Nestled just off King Street East in Preston sits an international culinary experience waiting to be explored.
Lovely Asian and Filipino Goods is a local grocer that opened its doors in 2022.
But recently it started serving dine-in customers.
Luis Ereno took over running the business in October of 2023 as he wanted to share a taste of his culture with the people of Cambridge.
"My business is the food, groceries and the frozen goods," Ereno said.
"Filipino people will come to my store to buy their groceries and get take out. There's a small dine-in area."
The dine-in portion of the business, known as Lovely Kusina, was unveiled with a grand opening on Jan. 25.
According to the business' Facebook page they also ship items nationwide and provide some catering services.
Ereno said there's a large Filipino community in Waterloo region and Guelph but it's smaller in Cambridge.
For Ereno, it's all about providing a good experience that makes customers want to return. He has one cook on staff who prepares all the dishes.
"I'm passionate about the food," he said.
"All of my food is Filipino; noodles, spring rolls and barbecue."
Spread out in the back kitchen is a selection of laing, tokwat baboy, pork mechado, pork humba and ginisang baguio beans.
As for what makes his food unique, he points to a dish known as sisig.
Sisig is a meal that contains one of pork, chicken, or another meat and is seasoned with chilies, onions and calamansi. Once prepared, it's typically served on a sizzling platter.
The other favourite among locals is the classic bubble tea, a cold frothy tea-based drink that has sweeteners for flavours like watermelon, macha and mango. At the bottom sits tapioca pearls. It's perfect for a hot summers day, Ereno said.
"Monday to Friday it's smaller because some people are busy then," he said of the foot traffic.
"There's more people on Saturday and Sunday. People should come in for the noodles, barbecue and milk tea."
