Philippine Ambassador: Cuisine is not just food but also a story

That was the opening speech of the Philippine Food Festival by Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre, at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.

Chef Geramarie Dianzon demonstrates how to cook sisig - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

On June 8, the Philippine Food Festival officially took place in Hanoi, bringing the country's typical cuisine to the people and tourists of the capital.

Today's event comes on the heels of the Philippines-Vietnam strategic partnership's 10th anniversary this year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre, shared that for Filipinos, eating together is not only a daily habit, but also a fundamental aspect of the people's culture.

"If you try Filipino food for the first time, you will see a blend of flavors, a harmonious balance between indigenous traditions, with Asian or Western elements.

Some of our dishes are sour and sweet. This is due to our traditional preservation techniques of using coconut vinegar or sugarcane vinegar to preserve food for longer in the warm climate," the ambassador shared.

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam shares at the opening ceremony of the Philippine Food Festival - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

Filipino cuisine often uses sour foods such as mango, calamansi (lemon), guava, tomato, kamias, batuan, star fruit... besides the sweetness from cane sugar.

Also at the opening ceremony, Filipino chef Geramarie Dianzon demonstrated how to prepare the signature Filipino dish sisig made from pork belly and ears.

According to the Philippine ambassador, this dish won the favor of chef Anthony Bourdain, and became popular in London after Tom Parker Bowles - a famous culinary writer praised this dish.

"Enjoying food is not just about the food but also the story that comes with it," the ambassador shared.

In addition, many delicious dishes with typical Filipino characteristics are also introduced to diners such as: suam na mai (sweet corn cooked with ginger broth), humba (pork leg stewed with sweet soy sauce and dried banana flowers), beef kaldereta (beef stewed in tomato sauce with vegetables and olives) and many other street foods.

The Philippine Food Festival takes place from now until June 12.

Many delicious dishes from traditional cuisine to Philippine street food were introduced at the festival - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

Guests enjoy sisig - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

NGUYEN HIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dai-su-philippines-am-thuc-khong-chi-la-do-an-ma-con-la-cau-chuyen-20250608210358977.htm