First Filipino restaurant opens in Portage la Prairie
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The opening of Portage la Prairie’s first Filipino restaurant is being celebrated as a milestone for cultural diversity and community integration in the Central Plains region.
Jeepney Portage la Prairie recently opened its doors at 177 Saskatchewan Ave., meeting a long-standing demand within the local immigrant population. The establishment represents the brand’s second location, expanding from its original roots in Winnipeg.
“As an immigrant, I came to Portage almost 10 years ago … and all I hear are comments of Filipinos here is how we wish we had a Filipino restaurant,” said co-owner Oliver Cabading.
Cabading, who also serves as the president of the local Filipino association, opened the business alongside two partners, one based in Winnipeg and another from Portage. Beyond offering a taste of home, the owners made it a priority to support local youth by structuring casual summer employment opportunities for students.
The restaurant features authentic street foods and traditional dishes spanning the different geographical regions of the Philippines.
Its menu showcases pancit (egg and vermicelli noodles), pork barbecue and silog — an all-day breakfast combo consisting of a protein like tapa (marinated beef), sinangag (garlic rice), and itlog (egg). They also have boba, cheese and fruit smoothies. True to Filipino culture, the dining space features a karaoke system.
The community response has been massive, drawing patrons from neighbouring towns like Brandon, MacGregor, St. Claude, Carman and Neepawa. Cabading noted the staff and customer base are intentionally multicultural.
“The support of the community is very, very heartwarming to us,” Cabading said. “And I’m not talking about just the Filipino community, the locals as well.”
City councillor Joe Masi, who attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, praised the expansion as a reflection of Portage la Prairie’s changing demographics.
“It’s just a great opportunity for more diverse restaurants in the community,” Masi said. “Our city is changing. We have a lot more diversity in our city.”
The grand opening sets the stage for upcoming cultural celebrations. The local association is preparing for Filipino Heritage Month on June 14, which will feature a parade moving down Saskatchewan Avenue toward the MNP Exhibition Building at Island Park.
» Winnipeg Sun