American Pinoy

Explore the vibrant history of Houston’s Little Manila, where stories of Filipino immigrants and their cultural contributions come alive through photos, stories, and personal blogs that paint a vivid picture of community resilience.

Houston’s “Little Manila”, near the NRG Stadium, is a growing strip mall near the Texas Medical Center that caters to the city’s significant Filipino workforce. It features a half-dozen Filipino businesses, including Jollibee, Max’s Restaurant, and a Filipino supermarket called Cherry Foodarama. The area is known for its vibrant Filipino food scene and provides a space for the Filipino community to connect and find familiar cultural offerings. The Houston area has the highest population of Filipino Americans in the South.

In in the Summer 2024 issue of Houstonia Magazine, an article was authored by Sofia Gonzalez with the photography by Brian Kennedy titled Houston’s Filipino Food Scene Is Heating Up.

Houston’s Filipino food scene is experiencing a dynamic transformation, propelled by passionate chefs, innovative culinary ventures, and a growing appreciation for Filipino cuisine among Houstonians. Once underrepresented, Filipino food is now gaining prominence in the city’s diverse culinary landscape.Houston Chronicle+1Community Impact+1

Key Highlights:

• Pioneering Chefs and Restaurants: Chef Tom Cunanan, a James Beard Award winner, has been instrumental in introducing Filipino flavors to a broader audience through his role at Soy Pinoy in Post Houston. Collaborating with chef Paul Qui, they aim to educate diners about Filipino culture and cuisine, moving beyond traditional dishes to offer innovative interpretations.
• Community Advocates: Isabel Protomartir, cofounder of “Have a Nice Day,” emphasizes the importance of community in promoting Filipino food. Raised in Alief, she recalls the scarcity of Filipino restaurants during her upbringing and now witnesses a resurgence, attributing it to collective efforts by restaurateurs, chefs, and bakers. FlipHTML5
• Cultural Hubs: Establishments like Seafood City’s food hall in Sugar Land serve as cultural and culinary hubs, offering a range of Filipino dishes from lechon to ube-based desserts. These venues not only provide authentic flavors but also foster a sense of community among Filipino Americans and introduce the cuisine to new audiences. Houston Chronicle
• Innovative Concepts: Restaurants such as Be More Pacific are redefining Filipino cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern twists. Their menu features inventive dishes like Longganisa Tots and S.C.C.L.B.F.R. (Spicy Curry Coconut Lime Bacon Fried Rice), showcasing the adaptability and creativity inherent in Filipino cooking. Culinary Adventures – Houston Living Guide

This culinary evolution reflects a broader trend of embracing diverse food cultures in Houston, with Filipino cuisine now taking its rightful place in the city’s rich gastronomic tapestry.