Andrew Ocasion
Partner and Operator, Con Mi Taco
Favourite Dish: Pork Adobo and Rice
“This was a staple in my household. When I was young my parents used to make it for me and my friends who weren’t Filipino, and it was always their favourite dish. Coming from a city with few Filipinos, this always made me proud of my culture!”
Yevgene Antalan
Chef, Rooftop
Favourite Dish: Sisig
“I was born in Tarlac, which is near the city of Pampanga, where sisig originated. This is my favourite pulutan (bar snack). When my friends tried my sisig they told me that my version is the most authentic they’ve ever tried. My wife and I also run a small food business and we [created a] unique version of our sisig by turning it into a taco.”
John Pida
Day Sous Chef, Joey Crowfoot
Favourite Dish: Longganisa
“A sausage that’s salty, sweet and sometimes spicy. Delicious and incredibly addicting!”
Emmanuel Pascual
Jr. Sous Chef, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation
Favourite Dishes: Sisig, Pinangat na Galunggong sa Kamias, and Tortang Talong
“All are near and dear to me, so I couldn’t just pick one. These dishes were taught to me by my parents. It was fascinating to see my culinary heroes build those simple flavours into something really tasty!”
Nicole Salcedo
Executive Sous Chef, Lonely Mouth Bar
Favourite Dish: Halo Halo
“When I was a kid we would set up a [halo halo] stall outside my house — that was our version of a lemonade stand. It’s great, especially in the Philippines’ hot weather that can go up to like 40 or 50 degrees.”
Jay Del Corro
Head Chef, Nan’s Noodle House
Favourite Dish: Adobong Manok
“It’s the most distinctly Filipino dish that can be made with very simple ingredients. It’s the first dish I learned to make and the first dish I taught to my kids!”