Two years in Canada, and while Andrea has adjusted to the bustling streets of Toronto, her heart remains tethered to the shores of Batangas. For Andrea, the longing for home is not just about the family she left behind or the friends she used to laugh with—it’s also about the taste of lomi, the quintessential Batangas comfort food that holds a treasure trove of memories.
The Taste of Nostalgia
“Growing up in Batangas, lomi was more than just food—it was a family tradition,” Andrea reminisces. In her hometown, calls of “Tara, lomi tayo!” would spark spontaneous family outings or casual get-togethers with friends. The steaming bowl of thick, flavorful broth brimming with an overload of toppings wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience.
In Toronto, Andrea has indulged in the diverse Filipino cuisine available—from Ilocano pinakbet to Kapampangan sisig. Yet, something was missing. No matter how rich the offerings, authentic Batangas lomi proved elusive. “It’s the lapot ng sabaw,” she explains. “Without the thick, hearty broth, it’s just not the same.”
A Glimmer of Hope
Andrea’s search for lomi authenticity came to an end when she heard about a new restaurant in Toronto’s Little Manila neighborhood. “When I found out about Kuya Don’s Loming Batangas, I knew I had to try it,” she shares, her excitement palpable. She and her coworkers made plans to visit, hoping this spot could finally satisfy her cravings.
From the first sip, Andrea felt transported back to Batangas. “The broth was just right—thick and flavorful, not watered down like the others I’ve tried,” she says. The generous toppings, including fish balls, liver, egg, and chicharon, mirrored the decadence she remembered from her favorite lomihan back home. “Even the simple touch of toyo, calamansi, and sibuyas made all the difference,” she adds, beaming.
Food as a Time Machine
For Andrea, lomi isn’t just food—it’s a gateway to cherished memories. “I remember sitting with my cousins, passing around bowls and joking about who could handle the most sibuyas,” she laughs. Her first spoonful at Kuya Don’s brought her right back to those carefree days in Cuenca, Batangas. “It’s incredible how food can take you home, even when you’re thousands of miles away.”
The communal nature of lomi also speaks to her sense of belonging. “I usually can’t finish a whole bowl,” she admits. “But in Batangas, sharing a meal was a way to connect. Here in Toronto, eating lomi helps me feel that connection again.”
Celebrating Filipino Heritage
Andrea expresses her gratitude to Kuya Don for bringing authentic Batangas lomi to Toronto. “It’s not just about the food—it’s about preserving a piece of our culture,” she says. She encourages fellow Batangueños and Filipinos in Toronto to visit. “When you taste it, you’ll feel like you’re back home, surrounded by family and friends.”
A Bowl of Gratitude
As Andrea reflects on her journey, she feels a renewed appreciation for the comforts of home and the role food plays in keeping those comforts alive. “Living abroad has its challenges, but it’s places like this that remind you where you come from,” she says. “To anyone missing a piece of home, I hope you find it, just like I found mine in a bowl of lomi.”
Andrea’s story is a reminder of the power of food to bridge distances, preserve culture, and create moments of comfort amidst the unfamiliar. For her, lomi is not just a dish; it’s a lifeline to the people and places she holds dear.
