Fresh Lumpia: A Taste of Home, Reimagined The aroma of freshly made lumpia wrappers, a delicate dance of egg and flour kissed by hot oil, is a scent that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s bustling kitchen. It wasn’t just about the food; it was the symphony of chopping, the gentle sizzle in the … Read more
Filipino Chicken Afritada: A Comforting Embrace in a Bowl My earliest memories of Filipino cooking are intertwined with the comforting aroma of simmering stews. Chicken afritada, in particular, holds a special place. I recall my Lola (grandmother) standing over a well-loved wok, her movements practiced and sure, coaxing vibrant flavors from humble ingredients. The rich, … Read more
Whole Wheat Pesto Pandesal: A Savory Twist on a Filipino Favorite There’s a particular aroma that wafts from bakeries in the Philippines, a comforting cloud of yeast, sugar, and warmth that instantly conjures childhood memories. Pandesal, that ubiquitous bread roll enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, holds a special place in my heart. While … Read more
Bistek Tagalog: A Filipino Culinary Embrace of Comfort and Flavor Growing up, the aroma of Bistek Tagalog simmering on the stove was a sure sign that a comforting evening was on the horizon. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a warm hug in a bowl, a dish that spoke of family gatherings and simple, … Read more
Kutsinta: A Sweet Symphony of Brown Rice and Tradition Growing up, the scent of steamed rice cakes was a comforting prelude to weekend mornings and festive gatherings. Among these, kutsinta held a special place. It wasn’t just a snack; it was a memory of my Lola’s patient hands, the gentle hiss of steam from her … Read more
A Taste of Verdant Philippines: My Journey with Ensaladang Pako There’s a particular pungency, a vibrant, earthy aroma that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s humble kitchen in the Philippines. It wasn’t the scent of grand feasts or elaborate desserts that defined those cherished memories, but the simple, refreshing fragrance of her Filipino Salad, … Read more
Filipino Style Fried Calamares: A Taste of the Sea, Crispy and Golden Growing up, the mere mention of “calamares” in our household conjured images of Friday nights, the sizzle of oil, and the aroma of something deliciously briny filling the air. It was more than just a dish; it was a ritual. My Lola, a … Read more
Kare-Kare: A Taste of Filipino Comfort There’s a particular warmth that settles over my kitchen whenever I embark on making kare-kare. It’s a dish that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s bustling home, the air thick with the promise of a hearty, celebratory meal. The slow, patient simmering of the oxtails, the vibrant hues … Read more
The Golden Embrace: Mastering Lumpiang Togue, the Filipino Bean Sprout Spring Roll There’s a certain magic to food that transports you back in time, to a specific moment, a feeling, a place. For me, Lumpiang Togue isn’t just a snack; it’s the scent of my grandmother’s kitchen on a bustling Saturday afternoon, the comforting chatter … Read more