Thanks for crossing into my kitchen.

I was born and raised in the Philippines, but life has recently brought me to LA.

Food has always been a part of my life. My family has shared a passion for it for as long as I can remember. We even opened a restaurant in the Philippines called Perfy’s, which sadly closed down when the COVID pandemic hit.

Filipino food deserves so much more recognition than it gets. One of my biggest goals with Crossing Kitchens is to share the simple greatness of the cuisine. A lot of the recipes you’ll find here are dishes I grew up eating at home, especially the ones I learned from my mom and older brother.

Now that I’m in Los Angeles, building a new life with my husband, I’ve started exploring new cuisines and flavors, from Asian dishes to American comfort food. So aside from Filipino classics, you'll also find recipes inspired by the cuisines and flavors that have become part of my life here.

Desserts are another big part of this site. During the pandemic, I spent so much time baking that I eventually started selling my desserts from home. My cream puffs, chocolate cake, and chocolate chip cookies were some of my best-sellers - they always sold out fast. If not for the endless pile of dishes that came with baking, I probably would have kept the business going for much longer.

Lastly, I want most of the recipes I share here to be approachable and easy enough for beginners. There will definitely be a few more complex recipes here and there, but for the most part, I'll be sharing easy, practical, and doable recipes for everyday cooking.

Whether you're looking for comfort food, an easy weeknight dinner, or a dessert, I’m happy you’re here.

Tara, kain! Let's eat!