Cover Photo: Charina Sarte Official Instagram

While living in Paris, Charina Sarte often misses flavours of the Philippines - find out what she likes to eat, and where

Charina Sarte has built a name brand now synonymous with gorgeous womenswear. Her eponymous clothing line began in the Philippines, her home, and is now sought after globally. “I’m proud to say we are now in Le bon Marche Paris, Shopbop and Intermix, and very soon we will be in Sak’s Fifth, and Bloomingdales in the United States,” shares Charina.

Since its inception, her brand has embodied Charina’s gumption and the country’s tropical spirit. Her creations are inspired by warm, languid, beautiful summer days, and joie de vivre.

Read more: Charina Sarte And Pie Alvarez Launch A New Loungewear Collection For Mothers And Their Mini-Mes

Tatler Asia
Above Charina Sarte and her family | Photo: Charina Sarte's Official Instagram

Today she is based in Paris with her French husband; catch them on Netflix on the series titled Paris Agency, which is a reality show about his family’s real estate business.

With Paris as her home base she is living a designer’s dream, being surrounded by art, and one of the most picturesque, inspiration-filled cities in the world. As someone who loves to support local and will never lose touch with her home country, Charina ensures that her clothing is produced in the Philippines. On top of that, she strongly believes in supporting women, and thus employs an all-women staff of skilled seamstresses. Charina Sarte is a brand that is made for women, designed by a woman, and made by women.

These days, now that she has been unable to return due to the pandemic we find out what flavours of home she misses most:

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What do you miss most on the food/drink front when you are away from The Philippines or haven’t been back for a while? 

I miss Filipino breakfast the most. Tapa, longanisa and dried fish. In France it’s baguette, croissant or pain au chocolat for breakfast; a salty breakfast is unheard of. My family looks at me funny when I eat rice for breakfast.

What is the first dish you want to eat when you return, and where do you go for it? 

I really love going to Via Mare for their merienda. They have all the Pinoy comfort food I grew up with.

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Do you have a favourite restaurant in the Philippines? For fine dining and for more casual experiences?  

I love Manila House. They have delicious Filipino food, on-point table settings, and gorgeous interiors too. For casual dining, I love my old go-to lunch place, CIBO. I try to eat all my favourites from there when I visit! 

If you have visitors/guests with you, where do you go to give them a real taste of the Philippines?

No visit is complete without a trip to our incredible beaches. Whether it’s Palawan, Siargao or Bohol. These are the best parts of the Philippines. Each place is home to a lot of amazing places to eat as well. 

Read more: Where To Eat In Siargao: 18 Must Try Restaurants

Where do you like to meet up with old friends for food/drinks? 

Manila House, People’s Palace, and Las Flores are what comes to mind. 

Do you take any food or treats back home with you to the Philippines? 

Yes, Delimondo (Filipino canned goods, famous for corned beef) haha! As heavy as it is. I always make sure I take back some to France. 

Where do you go to find authentic flavours of home where you live ?

My nanny is an amazing cook so when I really miss Pinoy food I ask her to whip up some for us. My husband and son love Asian food too...thank god. 

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