Canada’s multicultural landscape has made it a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authentic global flavors. Among the vibrant culinary traditions thriving in the country, Filipino cuisine has carved out a special place, celebrated for its bold flavors, hearty dishes, and unique ingredients. From adobo and sinigang to lechon and halo-halo, Filipino recipes rely on a distinct set of ingredients that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. If you’re wondering where to find authentic Filipino ingredients in Canada, this guide will navigate you through the best brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, and community markets across the country.
The Growing Demand for Filipino Ingredients in Canada
Canada is home to over 900,000 Filipinos, making it one of the largest Filipino diaspora communities globally. This thriving population has spurred a demand for authentic Filipino groceries, from pantry staples like bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and sinigang mix to specialty items like ube (purple yam) and longganisa (Filipino sausage). Beyond the Filipino community, Canadian foodies and chefs are also embracing these ingredients, drawn to their versatility and role in creating comforting, flavorful dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, sourcing authentic Filipino ingredients is easier than ever, thanks to a growing network of specialty stores and online platforms. Below, we’ll explore the top destinations across Canada’s major cities and regions.
Major Cities with Filipino Grocery Stores
1. Toronto, Ontario
As Canada’s most populous city, Toronto boasts a vibrant Filipino community, particularly in neighborhoods like Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke. Here’s where to shop:
- Seafood City Supermarket (Scarborough)
Part of a global Filipino supermarket chain, Seafood City offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, frozen goods, and pantry staples. Look for tocino (sweet cured pork), lumpia wrappers, and fresh bangus (milkfish). - T&T Supermarket (Multiple Locations)
While primarily an Asian grocery chain, T&T stocks many Filipino essentials, including Mama Sita’s seasoning mixes, Jufran banana ketchup, and canned gata (coconut milk). - Island Pacific Supermarket (Mississauga)
This Filipino-focused store specializes in imported goods like Datu Puti soy sauce and vinegar, Magnolia ice cream, and Pancit Canton noodles.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s Filipino community is centered in areas like Burnaby, Surrey, and New Westminster. Key stores include:
- Filipino Store Vancouver (Burnaby)
A one-stop shop for everything from bagoong and patis (fish sauce) to frozen turon (banana spring rolls) and bibingka (rice cake) mixes. - Henderson Place Mall (Coquitlam)
This mall houses several Filipino businesses, including bakeries and grocery stores selling fresh pan de sal (bread rolls) and ensaymada (sweet buns). - 88 Supermarket (Richmond)
While pan-Asian, this store carries a robust selection of Filipino snacks like Chippy corn chips and Boy Bawang garlic peanuts.
3. Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta
Alberta’s Filipino population has grown rapidly, leading to a surge in specialty stores:
- Lucky Supermarket (Calgary)
This Asian grocery chain stocks Filipino favorites like Silver Swan soy sauce, Century Tuna flakes, and Nissin pancit noodles. - Filipino Express (Edmonton)
A dedicated Filipino grocery offering fresh kalamansi (Philippine lime), buko (young coconut), and frozen bangus (milkfish).
4. Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Dalisay Filipino Store
A family-owned gem offering imported snacks, condiments, and frozen meats like lechon kawali (crispy pork belly).
5. Montreal, Quebec
- Marché Oriental (Côte-des-Neiges)
This Asian supermarket includes a Filipino section with Mikasan coconut vinegar, Marca Piña sardines, and Lucky Me! instant noodles.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Doorstep
For those outside major cities or preferring online shopping, several platforms deliver Filipino ingredients nationwide:
- Tindahan.ca
Canada’s largest online Filipino grocery store, Tindahan.ca offers everything from longganisa and tocino to barako coffee and pastillas (milk candies). Their user-friendly site categorizes products by type (e.g., pantry staples, snacks, frozen foods). - FilStop
Based in Ontario, FilStop delivers fresh and frozen goods, including lumpia wrappers, ube jam, and bagoong. They also sell kitchenware like kalan (clay pots) for traditional cooking. - Amazon Canada
Search for “Filipino ingredients” to find shelf-stable items like sinigang tamarind soup mix, dried dilis (anchovies), and bagoong alamang (shrimp paste). - Pinasco
A Toronto-based online retailer specializing in hard-to-find items like panocha (unrefined sugar) and atchara (pickled papaya).
Filipino Farmers’ Markets and Pop-Ups
Seasonal markets and pop-up events are excellent for discovering fresh, locally made Filipino products:
- Kabayan Fiesta (Toronto)
This annual festival features vendors selling homemade longganisa, puto (steamed rice cakes), and kakanin (sticky rice desserts). - Pinoy Sundays (Vancouver)
A weekly summer market in Burnaby where you’ll find taho (sweet tofu dessert), bibingka, and fresh kangkong (water spinach). - Sari-Sari Pop-Ups (Calgary)
These events showcase small businesses offering artisanal bagoong, adobo marinades, and turmeric tea.
Key Filipino Ingredients and Where to Find Them
- Rice and Noodles
- Jasmine Rice: Available at most Asian grocers.
- Pancit Canton: Look for dried noodles at Seafood City or Tindahan.ca.
- Condiments and Sauces
- Bagoong: Fermented shrimp paste found in jars at Filipino-specific stores.
- Suka (Cane Vinegar): Essential for adobo; available at T&T Supermarket.
- Produce
- Kalamansi: Fresh or bottled juice at Filipino Express (Edmonton) or online.
- Ube: Frozen grated ube or powder at Island Pacific Supermarket.
- Snacks and Sweets
- Hopiang Baboy: Bean-filled pastries at Filipino bakeries like Red Ribbon (Toronto).
- Dried Mangoes: Available at Costco or online retailers.
Tips for Shopping Smart
- Compare Prices: Some ingredients, like bagoong, may be cheaper at smaller family-run stores than large chains.
- Check Expiry Dates: Imported goods can sometimes sit on shelves for extended periods.
- Ask for Recommendations: Store owners often know the best brands for specific dishes.
Supporting Local Filipino Businesses
By shopping at Filipino-owned stores, you’re not only accessing authentic ingredients but also supporting Canada’s vibrant Filipino community. Many of these businesses also contribute to cultural events, scholarships, and charities, enriching Canada’s multicultural fabric.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving the tangy zest of sinigang or the creamy sweetness of halo-halo, Canada’s diverse retail landscape makes it easy to recreate Filipino flavors at home. From bustling supermarkets in Toronto to online delivery services reaching rural areas, the options are endless. By exploring these stores and markets, you’ll not only stock your pantry but also deepen your connection to one of the world’s most beloved cuisines.
Happy cooking, and Mabuhay!