“This is the food I grew up with, the recipes I learned from my Mom.”— Maria Polotan
The Philippines is an archipelago of thousands of islands, with hundreds of unique and distinctive local cultures, along with a complex and multicultural history profoundly influenced by Chinese, Malay, Spanish and American cultures. Yet some classic dishes have become national favourites and are likely to be found in Filipino homes across the country.
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Mongo sa Gata | Mungbean Soup $6
Mungbean soup flavoured with onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro and coconut milk
Ukoy | Crispy Shrimp Fritters $6
A popular & ubiquitous street snack in the Philippines; chopped shrimp with julienned sweet potatoes in rice flour batter, deep fried to golden & crispy, and served with garlicky vinegar
Adobo sa Gata | Chicken Adobo $12
Considered by may to be the Philippine national dish; chicken slow-braised in coconut sap vinegar, with black pepper, bay leaf, garlic, soy and coconut milk
Humba | Braised Pork Belly $12
Chinese and Malay influences are evident in this fragrant braise of pork belly with garlic, ginger, fermented black beans, dark soy, dark brown sugar, vinegar and star anise as braise.
Ginataang Kalabasa | Squash in coconut broth $10
Ontario grown organic squash simmered in coconut broth flavoured with garlic, onion, ginger, lemon grass and cilantro
SM Combo | Chicken –or– Pork + Veg $15
LG Combo | Chicken + Pork + Veg $18
All main courses are served with white rice and achara (green papaya relish)
Leche Flan | Creme Caramel $6
A classic Filipino dessert — part of the legacy of Spanish colonialism — a rich flan of egg yolks, milk and cream on a base of caramel.
Prix Fixe $25
Appetizer + SM Combo + Dessert
LG Combo +$3; Veg only -$3
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Maria Lourdes Polotan grew up in a family where food played a central part on how life was celebrated; the kitchen was where the family congregated and her mother presided. Maria has begun to share sharing her passion for food by cooking for others through her new catering project Mama Linda’s to offering traditional Filipino home cooking at Withrow Park Farmers’ Market this summer. IG: @mamalindasTO
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Every Wednesday The Depanneur hosts an ‘open mic’ night for culinary talent in TO, where we invite guest cooks, amateur or professional, to come and make their favourite dishes.
