Island Pacific Kitchen, the first Filipino restaurant in Steinbach, is delighting diners with authentic dishes. Owner and chef John Medina was inspired to open the restaurant after realizing the lack of Filipino food options in the area. Having grown up in the Philippines and now residing in Winnipeg, where he has successfully launched other restaurants, Medina saw an opportunity to bring Filipino cuisine closer to the residents of Steinbach.
The restaurant, which officially opened on Jan. 3 after a successful soft launch, has been warmly welcomed by the community. Serving classic Filipino dishes like lumpiang, liempo, pancit, and seafood boils, Island Pacific Kitchen has attracted both Filipino and non-Filipino customers eager to experience the flavors of Filipino cuisine.
With a significant Filipino population in Steinbach, as per 2021 Statistics Canada data, Medina felt it was important to offer a taste of home to the residents. The community’s enthusiasm for the restaurant shows the growing diversity and appreciation for different cultures in the city.
South Eastman Filipino Association president Kristine Bristol highlighted the cultural significance of food in the Filipino community, emphasizing how food plays a central role in bringing families and friends together. She expressed excitement over the broader community’s interest in trying Filipino dishes, seeing it as a positive sign of cultural integration and acceptance.
Despite facing some delays during the preparation phase, Medina is proud of the outcome and the positive response from customers. He expressed his joy in sharing his love for cooking and making people happy through his culinary creations. Being able to introduce Filipino cuisine to Steinbach residents has been a fulfilling experience for him, marking a significant milestone in his culinary journey.
