Mandaue: Ang Batchoyan sa Barangay Paknaan

When you’re fending off the feels (you know the ones), the only thing that’s really proven to help is lots and lots of comfort food. (Okay fine, a pile of blankets does wonders, too.) We’re talking rich, aromatic chicken tikka masala over rice, fall-apart-y cabbage as inviting as a cashmere sweater, soups so soothing it warms your soul as much as your belly—and oh, tons of carbs. This is not the time to pretend like you want to eat a bright, zingy salad. You don’t. The heart knows what it wants, so do yourself a favor, and get cooking.

Food is a crucial topic to master in conversation. You’ll not only have meaningful talks with native English speakers if you have a good food vocabulary, but you’ll also be able to learn about their culture via food.