During his first visit to the Philippines, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay expressed deep admiration for Filipino cuisine, calling it the "Sleeping Beauty of Asia" and recognizing its untapped potential on the global culinary stage. The celebrated chef's visit included a fan meet-and-greet, where he showcased his fun side, even joining Filipino content creators for a lively dance.
Ramsay described Filipino cuisine as a "hidden gem" that is finally getting the recognition it deserves. He sees immense potential for Filipino food to become a major player in the global culinary scene. "We’re just beginning to see how incredible Filipino cuisine is," Ramsay said, emphasizing that it is on the brink of making a huge impact worldwide.
Ramsay also collaborated with local chefs, including a memorable moment where he and "Lumpia Queen" Abi Marquez put a Filipino twist on his famous Beef Wellington, showcasing the exciting possibilities of blending local flavors with classic techniques.
Fresh, Local Ingredients at the Heart of Filipino Cooking
A standout experience for Ramsay was exploring Filipino markets, where he was struck by the abundance of fresh, high-quality ingredients. From vibrant vegetables to fresh seafood, Ramsay praised the diversity and freshness of the produce, saying, “The freshness of the seafood, the vegetables—everything is so vibrant.” He even highlighted Lapu-Lapu, a local fish, which has become a bestseller at his Manila Bar & Grill.
Filipino Food’s Global Future
Ramsay also observed the increasing visibility of Filipino cuisine outside the Philippines, particularly in culinary hubs like New York, London, and Melbourne. "Filipino food is making waves around the world," he noted, pointing to the growing recognition of Filipino chefs in international food scenes.
According to Ramsay, this isn’t just a trend, but a shift that signals Filipino food’s lasting place in global cuisine. “I think Filipino food will become a mainstay in global cuisine,” Ramsay concluded.
