Gordon Ramsay calls Filipino Cuisine ‘Sleeping Beauty of Asia’

By Ricky Fernandez

“What’s key is to take the basic food from all generations and evolve it.” – Gordon Ramsay

In 2024 New Zealand has welcomed the opening of dozens of new Filipino restaurants and catering businesses.  And Filipino food festivals like the mega ‘Halo Halo Festival’ on 8th of March 2025 www.halohalo.nz at Auckland Showgrounds showcase the growth in popularity of the Filipino cuisine and the patriotism of Filipinos living in New Zealand. Gordon Ramsay describes Filipino cuisine as “the sleeping beauty of Asia” – poised for global recognition and ready to make a significant impact. “It can give Southeast Asia a big kick up the ass and really become one of the front-runners in Asia. There is no reason why it can’t,” Ramsay said, and was met with cheers from an enthusiastic Filipino crowd in Manila.

The multi-Michelin-starred chef and host Issa Litton took to the stage at Newport World Resorts Theatre on Monday, January 20. Ramsay engaged with fans during an exclusive event, where he also addressed a number of culinary students in attendance. Known for his fiery persona on television, Ramsay spoke warmly about his growing admiration for Filipino food. He praised the talents of Filipino chefs, particularly those in New York, where he said restaurants with “amazing Filipino chefs” are making waves. Recognizing Filipino Culinary Talent “London is awash with [Filipino chefs], and so is Melbourne. Recently, another number one restaurant across Australia is Filipino and it is to stay for a long time,” Ramsay shared, referring to Serai, a restaurant showcasing “Filipino dishes reimagined.” The establishment is led by chef Ross Magnaye, a Manila native. “Just seeing what he’s doing with the evolution of Filipino food is exceptional. And the dessert. You guys have a very sweet tooth,” Ramsay remarked. He added that Serai uses evaporated milk in desserts, a flavour he found nostalgic, as it reminded him of a pudding from his childhood. Meanwhile in New Zealand ‘Filipino News’ the organiser of the annual ‘Halo Halo Festival’ (www.halohalo.nz) will bestow Filipino Chef of the Year Award 2025 to New Zealand’s best ice cream brand – Gian’s Sorbetes. This high-flying company has been recognized with 3 medals at the recent NZ Ice Cream Awards 2024. A Deeper Appreciation of Filipino Ingredients “It is the culture and the complexity of Filipino cuisine” that Ramsay finds most captivating. He also noted how regionalized Filipino food is, calling it “so lovely.” In his exploration of local ingredients, Ramsay has embraced lapu-lapu for a unique take on fish and chips at his Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the Philippines. “I couldn’t do it without ingredients from Manila. We’re blessed with fantastic ingredients!” he said, raving about the freshness of local markets. Ramsay even visited Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City, on January 21, where he was seen searching for the day’s freshest catch. Embracing Filipino Food Innovation The chef highlighted the creativity of Filipino cuisine, mentioning dishes like ‘sisig tacos’ (“he took all the crispy pig parts and put it in a taco!”) and bone marrow luges caramelized with vodka, both from Serai. “That’s what Filipino cuisine should be. Absolutely banger,” Ramsay declared. He emphasized the importance of respecting tradition while innovating: “What’s key is to take the basic food from all generations and evolve it.” What’s Next for Ramsay in the Philippines? As a surprise announcement, Ramsay revealed plans to open three new restaurants in the Philippines this year, signaling his confidence in the potential of Filipino cuisine.