From Insurance to Iced Lattes (The Story of Dudu’s Café)
In the heart of Bloor West Village, a cozy little café named Dudu’s has quietly become a neighborhood favorite. It serves more than just coffee and bubble tea — it offers warmth, familiarity, and a dash of Filipino charm. Before it became Dudu’s Café, the space was a Timothy’s World of Coffee. When the previous owner moved to […]
From Corner Store to Cheers – The Story of JC Tambayan
When JC and Karen opened JC Tambayan in Scarborough, they weren’t flush with capital or experience. What they had was a dream: to open a cozy Filipino bar that felt like home. Long before they had wings and loaded fries as bestsellers, they were just friends trying to figure out how to turn a dream […]
R&B Bread and Noodles: Taste of Ilocos, Heart of Ajax
At the heart of Ajax, Ontario, tucked between suburban streets and local shops, sits a humble Filipino restaurant with a bold spirit. It’s called R&B Bread and Noodles, and for many in the community, it’s more than just a food spot—it’s a taste of home. Founded by Rena, a former caregiver turned realtor turned restaurateur, R&B […]
Why “Lovely Pau”? A Story of Siopao, Survival, and Serendipity
“Who’s Lovely?” That’s the first thing many customers ask when they walk into LovelyPau. The answer? There’s no one named Lovely behind the counter. Lovely, it turns out, is the siopao. What started as a humble recipe shared between cousins has grown into one of the most loved siopao spots in Toronto. But this isn’t […]
Bangku: From Sandwich Struggles to Sisig Stardom
Before Bangku became known for sizzling sisig and hot-off-the-pan silog, its story began far from home—in the back kitchen of a sandwich shop in Australia. “I didn’t even know what Swiss cheese was,” the owner laughs, remembering his first job abroad in 1999. With no culinary background from the Philippines, he started from scratch—literally. From learning the difference between breads […]
From Apartment Stove to Toronto’s Favorite Chicharon: The Mang Mars Story
Before the storefront, before the frying stations and the delivery trucks, there was just a man in his apartment kitchen—frying pork rinds and peanuts, one batch at a time. Mang Mars (Mar Pablo Mallari) came to Toronto in 2008. A Kapampangan-Bisaya from Guagua, Pampanga, he never planned to become a food entrepreneur. His life revolved […]
From Potlucks to Packed Events: The Story of Tummy Fillers
In this episode of Katas ng Kusina, we head to Brampton to meet Cherry and Erwin Bansil, the powerhouse couple behind Tummy Fillers, a Filipino catering business that has grown from humble backyard potlucks into one of the most trusted names in the community. What began as word-of-mouth orders from friends and family has turned into a full-blown […]
The Story Behind Hermie’s Filipino & Canadian Diner
In the heart of Ontario, where winter winds meet warm cravings, you’ll find a place where tapa meets grilled cheese, and pancit shares a table with poutine. It’s called Hermie’s Filipino & Canadian Diner, and it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a dream cooked slowly over time. In this episode of Katas ng Kusina, we meet Hermie, a Filipina who started her […]
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 […]
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 […]
