Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket: Authentic Filipino Flavours for the Community
A Taste of Home: Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket Serves Authentic Filipino Flavours
For anyone attempting to cook Filipino and Asian dishes, the search for the right ingredients can be a familiar frustration. In Vienna, that gap is now being filled by Bahay Kubo, an Asian supermarket that has become a reliable source of Filipino staples and specialty products. They don’t just sell products; they embody the spirit of bayanihan. Roots & Wings is happy to feature Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket and have a conversation with the founder, Nicko Valino.
RAW: Please introduce yourself and Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket. How has your upbringing or cultural background influenced your values as an entrepreneur and shaped your business?
My name is Nicko Valino, 30 years old, born and raised in Vienna, Austria. I am the founder of the Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket, a family-run business in the heart of Vienna. We, Filipinos, are known worldwide for our hard work and our knack for finding solutions, even in difficult situations. The challenge of setting up and running a business has always been very exciting and rewarding for me personally. At the start of this journey, it was important to me to keep the supermarket authentic. That’s why you’ll find typical Filipino motifs at Bahay Kubo – such as jeepneys, tricycles and the world-famous tattoo artist Whang-Od. The shop is accompanied exclusively by Filipino OPM music and characterized by a genuine willingness to help and support our customers, as we choose to build close relationships. We make a special effort to strike up conversations with new customers, for example, by asking them about how they plan to prepare the products they’ve bought. In our view, food brings people together, which is evident at Bahay Kubo. Conversations often end with gratitude for the sale of certain products. Sometimes recipes are exchanged with customers who’d like to learn more about Filipino cuisine.
RAW: What inspired your family to open a Filipino supermarket in Austria, and what challenges did you encounter as migrant entrepreneurs?
We wanted to open a shop that both reflects culture and connects with people. When it came to finding a name for our shop, “Bahay Kubo” immediately sprang to mind. In the Philippines, Bahay Kubo often symbolize a sense of community and fond memories. Starting a business with my family, creating shared memories and building something together is a blessing that I don’t take for granted. Personally, I am delighted that we have the opportunity to represent Filipino culture in Vienna in so many different ways. For us, it is about more than just selling products; it is about building a sense of community and giving a little piece of home. Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket not only benefit Filipinos but should also convey a sense of warmth and familiar flavors to all people, and even outside the country. At the start, many questions arose. Numerous formal aspects – such as legislation, contracts and bureaucratic paperwork – were difficult but necessary to overcome. However, we did not view these as challenges; instead, we tackled the process step by step and thus paved the way for ourselves. We are grateful that much of the experience required to build a business was gained from the ground up. These were valuable learning processes that have enriched not only me, but also my family. Every detail of the business, from the till system to the import of goods, was a new learning experience. It was a true ‘learning by doing’ project.
RAW: What role does Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket play in the Filipino community in Austria?
One of the hallmarks of Bahay Kubo is our commitment to conveying a sense of warmth to the community through our hospitality and helpfulness. It’s not just a supermarket, but a place where you can feel at home. For Filipinos who have recently moved to Vienna, we do our best to help them settle in. From job hunting to education, we put them in touch with the right contacts. So far, we’ve been very successful in connecting the community, for example, by offering a Filipino buffet in the shop at our own events. We also take part in various Filipino sports events, where we support Filipino organizers with our snacks and drinks. In doing so, we aim to give something back to the Filipino community and convey a piece of culture as well as a touch of home. Through our partnership with Western Union and MoneyGram, we have also created the opportunity to transfer money to the Philippines, which is an important part of our business. Furthermore, we offer delivery services specifically tailored to the needs of senior citizens. In the future, we would like to help other Filipinos and work with them to support the community in Vienna and promote its cultural flourishing.
RAW: Are there any particular products or traditions that you highlight at Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket because they have cultural significance?
We always keep an eye on the latest trends and consider which products can remain a permanent part of our range. Some products, such as Boy Bawang, Chippy or Calamansi juice, not only evoke memories for our customers – they also carry very personal stories with them. Be it old college stories, a fun evening with their ‘kaibigans’ (friends) or a precious moment with a loved one. The annual tradition of taking part in street festivals such as the ‘Barrio Fiesta’ is something very special too. It allows us to showcase our Filipino products and serve people of all origins and backgrounds. We were able to connect with the community, collaborate with our partners at the annual bazaar organized by the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and sell our popular products there as well.
RAW: What changes have you seen in the Filipino community? How has running Bahay Kubo impacted you personally, and what guidance would you offer aspiring young Filipino entrepreneurs in Austria?
We plan to find more partners and allow small businesses to grow. We also hope to inspire the next generation of Filipinos to pursue their dreams and goals, and hopefully encourage them to start their own businesses as well. Running a business takes a lot of time and energy. However, you have to tackle these challenges with passion and stay true to your own vision. Personally, it has turned me into a problem-solver. There is no challenge that cannot be solved. My experiences with Bahay Kubo have made me more resilient and have had a positive impact on me as a person. My message to the readers is to believe in yourselves and your team. Pressure is a privilege. Challenges are there to help you become a better person. Love your fellow human beings and always stay true to yourselves. Work hard for your dreams. Every small goal is a step forward. Stay resilient and believe in your dreams. Trust in God in everything you do.
RAW Mags thanks Nicko Valino and Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket for the interview.
Instagram: @bahaykubo.vienna
Facebook: Bahay Kubo Exotic Supermarket
Comments