The Rise of Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food: Bringing Filipino Flavors to Dresden, Germany
In the heart of Dresden, Germany, the scent of grilled skewers and sizzling Filipino delicacies fills the air. The vibrant food scene of this historic city is now graced with something uniquely Filipino, thanks to Armi Alzula Dittrich and her venture, Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food. What began as a small, part-time project in 2018 has blossomed into a cultural journey to bring the tastes of the Philippines to Germany. Here’s the story of how Armi pursued her dream and built her street food business from scratch, all while juggling life as a mother and full-time worker.
Humble Beginnings
The idea for Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food was born out of longing—Armi’s deep yearning for the comfort food of her homeland. Moving to Dresden, she realized just how hard it was to find authentic Filipino food in the area. As she adjusted to her new life, she worked full-time as a barista, but a piece of her remained unfulfilled. She missed the bold, rich flavors of Filipino cuisine—dishes that were not just food but a celebration of her heritage. In 2018, she saw an opportunity to fill this gap in Dresden’s culinary scene and launched her street food venture.
It wasn’t an easy start. Armi only had time to focus on Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food on the weekends while balancing her barista job and family life. Yet, from the very first weekend in June 2018, the passion behind her project was undeniable. Armi and her team participated in yearly events, sharing Filipino flavors with curious locals and international visitors. Their vibrant stall became a colorful tribute to Filipino culture—drawing people in with dishes like barbecue skewers, lumpia (spring rolls), and pancit.
Challenges and Setbacks
The road wasn’t always smooth. After their debut at Hechtfest in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing all public events to a grinding halt. From 2020 to 2023, Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food couldn’t participate in any festivals. Like many small businesses, they had to pause their operations. But this downtime didn’t dampen Armi’s resolve—in fact, it fueled her desire to grow.
While raising young children, Armi still couldn’t take her street food venture full-time. But the dream of bringing Filipino flavors to Dresden never left her. Finally, in 2023, the timing felt right. Armi decided to shift her focus to Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food, making the leap to commit more regularly to the business. The team began participating in major local festivals again, including the Karl-May Fest, Sankt Pieschen, Elbhangfest, and Dresden’s renowned Street Food On Tour.
Turning Passion into a Full-Time Mission
Now, Armi is ready to take the next big step in her entrepreneurial journey. Starting in November 2024, she will be working full-time on Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food. Her goal? To take Filipino street food to even greater heights by participating in more events and, eventually, launching a food truck to bring these flavors directly to the people of Dresden.
Her first big challenge as a full-time food vendor is fast approaching—the Augustus Weihnachtsmarkt, one of Dresden’s largest Christmas markets. From November 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food will have a stall at the Christmas market, where locals and tourists alike can warm up with heartwarming Filipino dishes. This will mark a major milestone in her business, and it will pave the way for more regular appearances at weekly markets across Dresden next year.
Sharing Filipino Culture Through Food
For Armi, Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food is more than just a business. It’s a platform to introduce Filipino culture to a new audience. Every dish they serve is a reflection of her roots, her story, and her love for the Philippines. Whether it’s the smoky flavors of inasal (grilled chicken), the crispiness of lumpia, or the comforting bowls of adobo—these dishes are a celebration of her heritage.
Armi’s goal has always been to share the richness of Filipino food and culture with her adopted home. Dresden might not have been familiar with Filipino cuisine when she first arrived, but through her efforts, more and more people are discovering the unique, mouthwatering world of Pinoy street food.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hay Naku?
With 2024 marking a turning point for the business, the future is bright for Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food. The long-awaited food truck is on the horizon, with plans to launch it next year. This will allow Armi to reach more people across Dresden and beyond, continuing her mission to make Filipino food a staple in the city’s vibrant street food culture.
For now, you can catch Hay Naku at various festivals and events around Dresden. They’ll be serving up their iconic dishes at the Augustus Weihnachtsmarkt and planning an even bigger presence in 2025, potentially hitting up weekly markets.
If you’re in Dresden, be sure to follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their event schedule. And, of course, stop by their stall to experience the flavors of the Philippines, right in the heart of Germany.
Follow Hay Naku Pinoy Street Food on Facebook and Instagram for updates on their latest events and delicious offerings. You don’t want to miss out on this flavorful journey!
This is my personal favourite dessert of Hay Naku!! Simply the best!
