Cebuano Ngohiong (Cebu’s Lumpia)
I first discovered Ngohiong during a memorable vacation in Cebu, where the aroma of these five-spice spring rolls from street-side stalls near University of San …
Molido (Sweet Potato Candy)
When I first heard about turning kamote into candy, I was honestly skeptical – I mean, sweet potato candy? Really? My idea of candy was …
Filipino Kundol Candy (Winter Melon Candy)
I was never really a candy person. My Nanay always warned me about too much sugar and dental visits. But there’s this one sweet treat …
Binalay ng Isabela (Sticky Rice Cake in Coconut Caramel Sauce)
I’ll never forget the first time I tasted Binalay during a summer visit to my Tita Rose’s house in Iligan, Isabela. The sweet aroma of …
Authentic Bicolano Kinalas
Let me tell you about how the day I discovered Kinalas changed everything I thought I knew about noodle soups. Growing up in Bataan, I …
Buchi (Filipino Sesame Balls)
Growing up in our small neighborhood in Pilar, Bataan, the highlight of my afternoon was always the familiar call of “Buchi! Mainit-init pang buchi!” from …
Filipino Beef Pares (Braised Beef)
Beef Pares was always our 3 AM salvation after a long night of inuman with friends. I always enjoy sliding into those plastic chairs at …
Filipino Puto Bumbong (Purple Rice Cake)
Nothing brings back Christmas memories quite like the sight and aroma of freshly steamed Puto Bumbong outside our local church after Simbang Gabi. I can …
Sapin-Sapin (Filipino Layered Sticky Rice Cake)
Sapin-Sapin was my ultimate merienda weakness. Every afternoon at around 3 PM, I’d hear the familiar “Bilao! Kakanin!” call from Aling Yolly, our neighborhood magkakanin. …
Sizzling Balut (Spicy Filipino Duck Egg Delicacy)
Balut was always that midnight treat my Tito would bring home from his evening walks – just simple, steaming hot, with a pinch of rock …