Shediac woman expands Filipino food truck to grocery store

Melody Landry, who moved to New Brunswick from the Philippines over a decade ago, has turned her food truck into a recognized business in Shediac. Her new venture, Sarap, features a Filipino-Canadian takeout restaurant and an international grocery store that opened recently in a historic building downtown. At the store, Landry warmly greeted customers and showcased a variety of Filipino products. Shelves stocked with items like prawn chips, jackfruit candy, and mochi provide a taste of home for the local Filipino community. Her family is also involved, serving coffee and bubble tea to customers. Before starting her culinary journey, Landry earned a computer science degree and worked in a bank. Cooking for her family in the Philippines awakened her passion for food. She cannot believe her success and takes pride in her store’s visibility, saying it still feels unreal to own the building. The Filipino community in New Brunswick has grown significantly, with statistics showing a doubling of residents identifying as Filipino between 2016 and 2021. Landry’s restaurant and grocery store are important to many, offering authentic dishes like chicken adobo and pancit that remind residents of their cultural roots. Regulars like Christian Makiling appreciate having access to traditional Filipino foods. He believes Landry brings a taste of home that cannot be found elsewhere in Canada. Another local, John Thompson, supports her business and enjoys her delicious meals, noting the importance of local patronage. Starting as a food truck in 2018, Landry originally hesitated to focus solely on Filipino cuisine. Eventually, she gained confidence and shifted her menu to celebrate her heritage. Now, she is proud to run a permanent location on Main Street, reflecting her hard work and dedication. Looking ahead, Landry hopes to leave a legacy for her son, aiming to make him proud of their family's heritage and her accomplishments in the community.