Chicago boasts of a robust Filipino population, believed to be over 100,000 people, who work in a variety of areas such as healthcare, hospitality, and education.
The city is also recognized for its spectacular cultural activities and festivals, including the annual Philippine Independence Day Parade.
Significance of Filipino cuisine in Chicago
The exposure of Filipino food in Chicago has increased not just due to the growing Filipino community, but also because there are more opportunities to spark the interest of residents in sampling the different flavors of Filipino cuisine.
In recent years, Filipino food has grown in popularity as more people realize its distinct combination of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. Moreover, Filipino restaurants in Chicago serve as gathering places for the community to commemorate their culture and share their culinary heritage.
- North Side: The neighborhoods of Albany Park, Lakeview, and Lincoln Square are home to several Filipino restaurants, including Ruby’s Fast Food, Kusina De Manila, and Merla’s Kitchen.
- West Side: Humboldt Park and Logan Square neighborhoods also have several Filipino restaurants, including Isla Pilipina and Pinoy’s Chicken.
- South Side: The neighborhood of Bridgeport has a few Filipino restaurants, including Uncle Mike’s Place.
- Downtown Chicago: Sunda, a modern Asian restaurant with a Filipino-American chef, is located in the River North neighborhood, while the food truck and catering service Kawayan Kitchen can be found at various locations throughout the city.
American influences on Filipino delicacies
Filipino-American fusion cuisine in Chicago is an exciting blend of traditional Filipino dishes with American twists.
Some examples of Filipino-American fusion cuisine in Chicago include:
- Jollibee: the popular fast-food chain, serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and spaghetti with a distinct Filipino flavor:
- 5033 N Elston Ave (opens 8am – 9pm)
- 116 S Michigan Ave (opens 10am – 8pm)
- Novel Pizza Fusion – This Filipino- and Mexican-owned pizzeria crafts mouthwatering pan and tavern-style pies, topped with bold and unexpected flavours—think spicy giardiniera and savoury longanisa, the beloved Filipino sausage. A delicious fusion that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- 1759 W 19th St (opens 11am – 9pm weekdays)
Filipino food events
A number of Filipino food events take place in Chicago throughout the year:
- Filipino American History Month: celebrated in October, this month-long event showcases Filipino culture and heritage through food, music, art, and other activities.
- Filipino Restaurant Week: Typically held in October, this event celebrates Filipino cuisine, featuring beloved menus, cooking classes, and other food-related activities across various Filipino restaurants in the city.
These events allow the Filipino community in Chicago to share their culture and culinary heritage with others while also introducing non-Filipinos to Filipino cuisine’s delicious and diverse flavors.
Filipino-themed grocery stores
There are several Filipino grocery stores in Chicago where you can find ingredients and other products commonly used in Filipino cooking.
- Seafood City Supermarket: located in Chicago’s Northwest Side, Seafood City is a popular Filipino grocery chain that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other Filipino food products.
- Â 5033 N Elston Ave – Opens 8am – 9pm
- Kapatid Oriental Store: this small grocery store offers fresh produce such as vegetables, seafood, Filipino breads, and other Asian products.
- 3538 W Lawrence Ave – Opens 10am, except Thu (1pm) and Sunday (closed)
Filipino grocery stores in Chicago provide access to vital supplies for making Filipino foods, allowing Pinoys to continue serving treasured dishes and giving the neighborhood a taste of Filipino specialties.
Chicago’s food culture is a rich blend of diverse flavors, from its iconic deep-dish pizza to tasty Italian beef sandwiches. The city’s vibrant culinary scene also features Mexican, Asian, and African-American influences, making it a paradise for food lovers.
For visitors with Filipino roots, Chicago offers a unique opportunity to enjoy familiar flavors and explore new, delicious dishes. Come and savor the city’s diverse food offerings!