Our Lineage
The world has a way of making us hurry. There is always somewhere to go, something to finish, or someone waiting for a reply. But in our family’s kitchen, things have always moved a little slower. There is the gentle sound of thesianse folding kakanin in the talyasi, the sweet smell of coconut in the air, and people gathering around the table. For a little while, nobody is in a hurry.
This is where SIANSE begins. Our name comes from two things close to our family: the sianse, the traditional Filipino flat spatula used to make kakanin, and Sanse, a title traditionally given to the third eldest daughter in Filipino-Chinese families. Lovingly, our lolas, Lola Corazon “Nana Cora” Gapuen and Lola Pelagia “Nanang Pele” Dela Torre, both carried this name in their families. So SIANSE is more than a name for our kakanin. It is a way of carrying their stories, their traditions, and the warmth of their kitchen into our own.
We believe some things are better when they are not rushed, like a good conversation in a warm afternoon and a plate of kakanin shared with someone you love. SIANSE is our invitation to slow down, gather around the table, and enjoy the simple moments that make life feel like home. For a little while, let the world wait.