In Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market, there’s a special Filipino restaurant run by Leila Apostol Rosas. It’s called Oriental Mart, and it’s been serving delicious Filipino food for over 55 years! Leila’s restaurant is known for its tasty dishes and a fun attitude. She even has funny signs on the walls, like one that says, “Sarcasm: I sprinkle that on everything!”
Leila’s most famous dish is Salmon Sinigang, a Filipino sour soup made with tamarind and fresh salmon. This dish mixes Filipino tradition with one of Seattle’s favorite ingredients—salmon! Leila shared that she used to make her Sinigang with bangus (milkfish), but switched to salmon because people liked it better.
Leila’s restaurant has even won awards! In 2020, it received the prestigious James Beard Award for America’s Classics. Many famous chefs and celebrities have visited her restaurant, and they all love her food.
But Leila says the real secret to her success isn’t just the food—it’s family. Her mom started the business over 60 years ago, and today, Leila still works alongside her sister, niece, and even her 95-year-old mom! She said, “Everyone here is family.”
Leila loves chatting with her customers and getting to know them. She shared, “By the time they’re done eating, we know where they’re from, how old they are, and what brought them to Seattle.”
At her restaurant, people can enjoy set meals like Chicken Adobo, Pancit (Filipino noodles), and Rice, all for less than $20. But no matter what, Sinigang remains the top favorite. People love it, not just because it’s delicious, but also because Leila swears it’s her secret to staying young! She jokes that the steam from the Sinigang opens her pores and keeps her skin glowing.
Leila’s restaurant isn’t fancy, but she says it’s “fun dining.” She cooks food just like she would for her family at home. Locals and tourists come back again and again because they feel like part of her family.
Leila always gives advice to fellow Filipinos in the US, telling them to “Be kind to your fellow Filipinos, and they will support you.”
Even though Leila has made her home in Seattle, she goes back to the Philippines every year for two months to visit family. She takes that time to relax and try new foods.
At Oriental Mart, it’s not just about food, it’s about family, community, and a lot of fun—just like one of Leila’s signs says, “Ate Lei, you slay!”
