Chef Gordon Ramsay visited Manila for the first time following the incredible success of the first Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the city. His presence was both inspiring and insightful, radiating warmth even during the intensity of the culinary challenge. Though he shows signs of age, he remains charming and impressively fit, a testament to his triathlete discipline.
Thank you, Chef Gordon Ramsay, for sharing your wisdom with us Filipinos!
On Filipino Food
Chef Gordon Ramsay has often described Filipino food as the “sleeping beauty” of Asian cuisine. Now, with its growing prominence, he believes it has the potential to give Southeast Asian staples like Thai cuisine “a big kick in its @ss.” During his visit, he raved about the Beef Wellington Lumpia (Spring Roll) by Abi Marquez and the Sisig Tacos and desserts by Chef Ross Magnaye of Serai Melbourne.
Chef Ramsay admires the rich heritage of Asian cuisine, respects its traditions, and embraces the challenge of evolving it to push culinary boundaries. He shares the dream of being part of the Modern Filipino movement in Manila, exemplified by their creation of Gordon Ramsay’s signature Fish & Chips featuring the local Lapu-Lapu.
Valuable Advice for Young Chefs
His advice to young chefs is to be comfortable being uncomfortable, especially in your 20s. It’s not about how much money you earn during this time but the amount of learning you gain from working with the right mentors. Start your journey as a commis chef, work your way up the ranks, then move on to another mentor or restaurant, starting from the bottom again. Repeat this process 4-5 times in your 20s. This is how you develop your own culinary DNA, define your identity, and make your food truly unique.
On Social Media and Trends
Embrace social media as a vital tool for showcasing their culinary DNA, promoting future cookbooks, and safeguarding their intellectual property. Using social media helps chefs develop and express their identity, build confidence, and engage in self-evaluation. It’s also a powerful way to stay ahead of trends and distinguish between fleeting fads and long-term movements that matter most.
Social media allows food enthusiasts to better appreciate the artistry behind a dish—highlighting the 12 minutes it takes to prepare versus the mere 3 minutes it takes to enjoy. In the post-COVID era, media has become an essential part of the food industry, empowering young chefs to build their personal brands, position themselves as entrepreneurs, and secure partnerships for their own projects.
On Winning the Culinary Challenge
It was truly remarkable how Danica Lucero, a student from the Center for Culinary Arts, won the Halo-Halo Challenge with Chef Gordon Ramsay by incorporating her secret ingredient: kamias compote. Among the other competitors, Ninong Ry used coco jam to sweeten the milk, Celebrity Chef Judy Ann Santos added black sesame polvoron for contrast, and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH Head Chef Bea Therese Qua used Asin Tibuok from Bohol to balance the sweetness of her salted caramel creation.
Chef Gordon praised Danica’s kamias compote, noting that its sour edge gave her halo-halo a distinct personality while perfectly balancing the flavors.
Hell’s Kitchen in BGC?!
Yes, Chef Gordon Ramsay confirmed that they are exploring three additional locations for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in the Philippines, including the much-rumored opening of the first Hell’s Kitchen in Asia, potentially in BGC, Manila!
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Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. We were invited as media guests to Gordon Ramsay in Manila event.
P.S. I truly admire Gordon Ramsay Philippines commitment to donating Php 10,000,000 to support food sustainability initiatives and strengthen food systems within our communities and across the country.
About Gordon Ramsay in Manila
A Culinary First: Gordon Ramsay makes iconic Philippine debut at Newport World Resorts
Gordon Ramsay, the world-renowned, multi-Michelin-starred chef and TV personality,
arrived in Manila and headed straight to his first restaurant in the country, located at
Newport World Resorts. Ramsay spent time with his dedicated staff and experienced the
overwhelming support of Filipino diners. The visit highlighted Ramsay’s dedication to
ensuring the success of his team and the warm connection they have built with the local
community.
“The reception to the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill here has been extraordinary,” said
Ramsay. “The Filipino passion for food is incredible. The Philippines has such a rich culinary
heritage, and I’m excited to be part of this vibrant food scene.”
Newport World Resorts also hosted an exclusive event at the Newport Performing Arts
Theater, headlined by the culinary icon himself. The gathering brought together over a
thousand industry tastemakers, including F&B leaders, celebrity chefs, food influencers,
culinary students, and devoted fans. On stage, Ramsay shared insights into his global
empire, reflected on the success of his first Philippine restaurant, and offered a rare
glimpse into his journey, creativity, and future aspirations.
The event also featured a cooking challenge where celebrity chef Judy Ann Santos, food
influencer Ninong Ry, culinary student Danica Lucero, and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH
Head Chef Bea Therese Qua presented their unique takes on the Philippines’ iconic
dessert, Halo-Halo, to the legendary chef. Bearing resemblance to Ramsay’s signature
Knickerbocker Glory, the dishes showcased the fusion of local ingredients and
international flavors, highlighting the innovation and skills of Filipino chefs.
“This event showcases the vibrant culinary culture of the Philippines, shining a spotlight on
the remarkable talent and artistry of our chefs and home cooks,” said Newport World
Resorts Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan. “We are steadfast in our commitment to
nurturing and championing Filipino talent. By bringing exceptional experiences like Chef
Gordon Ramsay’s to the Philippines, we aim to inspire pride in our culinary heritage and
encourage the development of future culinary innovators.”
Gordon Ramsay’s visit underscores Newport World Resorts’ dedication to bringing world-
class dining experiences to guests. As the local dining scene continues to thrive, the
success of his first restaurant in the country marks an exciting milestone for both
Ramsay’s global brand and Filipino culinary excellence.
Excellent post! Chef Gordon Ramsay’s insights on Filipino food and advice for young chefs are invaluable. A great read for aspiring culinary professionals—thanks for sharing!