Hapag Kainan: Bringing the Filipino Feast to Milan

By Mye Mulingtapang / Photos courtesy of Hapag Kainan

More than just a food service, it’s a celebration of Filipino hospitality and culinary heritage where food becomes the centerpiece of joy, generosity, and togetherness.

Rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, Hapag Kainan brings people together through dishes that honor the past, embrace the present, and create lasting memories around every shared plate. Every flavor tells a story of home, resilience, and celebration, crafted with both respect and imagination. Here, the table is not just a place to eat — it is where friendships are deepened, cultures are celebrated, and moments are made unforgettable.

A Feast of  Filipino Favorites

In the heart of Milan, where cultures blend and memories of home linger in every bite, Hapag Kainan Catering owned by Christopher Escalona and JayAr Pabilonia,  has become a treasured name among the Filipino community. More than just a food service, it’s a celebration of Filipino hospitality and culinary heritage, particularly the festive Batangueño tradition of handaan, where food becomes the centerpiece of joy, generosity, and togetherness.

“Hapag kainan” means the dining table in Filipino. It is a place where stories are shared, milestones are celebrated, and bonds are strengthened. Staying true to its name, Hapag Kainan Catering serves up beloved Filipino classics such as lechon kawali, pancit, kare-kare, menudo, and indulgent sweets like ube halaya, buko pandan, and leche flan. Every dish is a tribute to home-cooked comfort, prepared with care and authenticity.

"Filipinos will always find a reason to gather and eat together”.

But what makes this catering service truly special is how it draws inspiration from the handaan culture of Batangas—a province in the Philippines known for its abundant and hearty feasts during birthdays, fiestas, and reunions. In Batangueño homes, no occasion is too small for a generous spread. Hapag Kainan brings this same spirit to Italy: long tables, overflowing trays of food, warm smiles, and a commitment to making every guest feel like family.

Behind this thriving business is a team that knows exactly what it means to celebrate the Filipino way. Hapag Kainan Catering can accommodate up to 650 guests in a single celebration, and impressively, they often handle multiple events in one day—from birthdays to weddings, baptisms to reunions.

In fact, the business is fully booked for the entire year, a testament to how deeply Filipinos value togetherness, good food, and joyful celebrations. "Filipinos will always find a reason to gather and eat together," says Christopher. "And wherever we are in the world, we bring that spirit of celebration with us."

“Our handaans are like homecomings complete with Batangas-style feasting, music, and laughter”. -Hapag Kainan

Whether it’s a christening, a wedding, or a milestone birthday, Hapag Kainan recreates the vibrant, festive vibe of gatherings back home.

Over time, Hapag Kainan has become more than a catering business. It has grown into a cultural touchstone for Filipinos in Milan. Through food, it connects kababayans to their roots and introduces Italian friends to the rich, flavorful world of Filipino cuisine. Their events feel like homecomings—complete with Batangas-style feasting, music, and laughter.

Rooted in the proud traditions of Batangas, Hapag Kainan is a shining example of how Filipino values—hospitality, abundance, and community—can thrive anywhere in the world. The team behind it, many of whom hail from Batangas, carry their culinary heritage with pride and passion, serving not just food but a full Filipino experience.