Belmont Hotel Manila Showcases Obscure Filipino Ingredients in Special Dinner Buffets

The Belmont Hotel Manila has partnered with the heritage food advocacy site Lokalpedia to highlight lesser-known Filipino ingredients in a series of special Pamana dinner buffets for Filipino Food Month. The collaboration began when the hotel discovered Lokalpedia founder John Sherwin Felix's extensive knowledge of native and endemic ingredients from across the Philippines.

Belmont Hotel's executive chef Andrew Ko worked with Felix to incorporate unique ingredients like gamet (marine alga), etag (preserved sun-dried pork), batwan (souring agent), and tultul (artisanal salt) into various dishes for the buffet. Rather than just focusing on traditional heritage recipes, the emphasis was on creatively showcasing these uncommon ingredients and their distinct flavors.

Why this matters: This collaboration between Belmont Hotel Manila and Lokalpedia aims to promote and preserve the diversity of Filipino culinary heritage. By featuring obscure regional ingredients in a mainstream setting, it raises awareness about the richness of Filipino food culture and supports local producers.

The special Pamana dinner buffet is available on Friday and Saturday nights throughout April and May 2024. Guests have the opportunity to sample dishes made with these rare Filipino ingredients while learning about their origins, characteristics, and culinary applications from the knowledgeable staff.

"We want our guests to not only enjoy the wonderful flavors, but also understand the stories and significance behind these indigenous ingredients that are such an integral part of Filipino food identity," said Chef Andrew Ko. The Belmont Hotel Manila and Lokalpedia hope this innovative buffet concept will encourage more people to explore and appreciate the full spectrum of Filipino cuisine, from the familiar to the obscure.

Key Takeaways

• Belmont Hotel Manila partners with Lokalpedia to feature rare Filipino ingredients.
• Special Pamana dinner buffet showcases unique ingredients like gamet, etag, batwan, and tultul.
• Collaboration aims to promote and preserve the diversity of Filipino culinary heritage.
• Buffet runs on Friday and Saturday nights in April and May 2024.
• Guests can learn about the origins, characteristics, and uses of these indigenous ingredients.