As an OFW in Dubai, there are days when I really miss home, and one of the things that brings me comfort is the familiar taste of Filipino food. When homesickness hits, nothing beats being able to find the snacks, condiments, and meals that I grew up with. This is why discovering the Sari-Sari Store in Dubai felt like finding a little piece of the Philippines right here in the UAE. It’s not just a store; it’s a place that instantly reminds you of home with every product on its shelves, filled with Philippine-made items that bring back fond memories of family meals and snacks with friends.
The Sari-Sari Store may not be the typical corner shop you’d find in every barangay back in the Philippines, but it certainly brings the same sense of familiarity and comfort. It’s a one-stop grocery that makes you feel connected to your roots, even thousands of miles away from home.
What You Can Find at Sari-Sari Store
The Sari-Sari Store in Dubai offers an extensive selection of Philippine-made items, ensuring that OFWs won’t miss out on their favorite products. Here are some of the things you can expect to find:
1. Filipino Snacks and Chichirya
- From iconic chips like Chippy, Piattos, and Nova to popular treats like Choc Nut and Flat Tops, the store stocks all the beloved snacks that Filipinos love.
- Crackers like SkyFlakes and Fita are also available for those who enjoy a simple snack with coffee.
2. Canned Goods and Preserved Food
- Classic canned items like Argentina Corned Beef, Delimondo, 555 Sardines, and Century Tuna are staples that Filipino families rely on, especially when preparing quick and comforting meals.
- You’ll also find canned favorites like Ligo Sardines, Reno Liver Spread, and Libby’s Vienna Sausages.
3. Condiments and Sauces
- Filipino cooking wouldn’t be the same without Datu Puti Vinegar and Silver Swan Soy Sauce. These essential condiments help recreate the flavors of adobo, sinigang, and other traditional dishes.
- Other Filipino favorites like banana ketchup and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) are also available for those who want to add that unique Pinoy touch to their meals.
4. Instant Noodles and Pasta
- Craving a quick meal? The Sari-Sari Store carries a wide selection of instant noodles like Lucky Me Pancit Canton and Payless Noodles, perfect for those late-night cravings or easy dinners.
- They also have a variety of pasta and spaghetti sauces, including the sweet-style Filipino spaghetti sauce that makes the dish a hit at every Filipino celebration.
5. Frozen Filipino Favorites
- You can also find frozen versions of Filipino classics like longganisa (Filipino sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork) making it easy to prepare your favorite Filipino breakfasts even in Dubai.
- They also stock frozen lumpia wrappers and spring rolls, ideal for gatherings or family meals.
6. Beverages
- Whether you’re looking for Milo, Ovaltine, or 3-in-1 coffee mixes like Nescafé, the Sari-Sari Store has you covered.
- Filipino juice drinks like Tang and powdered Royal Tru-Orange are also available, bringing back memories of childhood afternoons in the Philippines.
7. Home-Made Goodies from Our Kababayans in the UAE
- One of the unique features of Sari-Sari Store in Dubai is their support for local Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE. You can find gourmet tuyo, garlic oil, spreads, and home-baked breads made by fellow Filipinos in the UAE. These homemade goodies bring a comforting taste of home, offering a chance to support our kababayans while indulging in high-quality, artisanal products.
Related: My Favourite Foods at Flayva Al Ghurair
8. Ready-to-Eat Meals
- For those busy days when you want a quick but filling meal, the Sari-Sari Store also offers a range of ready-to-eat Filipino dishes like carbonara, pancit luglug, and kakanins such as biko, sapin-sapin, and peche-peche. These meals are perfect for anyone craving authentic Filipino dishes without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Related: Filipino Restaurants I Love in Dubai
Food We Tried During Our Visit to the Sari-Sari Storee
There’s so much food items to try in Sari-Sari Store. So far, these are the food items we’ve tried:
1. Bawangong Garlic Oil
- A little sweet, flavorful garlic oil that’s perfect for enhancing the taste of any dish. This versatile condiment is a must-have for anyone who loves a garlicky kick in their meals, whether it’s for pasta, fried rice, or even as a dipping sauce.
2. Buldak Adobo Flakes
- A spicy twist on the classic adobo flakes, this ready-to-eat snack or rice topping packs a punch of bold Filipino flavors with a spicy kick. It’s perfect for those who love heat with a hint of adobo’s savory goodness.
3. Pancit Luglug by Papolicious
- Pancit Luglug is a Filipino noodle dish known for its rich, flavorful sauce made from shrimp and other savory ingredients. Papolicious brings this classic dish to the Sari-Sari Store, making it easy for OFWs to enjoy an authentic Filipino pancit meal at home.
4. Cheese Pimiento Spread by Roz Little Kitchen
- A Filipino-style cheese spread with a hint of sweetness and pimiento flavor. This homemade cheese spread is perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, making it a delicious snack or merienda option.
5. Sapin-Sapin and Other Kakanins
- Sapin-Sapin is a vibrant, multi-layered Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. The Sari-Sari Store also offers other traditional Filipino kakanins (rice cakes) like biko, puto, and kutsinta, perfect for dessert or snacks that bring a taste of home.
More Food to Discover
I know there are still a lot of food items that I need to try, like Ube Spread, which was unfortunately unavailable during my visit. Other items like Pichi-Pichi and different kinds of bread are still on my list, but for sure, I will be back to explore even more of what the Sari-Sari Store has to offer!
Also Read: The Most Authentic Chicken Inasal in Dubai: Bacoleños Grill
Conclusion
The Sari-Sari Store in Dubai offers Filipino expats a slice of home through its extensive collection of Philippine-made items. From classic snacks and canned goods to specialty food items like Bawangong Garlic Oil and Pancit Luglug, this store is a haven for OFWs who want to stay connected to their roots through familiar brands and flavors. With homemade goodies from fellow kababayans and a range of ready-to-eat meals, it’s a place that not only provides essentials but also fosters a sense of community among Filipinos in Dubai, making it an integral part of their life abroad.
How about you? What are your favorites at the Sari-Sari Store? Write them in the comments below!
