Born from friendship, cultural pride, and a deep love for food, Haliná is a heartfelt tribute to Filipino heritage and a welcome addition to the East Village dining scene. We sat down with the team to learn more about what inspired their journey, the community behind them, and what’s next as they gear up for their grand opening.
- What inspired you to open Haliná?
Our love for cooking and deep pride in Filipino culture were the main ingredients that brought Haliná to life. We’re just friends who enjoy creating something meaningful and new. We chose East Vancouver because of its diversity, accessibility, strong foot and vehicle traffic, and its exciting growth. But more importantly, the support of the community here has been incredible!! from our pop-ups to our soft opening, people have really shown us love. It felt like the perfect place to turn our vision into reality. - What pushed you to take the leap?
Whenever our friends and family dined out, we rarely chose Filipino food, not because we didn’t want to, but because the options didn’t reflect the kind of experience we imagined. We wanted to create a modern Filipino restaurant that could make our community proud, something fresh, fun, and unforgettable. - What’s the vibe of Haliná?
Laid-back, chill, and welcoming just like home. Think of it like hanging out at a street corner in the Philippines where everyone knows each other. We want our guests to feel transported to places like Cagayan De Oro, Davao, or Isabela, while still being grounded in the Vancouver experience. It’s a slice of home with a Canadian twist. - What does community mean to you?
Community is at our core. In fact, our mural by Mara includes the Baybayin words “Kapwa” and “Bayanihan,” celebrating the Filipino spirit of helping one another through life’s hardships. That’s what we’re building here. something rooted in shared values and care.
- Where do you unwind nearby?
East Café is our go-to. The coffee is great, and the vibe feels like a quiet escape from the city noise. We also love connecting with nearby farmers markets and local businesses as it’s all part of feeling grounded in the neighbourhood. - What’s next for Haliná?
We’re aiming for a grand opening on August 8! Expect exciting new dishes like our Grilled Salmon Sinigang, Australian Lamb Caldereta, and Chicken Adobo. We’ll also be rolling out our cocktail lineup Kalabaw (our take on the Moscow Mule), Calamansi Mojito, and a full selection of Filipino beers like San Miguel Light and Red Horse. It’s just the beginning! we want to collaborate with the community, not just the Filipino one, but all of East Van. From local craft beers, produce, meat and poultry. - What’s one neighbourhood gem you love (besides your own)?
Selene. Their concept, food, and ambiance are next-level. You can really feel the thought that went into the space. it’s inspiring!! - What’s something unexpected about Haliná?
We all started from the bottom! Cece, John, and CJ all once worked at La Meza Grill in Delta as dishwashers and prep cooks. Cara was a barista at Starbucks. Jenzen washed dishes at Swiss Chalet. We began in a Langley ghost kitchen, and now we’re here welcoming Vancouver into our dream. - What’s one kitchen item or ingredient you can’t live without?
Cane vinegar. It’s our secret weapon. We use it heavily in our marinades, and it brings that unmistakable Filipino punch to our dishes.
Photos by: Michal Urbanek Photography