Ish Meets World

The world’s cheapest meal to be awarded a Michelin Star (Singapore Chinatown branch) reached Philippine shores in 2018. Filipinos quickly formed a love affair with HAWKER CHAN and I was lucky enough to sit down with founder Chef Chan Hon Meng at the opening of their latest branch in SM City Fairview. Hawker Chan offers the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal Local partners from Foodee Global Concepts were also at the venue to officially open the branch and to welcome new customers. This is now their 6th branch after only a year in the highly competitive Philippine dining market. Hawker Chan GM Ms. Cherry Lo was gracious enough to translate for me and Chef Chan, as we had a small chat about the restaurant. Chef Chan Hon Meng, Ms. Cherry Lo and the author ISH: Welcome back to the Philippines Chef! We’re very happy that you’re here with us for the opening of the latest branch of Hawker Chan Philippines CC: Yes, thank you, I always want to be present whenever we open a new Hawker Chan

Metro Manila has turned into a veritable foodie capital. Famous food concepts from around the world have set up shop in the city.  Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs are also busy busting out one new innovative joint after another. Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to get a chance to stick my head out of the whirlwind of new restaurants to delve back into a classic­─ RED JADE at The Manila Hotel. The restaurant itself is fairly new, having opened its doors only in 2017. However, The Manila Hotel is as old school as it gets. Not in a bad way, but more in a nostalgic and meaningful way. I initially thought I would be having a tried and tested but boring meal. However, I was shocked to find out that the ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DIMSUM promo at RED JADE was anything but ordinary! Ashamed (diet next time) and also slightly proud that our table looked like this. What a feast! The meal will set you back Php988.00 per head and it includes a choice of one main dish and however many orders of dimsum you