HELLO. I AM MARIA.
"Sa Kusina Secrets, ang bawat recipe ay may kuwento, at ang bawat kuwento ay parte ng ating kultura."
(At Kusina Secrets, every recipe has a story, and every story is part of our culture.)
Story Behind Kusina Secrets
Kusina Secrets began with a simple yet familiar struggle: trying to recreate the taste of home through hastily written family recipes and long-distance cooking consultations.
In early 2024, Maria found herself constantly messaging her mother (who used to be a known cook in their province), asking for clarification on recipes she'd hurriedly jotted down during past visits home. How much is one 'dakot' of flour for palitaw?" "What exactly does 'lutuin hanggang maluto' mean for menudo?" These vague instructions, while charming, weren't quite enough for someone trying to master Filipino cooking.
While there were many food blogs and recipe sites, Maria noticed they often missed the crucial details that make Filipino dishes special – like knowing exactly when the garlic is toasted enough for sinangag, or understanding why the order of ingredients matters so much in pochero. Some recipes were oversimplified, while others seemed unnecessarily complicated.
What started as a personal collection of carefully tested recipes in a digital notebook evolved into Kusina Secrets. Launched in March 2024, the website bridges the gap between traditional Filipino cooking wisdom and modern recipe writing.
Each recipe on Kusina Secrets features:
- Clear, detailed step-by-step instructions
- Notes on ingredient substitutions for different countries
- Tips passed down through generations of Filipino cooks
- Cultural context and history of each dish
- Common pitfalls to avoid and troubleshooting tips
The website serves everyone from homesick Filipino students abroad to curious food enthusiasts exploring Filipino cuisine, to second-generation Filipinos hoping to connect with their heritage through food. Each recipe is thoroughly tested and clearly written, ensuring success whether you're making classic adobo or attempting more complex dishes like kare-kare or rellenong manok.
In just a few months, Kusina Secrets has grown into a trusted resource where food lovers can find authentic Filipino recipes that work. Every dish is presented with respect for tradition while offering clear, practical instructions that make Filipino cooking accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world.
Our Mission
To share authentic Filipino recipes that honor our traditions while making them accessible to everyone – from Filipino students abroad missing their family's cooking to second-generation Pinoys reconnecting with their roots, and curious food lovers exploring our rich culinary heritage.
Why "Kusina Secrets"?
Every Filipino home cook knows that the real magic of our cuisine lies in the little secrets passed down through generations:
- The perfect timing to add siling labuyo to your sawsawan
- Why you should never rush garlic rice
- How to achieve that perfect adobo sauce consistency
- The art of balancing sour and savory in sinigang
- When exactly to stir the bibingka batter
Our Commitment to Authenticity
Each recipe on Kusina Secrets reflects the true essence of Filipino cooking:
- Recipes tested in real home kitchens
- Measurements converted from traditional "takal" and "dakot" to precise quantities
- Regional variations noted where applicable
- Historical and cultural context for each dish
- Traditional cooking techniques explained in detail
Filipino Cooking Philosophy
We believe in the core principles that make Filipino cooking special:
- Pagbabahagi (Sharing) - Food is meant to be shared, always cook with others in mind
- Sukat sa Panlasa (Taste as You Go) - Learning to adjust flavors to taste
- Tipid at Tiyaga (Resourcefulness and Patience) - Making the most of ingredients and taking time to develop flavors
- Pagmamana (Heritage) - Preserving and passing down culinary traditions
Looking Forward
As we grow, we commit to:
- Documenting more regional Filipino dishes
- Preserving traditional cooking techniques
- Making Filipino cuisine accessible worldwide
- Building a community of Filipino food enthusiasts
- Helping the next generation maintain our culinary heritage
Connect With Us
Share your cooking journey
Share stories about your favorite Filipino dishes
Share your finished dishes
Tell us your family's recipe variations
Ask questions about techniques
Request recipes you'd like to learn
