Little Cafe at Culture Lab LIC.

Participating chefs, menu details, and dietary/allergen information will be announced as they are confirmed.