There’s a large Filipino community in Hawaii, and many people frequently crave the traditional foods from their homeland. Whether it’s mung bean soup or smoked mackerel, there’s a scientific reason you may have a hankering for Filipino food. Here’s a quick explanation of why you’re craving a taste of home.

The Reason Behind Your Food Cravings

1. Emotions

Positive and negative emotions can trigger cravings for your favorite dishes. For example, if you’re sad, you may eat your favorite foods for comfort or to forget about whatever is troubling you. On the other hand, if you’re relaxed and happy at a social gathering, you may want to munch on your favorite snacks to enhance the mood.

Cortisol is a hormone that’s produced when the body is stressed, and it can make you want to eat certain foods to self-soothe. Once your stress dissipates, your cortisol levels should fall, and the cravings should decrease.

2. Nutrients

You can experience cravings if your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to function properly, such as protein, fat, and magnesium. For example, if your body isn’t getting enough protein, you may crave smoked tako or smoked round scad.

3. Memories

It’s possible to crave foods that remind you of the pleasant days of your childhood. For instance, if your family cooked longanisa for breakfast on special occasions, like birthdays and Christmas, you may crave this Filipino food when you want to celebrate something.

If you’re craving authentic Filipino food, head to Amor Nino Foods in Honolulu, HI. Since 1978, this food wholesaler has provided Oahu residents with a taste of home, offering traditional classics, like special palabok and shredded coconut. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, all of their items are certified by the USDA, FDA, and the Hawaii Department of Health. View their Filipino food selection online, or call (808) 845-1711 to place an order. Connect with the team on Facebook for the latest news and updates.