Interviewee: Maria Reyes, owner of “Lutong Bahay,” a family-run carinderia (local eatery) in Manila.
Interviewed by: Ryoma Hirano
Introduction
In the bustling streets of Manila, small eateries known as carinderias are the backbone of the local food scene. These humble establishments serve home-cooked Filipino dishes at affordable prices, providing daily meals for workers, students, and families alike.
One such carinderia is “Lutong Bahay,” run by Maria Reyes, a woman who inherited her family’s passion for cooking. Despite competition from fast-food chains and restaurants, she remains dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Filipino home cooking.
Today, I sit down with Maria to discuss her journey, the struggles of running a small eatery, and why she believes Filipino food culture must be preserved.
Growing Up in a Food-Loving Family
Interviewer: Maria, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Can you start by sharing how you got into the food business?
Maria Reyes: Thank you for coming! My love for cooking started at a young age. My grandmother used to cook for the entire neighborhood, and I would always help her in the kitchen. She taught me that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to bring people together.
When I got married, my husband and I decided to open our own carinderia. We wanted to serve authentic Filipino home-cooked meals, just like my grandmother did.
The Challenges of Running a Carinderia
Interviewer: Running a food business is tough. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Maria Reyes: Oh, there are so many! First, the rising cost of ingredients is a huge problem. Everything—meat, vegetables, rice—has become more expensive, but we can’t increase our prices too much because our customers rely on us for affordable meals.
Another challenge is competition from fast food. Many people, especially younger generations, prefer eating at Jollibee or McDonald’s. But I always remind them—fast food is convenient, but nothing beats a home-cooked meal made with love.
Balancing Tradition and Modernization
Interviewer: Have you adapted any modern techniques to make your business more competitive?
Maria Reyes: We now use social media to promote our carinderia! Before, we relied only on word-of-mouth, but now my daughter helps us post photos of our dishes on Facebook and Instagram. It has helped bring in new customers.
However, when it comes to cooking, I refuse to take shortcuts. Some restaurants use artificial flavorings or ready-made sauces to save time, but I believe in cooking everything from scratch. That’s the only way to get the true taste of Filipino food.
Why Preserving Filipino Cuisine Matters
Interviewer: Why do you think it’s important to preserve traditional Filipino cuisine?
Maria Reyes: Food is part of our identity. If we forget how to cook traditional Filipino dishes, we lose a piece of our culture. I don’t want my children and grandchildren to grow up only knowing fast food.
That’s why I take the time to teach young people who want to learn. Some students come here asking how to cook adobo, sinigang, or kare-kare, and I’m always happy to share what I know.
Passing the Business to the Next Generation
Interviewer: Do you think your children will continue running the carinderia?
Maria Reyes: I hope so, but it’s up to them. My daughter is studying business, and my son is working abroad. If they decide to continue, I’ll be happy. But even if they don’t, I know that the knowledge I passed on will live in them, and they’ll cook these dishes for their families.
Final Thoughts
Interviewer: What message do you have for people who want to support small businesses like yours?
Maria Reyes: Eat local, support small businesses, and appreciate real home-cooked meals. When you eat at a carinderia, you’re not just filling your stomach—you’re supporting a family, a tradition, and a culture.
Conclusion
Maria’s story is a testament to the importance of preserving food culture. While the world changes rapidly, the taste of home-cooked Filipino food remains timeless. Through small eateries like hers, the rich flavors and traditions of the Philippines continue to thrive.