Tinolang manko
(Filipino-style chicken soup)
Submitted by Sol Ramel
What reminds me most of home is tinolang manok. When we were young, bawat parte nang manok may nagmamay ari na [someone has already claimed a part of the chicken]; feet, head, and neck went to our father, wings for our mother, balun-balunan [gizzard] for my brother, atay [liver] for my elder sister, and the pitso [chicken breast] for me and the rest of the five siblings. It is so masarap [delicious] with malunggay [moringa leaves] and green papaya. It is very memorable, especially when our family was still complete. My father, mother, and elder brother have all since passed away. Every time I go back home to the Philippines, I always ask my family to prepare some tinolang manok for me!
Ginataang kuyog o kuhol
(snails in coconut milk
Submitted by Virmarine Cordillas Lagrimas
What I really miss is ginataang kuhol or kuyog, as we call snails in Waraynon (a dialect from Samar). This particular dish is from golden apple snails, but I also like agurong (elongated river snail). I really miss Waray cuisine!
Ginataang tulingan
(tuna in coconut milk
Submitted by Jinky
Before I left the Philippines to work here in Hong Kong, I hinted at my husband that I would love to have my favourite dish, ginataang tulingan. But until the day of my flight, I haven’t had a taste of coconut milk. I cried so much on the plane. Why did I cry? It wasn’t because they didn’t give me what I wanted, but rather because until up to the day I left, they never made me feel like I was important to them.
I’ve been here in Hong Kong for 7 months now, but it still hurts my heart whenever I think about it.
Prating galunggong at ginisang ampalaya
(friend mackerel and sautéed bitter melon
Submitted by Lily Victoria Gregorio
Pritong galunggong at ginisang ampalaya – this is what our mother used to make every time she left the Philippines for Hong Kong. She worked as a migrant domestic worker for 20 years, she only came home a few of times over the years. That’s why every time I smell ginisang ampalaya or hear oil hit the hot frying pan, memories come flooding back to me.
For me, this meal is not only food, it is also a reminder of Mama’s love, of her sacrifice for our family, and a reminder of a time when the dining table was full and bustling. With every mouthful, I can feel her presence, even when she was far from us back then, it was like she was right next to me.
Sana mabasa mo ito, Ma. Miss na miss ka na namin. Mahal ka namin! [We hope you can read this, Ma. We miss you very much. We love you!]
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