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.

Kamayan is a Tagalog word that translates to “by hand” and refers to a traditional Filipino style of eating—communally, and without plates or utensils. A typical kamayan meal features a table covered in banana leaves which is then artfully arranged with a variety of traditional Filipino dishes served rice, condiments and garnishes.

Join Maria Polotan of Mama Linda’s for a unique and unforgettable dining experience showcasing the flavours and traditions of Filipino cuisine.
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Bulalo
Beef bone broth; clear yet unctuous and rich, flavoured with bulb and green onions, lemongrass and ginger
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Bicol Express
A complex stew of pork belly cooked adobo style, with long green peppers, thai chilies, fermented shrimp and coconut milk; spicy yet highly addictive

Chicken Inasal
Grilled chicken skewers of dark meat marinated in garlic, ginger, chilli, lemongrass, coconut vinegar and brown sugar.

Hipon Sa Data
Shrimp in luscious coconut milk sauce enriched with crab fat

Kinilaw
Like a Filipino ceviche, fresh fish is marinated in coconut sap vinegar, then tossed with minced onions, ginger, chillies, lime juice and salt.

Ensaladang Talong
A salad of grilled Asian eggplant, tomatoes, green onions in a lime-honey-ginger dressing

Gising-Gising
Spicy green beans simmered in coconut milk, garlic, ginger and onion

Served on banana leaves with white & brown rice, achara (green papaya relish), cilantro sauce, garlic vinegar and assorted condiments
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Bibingkang Kamoteng Kahoy
A rich, sweet cake of cassava, young coconut, coconut milk, condensed and evaporated milk and sugar

Sans Rival
A Filipino take on the French dacquoise, with layers of crunchy cashew meringue and buttercream
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$60 +HST

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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 weekend The Depanneur invites an amateur or professional guest chef to host a fun, informal dinner party.