Pinoys Groceries & Bistro is Prague’s new cultural and culinary hub, offering authentic Filipino cuisine and original Asian products.

For the growing Filipino community in the Czech Republic, the recently opened Pinoys Groceries & Bistro isn’t just a place to eat; it feels like home. Founded by Crisjel Dablo and her husband Daniel Kuklovský, the grocery and bistro represent a shared dream to bring authentic Filipino flavors and warm hospitality to Prague.

What began as a modest grocery store in Palmovka seven years ago — serving Filipino and Asian products to expatriates — has now expanded into a new location just off Wenceslas Square, at Štěpánská 626/63.

On November 1, Pinoys celebrated the grand opening of their bistro, attended by the Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez, Philippine Migrant Workers Office labor attache Atty. Llewelyn Perez, and other staff from the Philippine Embassy in Prague.

Every dish served at Pinoys Bistro reflects the heart of Filipino cooking: fresh, homemade, and deeply rooted in tradition. Its chef, Dario Lleva, a Filipino with years of experience in a four-star hotel restaurant, crafts each plate to remind diners of home.

A staple of Filipino cuisine, adobo — chicken simmered in soy sauce and vinegar — comes in countless variations, “as many,” journalist Andy Peñafuerte notes, “as there are islands in the Philippines.” Alongside it are kare-kare, a creamy peanut-based stew that’s rich and subtly sweet, and sinigang, a sour shrimp soup infused with tamarind, radish, and pak choy — perfect for Prague’s cold winters.

The menu also features merienda or afternoon snack favorites such as buttery beef empanadas generously filled with meat.

Desserts bring a sweet taste of nostalgia — ube rice cake made with coconut milk and caramel, and saba plantains cooked in sticky caramel glaze.

The shop’s shelves are stocked with essentials and nostalgic favorites that many Filipinos grew up with — glass noodles, dried mangoes, banana ketchup, milkfish, and Silver Swan soy sauce. Prices are intentionally kept accessible, reinforcing the founders’ vision of creating a welcoming space for everyone.

The store also offers Red Horse beer (13.5%) and Tanduay rum, perfect mixed with cola or cocktails. Behind the counter, Pinoys runs a growing online store supported by a warehouse in Beroun, ensuring customers across the Czech Republic can access their favorite Filipino goods, with pickup and free delivery options.

Around 70% of the products come directly from the Philippines, while the rest represent Asian countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia.

 

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Though the Czech Republic is a relatively new destination for Filipino migrants, the community — now numbering around 12,000 — has grown rapidly in recent years. Many Filipinos work in manufacturing and service sectors, including companies such as Alza, Makro, and DHL. A recent cooperation agreement between the Philippine and Czech governments has also opened doors for more professional and economic exchanges.

The Filipino identity stands out in Asia — marked by friendliness, warmth, adaptability, and humor. It’s a culture where food is never wasted, rice is eaten at every meal, and togetherness matters more than luxury. As Crisjel Dablo explains, “We often have people come to the store straight from the airport, with their luggage, buying 18 kilograms of rice at a time — enough for a month for an average Filipino couple.”

For decades, Filipinos abroad have often been recognized for their work in healthcare and domestic service. Yet Pinoys challenges that stereotype, proving that Filipino entrepreneurs can thrive abroad — with creativity, quality, and heart.

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