Meet Mama Z: From Saudi Arabia to Manchester's Filipino Food Scene

In the heart of Manchester's vibrant food scene, there's a story of cultural bridges, childhood memories, and the power of Filipino flavours. Meet Zosima, known affectionately as Mama Z, the force behind Yes Lah and a passionate ambassador for Filipino cuisine.

A Journey Across Continents

Born to a Filipino mother and British father, Zosima's culinary journey began in an unexpected place - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As the eldest of three sisters (yes, she's an ate!), her early years were filled with the aromas of her mother's cooking - from comforting sabaws and lugaw to the ever-present adobo. These dishes weren't just meals; they were threads connecting her to her Filipino heritage.

"I have memories of being really young in The Philippines," Mama Z recalls, "watching my titas prepare vegetables, cooking rice in metal pots over the fire, bringing everyone together over a meal." Her eyes light up as she remembers visiting her tita's tindahan after meals at home, where the tempting treats at the nearby carinderia would always lead to more snacking. "I was well fed and looked after, always."

From Lancashire to Manchester

At sixteen, life took another turn as Mama Z moved to the UK, finding home in the picturesque Ribble Valley town of Whalley, Lancashire. Manchester came calling during university years, and as she puts it, "I've never left since!"

The Flavours of Home

Growing up, her palate was shaped by the diverse flavours of Filipino snacks. "I absolutely love chicheria as I'm a savoury girl," she shares, reminiscing about chippy, Nova cheddar, and her absolute favourite - Jack and Jill Vegan chicharon. The classic ChocNut and sweet Moby crisps would occasionally satisfy her sweet tooth.

A Growing Connection to Heritage

"The older I've gotten, the connection to my roots and Filipino culture has definitely grown," Mama Z reflects. "I've met some amazing new Filipino friends over the years, have a full Filipino team at work and be a part of an incredible network of Filipino businesses and makers in the UK. I definitely feel so much closer to my heritage than I ever did before. I really understand more about how I feel about Filipino culture, especially as when I was younger, I had some conflicted feelings about it due to being of mixed heritage."

The Sauce Story

What started as special condiments at pop-up events has evolved into a beloved line of Filipino-inspired sauces. "When I started doing street food I always had my sauces as part of specials or dishes," she explains. "When the world stood still in 2020, I took the opportunity to bottle them. It started from being enjoyed only at my pop ups and events and now it brings me joy to know they are in people's cupboards and fridges across the country."

Her unique take on banana ketchup tells a story of innovation. "I found that the ketchup on the shelves was too sweet," she shares. Her version adds a spicier twist to this Filipino staple, often surprising customers who can't believe it's made from bananas. "People love the story when I tell them about how it became a thing in The Philippines."

Then there's Hot Zos, born from a Sinigang beef croquette special. "I love my Sinigang sour, spicy but also sweet," she explains, describing how she captured these complex flavours in a sauce that's "really fruity... the perfect balance of sour, sweet and spicy."

From Pop-ups to Permanent Home

Yes Lah's journey began in 2022, born from years of street food events and a dream of creating a community space. "I've always wanted to open somewhere," Mama Z shares. "For as long as I have started cooking and enjoying hosting and feeding others, I have always wanted my own little cafe! After a while of waiting and getting tired of doing street food events, I took the plunge to do it in 2022."

Today, her signature Sisig remains the most ordered item on the menu. "Every month I get the data and it's the most ordered item!" she says with pride. "I hate smelling of it, but I love cooking Sisig. Everytime I cook one, no matter how many, it just smells and looks so good every time. It is our staff favourite meal and honestly, my customers cannot get enough." I personally love the Duck Sisig and always have to have it whenever I visit!

The Heart of Yes Lah

At Yes Lah, every dish tells a story, but perhaps none more significant than their ube creations. "Ube is something that I have always loved since I was younger," Mama Z reminisces. "Even when I was in Saudi, at every birthday I would get an Ube cake. I would always bring Ube cake to school during my birthday and no one would know what it was but I absolutely love it!"

Her menu reflects both tradition and innovation. "I try to switch it up with the cakes and specials so there is a variety and people try different things! Especially our regulars," she explains. "Plus, it means I don't get bored too as I get to put different things on the menu and it keeps me fulfilled to be creative."

The vegan options have become particularly meaningful. "I get a lot of Filipinos who used to eat meat, but now don't, love that they can get their fix they remember but meat-free. I do vegan options pretty well!"

A Community Hub in West Didsbury

Yes Lah is more than just a café - it's a vibrant community space in the heart of West Didsbury that transforms from a cosy Filipino & ESEA-inspired café by day to an intimate venue for workshops and supper clubs by night. While Filipino restaurants in London seem to be popping up everywhere, Yes Lah holds a special place in Manchester as one of the few spaces dedicated to sharing Filipino cuisine and culture. "I love that people can come here to eat, drink, and shop," Mama Z shares with pride.

The carefully curated retail space features Mama Z's creations, Filipino snacks (including Araw ice creams, the only stockist outside London so far!), and select pieces from local makers, including Aking Sinta Jewellery's Filipino-inspired collections. Having Aking Sinta pieces available at Yes Lah creates a beautiful synergy - while customers enjoy their Sisig or Ube treats, they can also explore wearable pieces of Filipino culture. It's particularly meaningful to see our businesses, both proudly based in Manchester, supporting each other, as we share the same mission of celebrating our heritage and creating spaces where Filipino culture can be experienced in different ways. This thoughtful collaboration brings together food and fashion, offering visitors a multi-sensory celebration of Filipino culture - from the flavours they taste to the stories they can wear.

Looking Forward

In an industry facing challenges, Mama Z remains grounded in her passion. "Hospitality is really fragile at the moment and I know that these times are really tricky for a lot of us independents," she acknowledges. "I only hope that I can continue to do what we are doing and bring some Filipino joy to others in our space for as long as we can. I don't know what else I would really do but cook so I just hope that I can continue to be creative in an area I have the passion and knowledge in for as long as I can."

The Purple Heart of Filipino Culture

Beyond its vibrant colour and distinctive taste, ube holds a special place in Filipino culinary heritage. This purple yam has been a cornerstone of Filipino desserts for generations, appearing at celebrations, family gatherings, and marking life's precious moments. For Mama Z, it was the birthday cake that followed her from the Philippines to Saudi Arabia, a purple thread weaving through her childhood memories.

"Food is a powerful thing," Mama Z reflects. "It's really nice to reconnect with people who haven't had it in ages and enjoy a moment with it. Whether they knew someone Filipino who let them try it or it reminds them of home!"

A Growing Legacy

As explored in our recent Kultura blog post, ube's journey from traditional Filipino kitchens to global recognition opens important conversations about cultural representation and education. "Ube day is a response to the growing popularity of Ube globally but people often don't highlight where it's from or give thanks to the Philippines!" Mama Z explains. "I've seen brands just have purple items and calling it Ube because people see it as a trend and it's not - it's a longstanding Filipino tradition to use Ube and it's part of our culture."

The timing of this celebration, closing out Filipino Food Month in April, feels particularly meaningful. As Ube gains worldwide popularity, small businesses like Yes Lah play a crucial role in maintaining its authentic heritage while embracing creative evolution. "I think it's great for people to recognise Ube," Mama Z shares, "but I am also dubious about what people are getting at other places who claim to serve 'Ube', due to its gaining popularity. However, if it makes people more interested in Filipino cuisine then I am for it. Our culture and heritage deserves to be celebrated just as much as our neighbours in East and South East Asia."

Community Colours

The weekend's festivities promise to be a true celebration of Filipino culture. Visitors can expect an array of Ube desserts, including Mama Z's favourite creation - the Ube Leche Flan cake, which she describes as "the most decadent and delicious dessert ever!" A special collaboration with @dghntmcr brings exclusive Ube donuts to the celebration, continuing Yes Lah's tradition of supporting local female entrepreneurs.

"We are going to have our usual food offerings but just loads of Ube desserts on the weekend. Like it will be Ube'd to the max!" Mama Z enthuses. "We have Ube and Filipino food items you can buy, we are dressing purple, an OPM Ube classics playlist blasting to really complete the mood too!"

Through Yes Lah, Mama Z isn't just serving food; she's sharing stories, creating connections, and bringing a taste of Filipino culture to Manchester, one dish at a time. As she opens her doors for this purple-hued weekend celebration on the 26th and 27th of April 2025, she's continuing a legacy of cultural storytelling through food, celebrating the vibrant spirit of Filipino heritage. Join us at Yes Lah in West Didsbury to be part of this special celebration - come taste, explore, and experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality for yourself!