Wrapped in Warmth – Aling Zenaida’s Suman sa Lihiya
In a quiet Canadian kitchen far from Tacloban, the comforting aroma of sticky rice and coconut wafts through the air. It’s here where Aling Zenaida Singson-Alex, with a pot in one hand and memory in the other, recreates the suman sa lihiya of her youth—one leaf-wrapped bundle at a time. In this episode of Lutong Kapitbahay, we’re […]
Tropang Ilonggo: April Cabrias and the Taste of Grit, Garlic, and Gratitude
In a quiet commercial strip in the Greater Toronto Area, a humble kitchen simmers with stories of resilience, family, and Ilonggo flavor. This is Tropang Ilonggo—a restaurant built not just from scratch, but from pure heart and late-night teamwork. And at the center of it all is April Cabrias, whose journey from food festivals to full-fledged […]
Craving Comfort, Finding Compassion: Filbert & Rosary at Buddha’s Vegan
What do you get when you combine vegan nostalgia, Chinese comfort food, and good company? A warm, flavorful episode of Crave and Company—this time featuring Filbert and Rosary as they dine at Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant, a modest but mighty gem tucked in downtown Toronto. For Filbert, who has been vegan for over a decade, Buddha’s is more […]
Lola Asty’s Journey: From Caregiver to Culinary Success
Every success story begins with humble beginnings, and Lola Asty’s journey is no different. Featured in Katas ng Kusina, her story is one of resilience, passion, and the deep love of food and family. From being a caregiver in Canada to finally opening her very own store, Lola Asty’s life is a testament to perseverance and […]
The Story of Coffee Inn: A Culinary Legacy in Scarborough
In the heart of Scarborough, Coffee Inn stands as a testament to the perseverance, dedication, and love of a family bound by their passion for food. Behind its humble name lies a rich story of transformation, hard work, and a deep connection to the Filipino community. From Coffee and Donuts to Filipino Comfort Food Eric, […]
How a Family Turned Tradition into a Thriving Buko Pie Business in Canada
The Sweet Taste of Resilience: A Journey Across Borders When people hear “buko pie Laguna,” they immediately think of the rich tradition and flavors of Laguna, Philippines. For one couple, buko pie became more than just a local delicacy—it became the cornerstone of their Canadian dream. This is the story of a husband and wife […]
Iskooink: From Humble Beginnings to a Chicharon Empire
What started as a casual cooking experiment during a family gathering has grown into a thriving business—Iskooink, a specialty food venture that brings fresh, crispy chicharon to customers across the community. Founded by a determined couple, the story of Iskooink is one of perseverance, partnership, and passion for good food. The Art of Chicharon Iskooink’s […]
Lutong Kapitbahay | Tortang Giniling ni Ann
For Ann, cooking isn’t just about following recipes—it’s about instinct, tradition, and heart. From her grandmother’s kitchen to professional culinary training and now as a stay-at-home mom, Ann’s journey showcases how cooking can be both a career and a way to connect deeply with loved ones. Tortang Giniling with a Twist In a recent cooking […]
A Taste of Love: A Filipino Home Cook’s Tribute to His Mother and Heritage
The Heart of the Kitchen: A Mother’s Legacy In every corner of the world, food carries with it memories, traditions, and love. For this Filipino home cook, the kitchen is a place where those precious moments come alive. From her childhood in the Philippines to her life in Canada, cooking has been more than just […]
Ray and Vera’s Journey of Resilience and Community
n the bustling heart of Bathurst and Wilson, a small corner shop has become a beacon of comfort for many in the Filipino community. For Ray and Vera, the founders of Hop Yah Factory, their journey started not with a grand plan but with a leap of faith during a global pandemic. From Kitchen Experiments to a Thriving […]
