Pakikipagkapuwa-pinggan
Unang Tikim: A Tradition of Generosity in Filipino Kitchens
Exploring the Filipino custom of offering the first serving of freshly cooked ulam to neighbors, and what it reveals about community, empathy, and heritage.
Love Served First
In many Filipino homes, there’s a quiet yet powerful gesture: the first scoop of ulam — whether it’s ginataang gulay, adobo, or sinigang — goes not to the family, but to a neighbor.
This act, known informally as the unang tikim, is a humble offering. It says, “You were in my thoughts,” or in Filipino, Naalala kita. It embodies the spirit of pakikipagkapuwa — a deep cultural value that sees the other not as separate, but as a part of one’s self.
Even in households of modest means, this practice persists. It is not about abundance, but about presence. It is an invitation to eat, to connect, and to belong.
“Food is meant to be shared, creating a sense of connection and gratitude.”1
Sometimes, this kindness circles back. A neighbor may return the favor the next day, offering their own fresh dish in exchange — or simply a heartfelt salamat. In this way, food becomes not just sustenance, but a social thread that weaves neighborhoods together.
From the eyes of a visitor, this openness is striking. French expat Richard, who has lived in Manila for over a decade, once noted that “conversations always revolve around food” and how people readily offer a taste — even to strangers.2 This warmth is not a performance. It is everyday hospitality, embedded in the Filipino way of life.
Historically, communal eating and neighborly sharing trace back to pre-colonial village life, where bonds were formed not just through rituals, but over rice and stews shared under nipa roofs.3 The spirit of bayanihan was not just for times of disaster — it was built daily, one bowl at a time.
A moment before sharing — Nanay sets aside the first serving of pancit para sa kapitbahay. This quiet gesture of generosity is at the heart of many Filipino communities.
At UlamPinoy, we believe these seemingly small customs hold the deepest flavors of our culture. When love is ladled into the very first bowl and given away, that’s the kind of heritage we’re proud to pass on.
Share the First Scoop — and the Story
Have you been the neighbor who received a warm bowl of ulam? Or are you the one who loves to share what’s just come off the stove? We’d love to hear your story.
🍲✨ Let’s keep the tradition alive and the stories flowing — follow us on Threads for more heartwarming Filipino food culture, everyday ulam inspirations, and behind-the-scenes love from our kitchen to yours:
Tag us in your unang tikim moments. Who knows — your story might be featured next!
Footnotes
Footnotes
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Campfire Crates. “Hapagkainan: Filipino Traditions Around Meals.” 2021. campfirecrates.com ↩
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Carballo, Bibsy M. “French expat finds peace and purpose in Philippines.” Philstar Life. 2021. Philstar.com ↩
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Medina, Belen. “Gulai and Tinola: Southeast Asian Culinary Connections.” Philippine Studies 65, no. 2 (2017). JSTOR ↩