Garlic and ginger, the heat of chilis, and the tartness of vinegar flavor our earliest memories. Food is where we find home, and it is the feeling we love to share.

Sariwa is a tribute to family roots in the Philippines, from the salt farms of Pangasinan (which means “land of salt”) to the coconuts and chilis of Bicol. It remembers the colorful palengke, the marketplace, or savoring meryenda on a hot afternoon. Sariwa is also a love letter to childhood in Hawai’i, where food is at the heart of island life, and to California, with its rich harvests, cultures and cuisines.

Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, founder Aileen Suzara longed to reconnect with roots. In one generations it seemed the passing of traditions – from language, to recipes – were almost lots within her family. But a chance rediscovery of her mother’s Filipino cookbook became a gateway to family migration stories. What began with a handful of recipes became a passion for growing, cooking and sharing foods that create a sense of home.

Before a culinary career, Aileen worked as an eco-educator and environmental justice advocate. Food became a calling as it was a delicious way to both celebrate culture and nurture community. Sariwa’s first popup was a 150 person community dinner raising funds for post-typhoon rebuilding. Later, while at UC Berkeley focusing on public health and chronic disease, Aileen realized how cultural foods were essential to wellness for so many communities, yet often left out of the picture of health. Sariwa was reimagined as a food project, sharing delicious, plant-forward and accessible foods. In 2016, Sariwa joined La Cocina’s nonprofit kitchen and launched as a business.

We now offer catering, popups, workshops and events all across the Bay Area. With the support of community, we are excited to grow!