Few dishes evoke the warmth of home like a steaming bowl of sinigang na hipon (shrimp sour soup). For Kitz, a proud home cook living in Canada, preparing this classic Filipino dish is not just about cooking—it’s about preserving family traditions, sharing love, and celebrating her roots.
A Dish That Warms the Heart
“Sinigang is a staple in every Filipino household,” Kitz begins, her voice filled with pride. “It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart, especially with its hot, comforting broth.” The tangy and savory soup has been a cornerstone of her family’s meals for generations, with recipes lovingly passed down from her grandmother.
Kitz proudly notes that sinigang gained international recognition in 2021 as the Best Soup in the World. “It’s no surprise,” she says with a smile. “It’s a dish that speaks of home, tradition, and the Filipino way of cooking—with love.”
Cooking with Authenticity
Living in Canada, Kitz has adapted her cooking to available ingredients, but she insists on staying true to the authentic flavors of sinigang. Instead of relying on commercial mixes, she uses real tamarind, even if it means sourcing tamarind paste when fresh ones are unavailable. “There’s nothing like the aroma and taste of real tamarind,” she explains. “It makes all the difference.”
Preparing sinigang na hipon is refreshingly simple yet deeply flavorful. With shrimp as the star of the dish, Kitz emphasizes the importance of quality and freshness. “Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s a healthy and time-efficient option,” she says, noting how the process differs from the longer cooking time required for pork sinigang.
The Art of Preparing Sinigang na Hipon
Kitz begins by boiling tomatoes and onions to create a rich, flavorful base. “I like to start with these ingredients to ensure the broth is infused with all the goodness before adding anything else,” she says. The vegetables—okra, radish, eggplant, string beans, and kangkong (water spinach)—are added in stages, each cooked just long enough to retain their texture and nutrients.
Finally, the shrimp is submerged in the simmering broth, along with the strained tamarind pulp for that signature sourness. Kitz finishes the dish with a splash of patis (fish sauce) and a few pieces of siling haba (long green chili), balancing the flavors to perfection.
“It’s all about timing,” she explains. “You want the vegetables to be tender, the shrimp to be perfectly cooked, and the broth to have that perfect tang.”
Cooking for Family and Community
In true Filipino fashion, Kitz prepares sinigang in generous portions, enough to share with neighbors and family. “I can’t cook for just one or two people—it’s always for five or six,” she laughs. Sharing food is a deeply ingrained Filipino tradition, and Kitz carries this spirit into her cooking.
Despite a busy life balancing work and baking, Kitz makes an effort to cook hearty, nutritious meals for her family, especially on special occasions. “There’s something magical about gathering around a table with loved ones, sharing a dish like sinigang. It’s the ultimate comfort food.”
Plating with Pride
For Kitz, food presentation is just as important as the flavors. “Your eyes eat first,” she says. She invests in beautiful plates and ensures that even an ordinary day feels special through thoughtful plating. “It’s my way of showing love and care, whether it’s for guests or just my family.”
A Taste of Home, Wherever You Are
Through her sinigang na hipon, Kitz keeps the essence of Filipino culture alive. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a connection to her roots, a reminder of family traditions, and a celebration of the flavors that define Filipino cuisine.
For anyone missing the taste of home or curious to try one of the world’s best soups, sinigang na hipon is a dish that promises to bring comfort, joy, and a piece of the Philippines to your table.
