A Little Sunday Story ☀️
Sunday has always been my favorite day to “reset” the kitchen. It’s the calm after a week of ulam experiments, grocery runs, and last-minute “Ano’ng lulutuin natin?” moments. After breakfast, I usually open my pantry and take stock — what’s running low, what’s expired, what do I need for the coming week?
Over the years, I realized there are certain pantry essentials that I always go back to — the ingredients that make weeknight cooking faster, tastier, and somehow more comforting. These are the flavors that make any dish feel like home, even when life gets busy.
So if you’re planning a Sunday pantry reset, here are 7 must-have Filipino kitchen ingredients you’ll want to keep stocked — plus easy ideas on how to use each one.
1. Soy Sauce (Toyo)
No Filipino kitchen is complete without a bottle of toyo. Whether it’s for adobo, bistek Tagalog, or just your sawsawan for fried fish, soy sauce brings umami and depth to everyday meals.
How I use it:
- Mix with calamansi for a quick dipping sauce.
- Combine with vinegar, garlic, and bay leaf for instant adobo marinade.
- Add a dash to fried rice for that savory touch.
📝 Pro tip: Store it in a cool, dry place and make sure the cap’s tight — soy sauce can lose its flavor when exposed to air.
2. Vinegar (Suka)
From sinigang to paksiw, vinegar is the backbone of so many Filipino dishes. It adds tang, preserves food, and balances out fatty flavors.
How I use it:
- Perfect for adobo’s signature asim-tamis.
- Splash a little on grilled liempo or fried bangus.
- Mix with garlic and chili for that classic sawsawan.
📝 Pro tip: Try coconut vinegar for a milder flavor or cane vinegar for a stronger punch.
3. Coconut Milk (Gata)
A pantry isn’t truly “Filipino” without gata. It adds creamy richness and turns any ordinary meal into something special.
How I use it:
- For ginataang gulay or laing on busy weekdays.
- Add to chicken curry for a tropical twist.
- Even use it in desserts like biko or ginataang bilo-bilo.
📝 Pro tip: Canned or powdered coconut milk works just as well — just check the label for pure coconut extract.
4. Dried Fish (Tuyo or Daing)
Your emergency ulam and your ultimate comfort food in one! A few pieces of tuyo can save any “walang ulam” night.
How I use it:
- Fry crispy and serve with garlic rice and sunny-side eggs.
- Flake over pasta with olive oil, garlic, and chili for a quick fusion meal.
- Mix with tomatoes for tuyo rice bowls.
📝 Pro tip: Store tuyo in airtight jars to keep the smell from spreading and to maintain freshness.
5. Canned Sardines
They’re quick, affordable, and surprisingly versatile. With a little creativity, sardines can turn into hearty meals in minutes. Ito talaga ang isa sa pantry essentials na di pwede mawala!
How I use it:
- Sauté with onions and garlic, then mix with misua noodles.
- Turn into sardine omelet or sardine rice bowl.
- Add to tomato sauce for pasta with a Pinoy kick.
📝 Pro tip: Keep different flavors — Spanish-style, tomato-based, spicy — for variety.
6. Rice
Of course, the Filipino pantry is never complete without rice! Whether it’s white, brown, or black rice, it’s the heart of every meal.
How I use it:
- Freshly cooked for daily meals.
- Leftover rice for sinangag the next morning.
- Brown rice for guilt-free comfort food nights.
📝 Pro tip: Keep rice dry and sealed. For variety, try adlai or quinoa occasionally — healthier swaps that still feel filling.
7. Instant Noodles or Soup Mix
Sometimes, life just gets too busy — and that’s when these pantry heroes shine. They’re comforting, quick, and can easily be dressed up!
How I use it:
- Add veggies, egg, and leftover meat to instant noodles for a fuller meal.
- Use soup mix as base for easy hotpot or rice porridge.
- Keep a few packs for rainy-day comfort.
📝 Pro tip: Choose brands with lower sodium or look for “homestyle” variants for better flavor.
Your pantry doesn’t have to be fancy or packed with imported goods. The best kitchens are the ones that work — filled with ingredients that make you feel at home, make life easier, and keep your family fed and happy.
So before you wrap up your weekend, take a peek inside your shelves, wipe down those jars, and refill your pantry essentials. Trust me — Monday will be much smoother when your pantry’s ready to go. 💛
