On a quiet evening in Ferrymead Night Market in Christchurch, New Zealand, a line began to form beside a charming yellow food truck. The menu was simple, classic comfort food familiar to Filipinos: sisig, beef tapa, chicken adobo, pancit and lumpia.

Many in the queue were familiar faces who kept coming back every week. Others were first-timers, scanning the menu with curiosity and a hint of hesitation. What was heartwarming, though, was the diversity in the line — Filipinos seeking the flavors of home alongside New Zealanders eager to try Philippine cuisine, with more than a few pleasantly surprised by the flavors.