Are you a foodie looking to explore the diverse culinary scene in Vancouver?
Look no further than Filipino cuisine! With its bold flavours, unique
ingredients, and rich history, Filipino food is becoming increasingly popular
in Vancouver and Canada.
Last year, Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada
was launched to promote Filipino cuisine in Canada and support
Filipino restaurants. The event is spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate
General (PCG) in Calgary and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) and
jointly undertaken by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine
Consulates General (PCG) in Toronto and Vancouver, the PDOT, and the
Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.
For the whole month of April, participating restaurants will feature prix fixe
menus that showcase the diversity of Filipino food and ingredients. Here's a
guide to some must-try Filipino dishes and restaurants participating in the
event.
Adobo
First on the list is adobo, a classic Filipino dish made with meat (usually
chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. The result is a
savoury and tangy flavour that will satisfy your taste buds. It is best
eaten with a cup of rice. Adobo can be found on the menu at most Filipino
restaurants in Vancouver, but I have a confession to make. I don't buy adobo
from restaurants because the "best" adobo for every Filipino is the one from
their own home perfected by a grandparent or parent. My dad's adobo is still
my favourite.
However, you can head to
Pampanga's Cuisine
or
Plato Filipino
for their take on the adobo.
Lumpia
Lumpia is a Filipino version of a spring roll. It is made with a thin pastry
wrapper filled with ground meat, vegetables, and spices. Lumpia is often
served as an appetizer or snack, and it's the perfect finger food to share
with friends.
Try the Lumpiang Shanghai at
Little Ongpin
in Richmond, BC,
for a crispy and flavorful version of this dish. It's the
best lumpia
I have tried so far in Metro Vancouver.
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Lumpiang Shanghai from Little Ongpin
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Kare-Kare
Kare-Kare is a stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and peanut sauce. It is a
hearty and flavorful dish that is usually served with rice. This dish is a
must-try for anyone looking to experience the bold flavours of Filipino
cuisine.
Head to
Max's Restaurant
for their take on this
classic dish.
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Kare-Kare from Max's Restaurant
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Lechon
Lechon is a whole roasted pig that is a popular centrepiece for Filipino
celebrations. The meat is roasted until it is crispy on the outside and tender
on the inside, and it's usually served with a side of liver sauce. You rarely find lechon at Filipino restaurants in Vancouver, but
Kumare offers a
belly roll version every weekend. Be sure to give them a call before
heading there to ensure availability.
Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour soup made with meat, vegetables, and tamarind. It is a
comforting and flavorful soup that is often served with rice. This dish is
perfect for a rainy day or when you're feeling under the weather. Try the
Sinigang na Hipon (Shrimp) at
Grandt Kitchen
for a flavorful and comforting version of this soup. However, if you want the
same sour soup flavour in a more familiar fries, head to
Shameless Buns and
try their drool-worthy Sinigang Fries.
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Lunch from Shameless Buns, including my favourite, Sinigang Fries.
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Halo-Halo
No Filipino meal is complete without dessert, and Halo-Halo is a popular
Filipino dessert that is perfect for a hot day. It is made with shaved ice,
sweet beans, jellies, fruit, and evaporated milk. It is a refreshing and
colourful dessert that is sure to cool you down on a hot summer day. Check out
Liberte Café & Restaurant
for their version of this dessert.
There you have it, a foodie's guide to must-try Filipino food and restaurants
in Vancouver. From savoury stews to crispy spring rolls and refreshing
desserts, Filipino cuisine has something for everyone. So why not grab some
friends and explore Vancouver's diverse and flavorful culinary scene?
