Why Chicago Fell in Love With Kanin | Chef Julius Tacadena I Food Origins Podcast # 79

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Chef Julius Tacadena is bringing the flavors and memories of the Philippines and Hawai‘i to Chicago through Kanin.

Born in the Philippines and raised on Kaua‘i, Julius grew up surrounded by the food and culture that would eventually shape his culinary journey. After moving to Chicago and taking a nontraditional path through nursing and recruiting, he found his way back to food and began turning the flavors of home into something uniquely his own.

From Filipino classics and Hawaiian comfort food to musubi, Spam, longanisa and creative bodega-style dishes, Kanin has become a celebration of Julius's roots and the food memories that shaped him.

In this episode of Food Origins Podcast, we talk about growing up in Hawai‘i, Filipino food culture, the journey from pop-ups to Kanin, the story behind his food, Chicago's restaurant scene, and what it means to bring a taste of home to a new city.

Restaurants & Food Spots Mentioned

  • Kanin — Filipino-Hawaiian bodega in Chicago, founded by Chef Julius Tacadena. Kanin | Everybody Eats
    Kanin Chicago

  • Novel Pizza Cafe — Chicago pizzeria where Julius first tested Kanin through pop-ups with Francis Almeda. Eater Chicago

  • Side Practice Coffee — Coffee shop next door to Kanin and an important early home for Julius's food pop-ups. Kanin | Everybody Eats

  • Del Sur — Filipino-inspired bakery and part of the growing Filipino food scene around Damen Avenue. Chicago Sun-Times

  • Boonie's Filipino Restaurant — Mentioned as part of Chicago's emerging Filipino food corridor. Chicago Sun-Times

  • Bayan Ko — Filipino-Cuban restaurant mentioned in connection with Chicago's Filipino food scene. jaketasharski.com

  • TenGoku Aburiya — Mentioned in connection with Julius's Bento & Co. collaboration. windycitytimes.com

  • Maxwell's — Classic Chicago-style counter-service spot known for Polish sausage, burgers, pork chop sandwiches, and fries.

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A Food Origins Podcast Production Original music by Ulisses Bella of Ozomatli

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