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.
- Filipino-inspired pizza and sandwiches: some restaurants in Chicago offer pizzas and sandwiches with Filipino-inspired toppings, such as adobo chicken, longanisa sausage, and banana ketchup.
- Halo-Halo dessert variations: Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino dessert consisting of shaved ice, milk, and various toppings such as fruits, beans, and jellies. Some restaurants in Chicago put their spin on this classic dessert by adding American ingredients, such as Oreos, cereal, or candy bars.
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 and favorite menus, cooking classes, and other food-related activities across various Filipino restaurants in the city.
- Taste of the Philippines: a yearly event in different locations across the city, showcasing Filipino food, arts, and culture. This event features live entertainment, cultural performances, and a variety of traditional Filipino dishes.
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.
- Kapatid Oriental Store: this small grocery store offers fresh produce such as vegetables, seafood, Filipino breads, and other Asian products.
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.