Emily Richards Brings Global Flavors to Kitchener Kitchens
In a special culinary segment that aired on January 30, 2026, renowned food expert Emily Richards partnered with CTV's Leighanne Evans to demonstrate how Kitchener residents can embark on international culinary journeys without ever leaving their homes. The featured recipes—authentic beef shawarma and traditional Filipino beef kare kare—showcased Richards' expertise in making global cuisine accessible to Canadian home cooks.
Beef Shawarma: Middle Eastern Street Food Made Simple
Richards began with beef shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern street food that has gained significant popularity across Canada. She emphasized that while the dish might seem complex, her simplified approach makes it achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.
The key elements of Richards' shawarma recipe include:
- Thinly sliced beef marinated in a blend of traditional spices including cumin, coriander, and paprika
- A homemade garlic sauce that adds authentic flavor
- Fresh vegetable accompaniments like tomatoes, onions, and parsley
- Warm pita bread for serving
Richards explained that proper marinating time—at least four hours, though overnight is ideal—is crucial for developing the deep, complex flavors characteristic of authentic shawarma.
Beef Kare Kare: A Filipino Comfort Food Classic
The second featured dish, beef kare kare, represents a beloved Filipino comfort food. Richards highlighted how this peanut-based stew offers a unique flavor profile that might be new to many Kitchener residents but is well worth exploring.
"Kare kare showcases the beautiful complexity of Filipino cuisine," Richards noted during the demonstration. "The combination of tender beef, rich peanut sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a truly special dining experience."
Essential components of her kare kare recipe:
- Beef oxtail and tripe simmered until fork-tender
- A savory peanut sauce thickened with ground rice
- Traditional vegetables including eggplant, string beans, and banana blossoms
- Bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) served on the side for authentic flavor enhancement
Culinary Travel Without Leaving Home
Throughout the segment, Richards emphasized the concept of culinary travel—using cooking as a means to explore different cultures and traditions. She explained that with global ingredients becoming increasingly available in Kitchener-area grocery stores and specialty markets, recreating authentic international dishes has never been more accessible.
"Food is one of the most direct ways to connect with other cultures," Richards told Evans. "When you prepare these dishes at home, you're not just making dinner—you're experiencing a piece of another country's culinary heritage."
The segment concluded with practical tips for Kitchener residents interested in expanding their culinary horizons, including suggestions for local sources of international ingredients and advice on adapting recipes to Canadian kitchens while maintaining authentic flavors.
This culinary demonstration represents a growing trend in Canadian home cooking, where adventurous home cooks are increasingly seeking authentic global recipes that allow them to explore world cuisines from their own kitchens. Richards' approachable teaching style and carefully tested recipes make these culinary adventures accessible to cooks throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo region and beyond.
