From the Heart of the Philippines to the Heart of Utah: Nanay Rebecca’s Kitchen
Kumain ka na? (Have you eaten?) — That’s the question I grew up hearing every single day in our home in the Philippines. It’s not just a greeting. It’s love. It’s comfort. It’s our way of saying I care about you. And now, here in Clinton, Davis County, Utah, it’s still the first thing I ask when someone walks into me.
Hello and welcome to my little corner of the internet — I’m Rebecca, or as many call me, Nanay Rebecca. “Nanay” means mother in Filipino, and that’s exactly what I hope to bring into every dish I cook: the warmth of a mother’s love, passed down through generations, all wrapped in the flavors of home.
A Journey from the Islands to the Mountains
Moving from the Philippines to Utah wasn’t always easy. I missed the ocean breeze, the laughter of neighbors at the palengke (market), the aroma of adobo simmering in the afternoon heat. But what I missed most was the food — the real kind, made with love, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce and lots of storytelling.
So I started cooking. First for my family. Then for neighbors. Then for friends of friends who were just craving something that reminded them of home — or wanted to try something new and delicious. That’s how Mama’s Kitchen was born — not in a restaurant, but in a home filled with stories, laughter, and the smell of sinigang on a rainy Utah day.
What’s Cooking in Mama’s Kitchen?
Filipino food is more than just rice and meat — though we do love both! It’s a celebration of flavors: sweet, sour, salty, sometimes all in the same bite. Here in Clinton, we’re bringing traditional Filipino dishes to the heart of Davis County:
- Chicken Adobo – slow-braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves — our national dish and a family favorite.
- Pancit Bihon – delicate rice noodles stir-fried with veggies and meat, perfect for birthdays and big celebrations.
- Kare-Kare – a rich peanut stew with oxtail or beef, served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for that unforgettable umami kick.
- Turon – sweet banana spring rolls, crispy on the outside, warm and gooey inside — my grandchildren’s favorite merienda (snack).
And of course, no Filipino meal is complete without rice. Lots of it!
Bringing People Together
Whether you’re Filipino and homesick or a local Utahn curious about this flavorful cuisine, Mama’s Kitchen is here to welcome you. Food has the power to heal, to connect, to share stories and traditions. In every spoonful, you taste not just ingredients — but history, family, and heart.
We’re excited to share more stories, recipes, and community events right here on this blog. Stay tuned for:
- Step-by-step recipes straight from my handwritten cookbook
- Spotlights on classic Filipino ingredients and how to find them in Utah
- Personal memories behind the dishes we serve
- Community pop-ups and where to find us next!
Salamat, Utah!
Thank you to the growing Filipino community here in Davis County and to our amazing community who’ve embraced us with open arms. From our family to yours, Daghang Salamt po (thank you very much). Let’s keep sharing food, culture, and love — one dish at a time.
With love and gutom na gutom (very hungry) hearts,
Nanay Rebecca
Mama’s Kitchen, Clinton UT