The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang promises to transport patrons to the culinary capital of the Philippines with its Pampanga Food Festival, offering vibrant flavors in every bite.
From May 16 to 31, 2024, Café Ilang-Ilang will showcase a selection of Kapampangan delicacies.
EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s assistant director of food and beverage, explained that this initiative aims to enlighten guests about diverse culinary traditions. “Being the culinary capital of the Philippines, these Kapampangan dishes rightly take center stage at Café Ilang-Ilang,” said Yap.
Spearheaded by executive chef Konrad Walter, the culinary team will present both traditional and exotic dishes from Pampanga.
In an exclusive interview with Malaya Business Insight, Walter shared that Pampanga is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, making it fitting to feature the best of Kapampangan cuisine.
For appetizers and salads, Walter and his team have prepared Pako (fiddlehead fern) Salad with Salted Eggs, Grilled Vegetable Salad with Bagoong, and Green Mango Salad. Hot dishes include Sisig, Batuteng Tugak (stuffed frogs), Calderetang Bibe, Lengua, Bringhe Kapampangan, Suam Mais, Adobo Balut, and Ginisang Balatong. Desserts on offer include Tibok-Tibok, Kalame Duman, Turrones de Kasoy, Barquiron, Barquillos, Polvoron, and Halaya Ube.
These dishes are part of the rotating selection at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet.
In addition to these offerings, diners can still enjoy Café Ilang-Ilang’s popular favorites, which include a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian.
Walter and his team, which includes a native Kapampangan cook, have incorporated their own twists and techniques into the dishes.
“Blessed with fertile land and rivers, Pampanga has always had easy access to amazing produce,” Walter said. He added that Kapampangan cuisine is a creole cuisine with Spanish, Chinese, Mexican, and Malay influences – which is why it is dubbed the culinary capital of the Philippines.
“Kapampangan cuisine also does not scrimp on ingredients, which helps bring out their distinct taste,” he pointed out.
Experiencing local culture is a significant part of traveling, and traditional food is a crucial aspect of that cultural experience. “The selection of Kapampangan dishes we serve for the Pampanga Food Festival is meant to be enjoyed by everyone and will certainly please even those with the most discriminating palate, both local and foreign guests,” Walter added.
There will surely be something that guests will like among the many dishes offered at this food festival.
In the coming months, Walter and his team plan to feature the distinct cuisine of Bicol, which evokes images of coconut-based, creamy, and spicy dishes.
“But the region is much more than its rich and spicy food. It has a wealth of gastronomic delights that you shouldn’t pass up,” he mentioned, noting that they are excited to bring these to Café Ilang-Ilang for their loyal customers.
