Hometown flavors can be found in every corner of the globe.
Picture it: You’re halfway through your Europe trip or a few weeks into your vacation in the States. Suddenly, you get that craving. A unique grumble overcomes your stomach, the kind of hunger that longs for something specific—home.
The sour kick of Sinigang, the meaty earthiness of Adobo, the charred sweetness of Tocino; you can take a Filipino out of the country but you can’t take the Filipino out of our stomachs. From LA to Paris, local flavors abound the international terrain and here’s a list that will definitely satisfy your cravings from traditional dishes to modern retellings of classics.
.
Sari-Sari Store – Los Angeles
Located at LA’s culinary hub, Grand Central Market, Sari-Sari Store serves hometown flavors from Chef Margarita Manzke and her husband/business partner Chef Walter Manzke. Specializing in silog bowls with standouts options include the Sisig Fried Rice, Lechon Manok, and Lechon Kawali. For sweets, their homemade buko pie will be a fitting end to your meal. Fun fact: The Manzke duo is also behind Wildflour Cafe + Bakery here in Manila.
Sari-Sari Store is located at Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States. For more information, check out their website here.
.
Bad Saint – Washington DC
From the mind of award-winning chef, Tom Cunanan, Bad Saint in DC has received a lot of recognition in recent times and it well deserves it. Cunanan’s creative take on Filipino flavors make for a reputation that still brings long lines to the place even after four years of operations. A word of advice, they have a very limited seating capacity. So better make a reservation, although you can only reserve a table with a maximum of four people.
Bad Saint is located at 3226 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20010. For more information check out their website here.
.
Ugly Kitchen – New York City
With house specials such as Bulalo, Bicol Express, and Kare-Kare, it’s no question that Ugly Kitchen in NYC captures that familiar warmth of home cooked Filipino dishes. Aside from their classic fare, they also get creative with their menu with offerings like Uni Toast with Tinapa Flakes and Braised Brisket with Bone Marrow.
Ugly Kitchen is located at 103 1st Avenue, New York City, New York 10003. For more information, check out their Instagram page here.
.
Mineral – Toronto
Serving up a modern take on Filipino flavors, Executive Chef Daniel Cancino helms Mineral in Toronto, a bistro that goes from a cafe in the morning to serving lunch and dinner menus and ending as a cocktail bar in the late night. Dinner menu highlights include the Grilled Pork Neck that was marinated in 7Up and the Seafood Noodles made with squid-ink pancit.
Mineral is located at 1027 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario M4W 2K9. For more information, check out their website here.
Also read: 8 Vegan Restaurants In Manila To Keep Your Health In Check
.
Romulo Cafe – London
When it comes to heirloom Filipino recipes Romulo Cafe always satisfies with their signature Kare-Kare and Chicken Relleno. The classic upscaled flavors of Romulo stays consistent with its three branches here in the Philippines as well as its branch in London. A true representation of a taste of home, the UK branch offers all the signature dishes that made the name a mainstay in the local dining scene.
Romulo Cafe & Restaurant is located at 343 Kensington High Street, London W8 6NW. For more information, check out their website here.
.
Le Servan – Paris
Tatiana and Katia Levha have been a revered gastronomic duo with the opening of Le Servan back in 2014. The Manila-born, Paris-raised sisters have created a French-Filipino signature with their ever-changing menu that continues to delight and intrigue patrons to this day. Classically French in their technique but innovative with their flavors, Le Servan is also known to incorporate other Asian elements into their dishes.
Le Servan is located at 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France. For more information, check out their website here.
.
YUM – Milan
Chef Marvin Braceros brings Filipino flavors at the forefront at this Italian spot. Chef Braceros aims to introduce Pinoy dishes to the Italian market and establish the cuisine as an international force. Recommended dishes include the Salmon Tropical Mindanao, Baby Back Ribs Adobo, and Pansit Palabok.
Yum – Taste of the Philippines is located at Viale Coni Zugna, 44, 20144 Milano MI, Italy. For more information, check out their Facebook page here.
.
Rey’s Place – Sydney
Named after his father that hails from our land, Jonathan Bayad is an Australian-born chef that champions our cuisine in the land down under. Chef Bayad is playful with Filipino flavors in his menu that incorporates snacks, a la carte dishes, and to-share offerings.
Rey’s Place is located at Shop/163 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia. For more information, check out their website here.
