Saturday, December 16, 2023

Celebrating Filipino Christmas at "Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver!"

Happy Saturday! Hubby and I went to St. Patrick's Hall on 12th Avenue and Main Street for "Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver!" organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver. Of course, we're here for the food and enjoyed listening to Filipino Christmas carols performed on the stage. Many beautiful parols make me feel like I'm back home.


Miki Bihon, Pork BBQ, Chicken Inasal from Hapag Restaurant

For our first meal of the day, we chose Hapag Restaurant since the only other options were the ubiquitous Pampanga Cuisine and Plato Filipino. We ordered their Miki Bihon (Filipino noodle dish) with Filipino pork BBQ skewers. Since it was the last serving of miki bihon, they offered to add chicken inasal. I'm more than happy to take it. I also got their bibingka to-go and can't wait to enjoy it at home.


Miki Bihon, Pork BBQ Skewer, and Chicken Inasal from Hapag Restaurant

The miki bihon reminded me of my late grandma (my Lola Loring), who cooked the best pancit ever! My mother-in-law prepares a close second. Yum! The Filipino barbecue is also perfect with its sweet and savoury combination, and the pieces are also fatty. Lastly, the chicken inasal is also not too shabby. I wish Hapag would join events more so we can enjoy their food.


Pandesal and Spanish Bread from Keyk Bread

After Hapag, we walked around and got pandesal and Spanish bread from Keyk Bread. I can't wait to bring the pandesal to work for breakfast.


Siomai and Melon Juice from Macau Imperial Tea

Then, from the Macau Imperial Tea booth, I noticed Filipino siomai. I got an order which took me back to my elementary days in Novaliches. 


Siomai from Macau Imperial Tea

It's a bit sweet but the perfect bite when topped with chilli oil and covered in soy sauce.


Siomai from Macau Imperial Tea

We also got their melon juice. I feel like a kid coming home from playing outside to my mom preparing this juice for refreshments. I guess you can really take a Filipino out of the Philippines, but you can't remove the Philippines out of the Filipino.


Melon Juice from Macau Imperia Tea

Turon Turnover from Leavenly Goods

We walked around for the third time and decided to get turon turnover from Leaveny Goods. Imagine all the good things you love about turon: ripened banana and crispy exterior but between layers of flakey bread. I'm impressed.


Turon Turnover from Leavenly Goods
Indulge in the irresistible Turon Turnover: a crispy, flaky pastry filled with caramelized bananas and jackfruit jam, topped with caramelized roasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy delights.

Turon Turnover from Leavenly Goods

Potato Corner

As we were about to leave, I succumbed to the call of spud and got a tera-sized loopy fries covered in sour cream & onion flavouring from Potato Corner. I wish I could enjoy this while watching a movie. 🤤


Tera-size Loopy fries covered in Sour Cream & Onion flavouring from Potato Corner

After happily enjoying our Potato Corner, we grabbed groceries at Save on Foods and No Frills. It's a productive and happy Saturday.

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