Welcome to Basic Food, Basic Life.
A place where good food and simple comforts come together.
I’m Kuys Oli, and this blog is dedicated to the simple, satisfying, and heart-warming dishes that bring comfort to everyday life. Here, you’ll find the kind of food that feels like home—meals that soothe, nourish, and remind us of the basics that make life good.
Whether it’s a bowl of something warm after a long day or a classic dish shared with loved ones, these comforting foods are my way of celebrating the essentials that keep us going. I’m excited to share my favorites with you and hopefully spark a little comfort in your own kitchen too.
Let’s enjoy the simple joys of comforting food together.
Comfort meals
Pork Sisig
a dish made from finely chopped pork—usually a mix of pork cheek, belly, and ears—seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. The pork is first boiled, grilled, and chopped, giving it a perfect mix of crispy and tender textures. It’s served on a hot cast-iron plate, often topped with a raw egg that cooks in the heat and a spoonful of creamy mayo. Every bite is savory, tangy, crunchy, and slightly spicy, making sisig is one of the most iconic rice-pair dishes for me.
Bicol Express
a rich and spicy stew made with tender pork simmered in creamy coconut milk, mixed with plenty of chili peppers, garlic, onions, and shrimp paste (bagoong). Originating from the Bicol region—known for its love of heat—it delivers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fiery flavors. Each bite is velvety from the gata yet bold with spice, making Bicol Express a comforting but exciting dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Kare-Kare
a rich and comforting stew known for its thick, creamy peanut sauce. Traditionally made with tender oxtail, beef, or pork, it’s slow-cooked to achieve melt-in-your-mouth softness. The dish is served with a colorful mix of vegetables—banana blossom, eggplant, pechay, and string beans—absorbing the nutty, savory flavor of the sauce. Kare-kare is always paired with a side of bagoong (shrimp paste), which adds a salty, umami punch that completes its signature taste. Warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful.