Filipino Chef Shortlisted in U.K. Food Tilt

Since he moved to the United Kingdom, Chef Budgie Montoya has been introducing Philippine cuisine to the British taste buds one dish at a time. (Sarap London photo)

LONDON 11 March 2019 — Filipino chef Ferdinand “Budgie” Montoya of Sarap London has been shortlisted in the Brixton Kitchen competition, aimed at finding “the next big talent in food.”

The competition is run by Hondo enterprises, owner of the Brixton Village and Market Row, one of the most vibrant culinary epicenters in the United Kingdom.

There are two categories in the competition: one for London home cooks, and another for more experienced chefs who are already running a small commercial venture such as a supper club or pop-up. Mr. Montoya will be competing under the Experienced Chefs category.

“New generation Filipino chefs such as Budgie are not only doing a great job in introducing Philippine cuisine to the UK and the world,” said Ambassador to the U.K. Antonio M. Lagdameo. “Their efforts in going beyond the frontiers of our culinary heritage contribute greatly in enriching our culinary tradition. After all, at the heart of Filipino cuisine is the spirit of innovation and experimentation.”

As a shortlisted finalist, Mr. Montoya will be given a chance to pitch to a panel of judges, which includes James Cochran of Islington’s 1251, Jackson Boxer of St. Leonards in Shoreditch, and Claire Ptak, who baked the wedding cake of Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.

The competition’s grand prize winners will be given a six-month residency in Brixton Village this summer, supported by a team of mentors such as food critic Charles Nyereyegona and Sri Lankan Supper Club founder Chef Shakya Manage.

“For me this has been a journey of rediscovery to my cultural heritage,” said Chef Montoya in a previous interview with the Embassy. “I never planned to make Sarap into something more than a side project and certainly not something I had intended to pursue as business. But the more I rediscovered the more I fell in love and the more my enthusiasm grew.  My aim is simple really: I want Filipino cuisine to have its own identity in the culinary world.”

The Filipino chef is well-known in the U.K. for his innovative takes on traditional Filipino cuisine. His specialties such as Lechon London and pork barbecue skewers have gained a steady following regardless of the location of his residency.  Currently, Montoya’s Sarap is cooking at Sun & 13 Cantons in Soho. He was also the first Filipino to participate in Meatopia, the UK’s biggest meat festival. END

For more information, visit www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK and @philippinesinuk on Twitter.

Chef Budgie Montoya’s Lechon London has gained a steady following among foodies in London. (Sarap London photo)

Chef Budgie Montoya’s pork barbecue skewers are a crowd favorite at Sun & 13 Cantons, where Sarap London is currently on a residency. (Sarap London photo)