Katmu Filipino Cuisine and More expanded its business by opening a second and larger location in Saskatoon on Circle Drive near Faithfull Avenue.
Owners James and Thesa Villanueva, who moved from the Philippines to Canada in 2018, first purchased Katmu Family Restaurant in 2020. The new branch featured a bigger kitchen, allowing the business to prepare more food and introduce new menu items.
Mission to Promote Filipino Cuisine
The couple said they wanted more Canadians to discover Filipino food, which they believed remained less familiar than other Asian cuisines.
In addition to operating two restaurants, the business also produced frozen Filipino meals that were sold in Real Canadian Superstore locations across Saskatchewan.
Popular Filipino Dishes
Among Katmu's best-selling dishes were Sisig Lechon, made with chopped pork, egg, onions, jalapeños, and seasonings, and Pancit Lechon, featuring crispy pork belly served over stir-fried noodles with vegetables.
The restaurant also served Filipino favorites such as Bulalo, Sinigang, Beef Mami, Pork Tocino, Beef Tapa, and Arroz Caldo.
To offer something unique, the owners also introduced a Sisig Taco, combining Filipino flavors with a familiar Western-style dish.
Homemade Desserts and Filipino Drinks
Katmu offered both traditional and modern Filipino desserts, including Leche Flan, Brazo de Mercedes, Thesa Crème Brûlée, and the signature Sipa dessert.
Customers could also enjoy Filipino beverages such as Dalandan and Gulaman.
Bringing Filipino Culture to the Community
Beyond serving authentic food, Katmu created a welcoming space where customers could enjoy sports on television while experiencing Filipino hospitality and culture.
The owners said their greatest reward was seeing people from different backgrounds enjoy Filipino cuisine and learning more about the rich food traditions of the Philippines.
