Gordon Ramsay to open three more restaurants in the Philippines
World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay let us in on a secret during his Philippine visit: He’s looking to open three more restaurants in the country.
The culinary expert bared his plan as he spent some time with Filipino industry makers in Manila on Monday, Jan. 20. “I can confirm from 6:30 tomorrow morning, we are looking at potential three new restaurant sites here in Manila. We will be extending the group and looking at some really fun sites and stuff to come," he said.
"Maybe a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant as well. So, so exciting,” he teased, garnering applause from the crowd.
Filipino cuisine as the 'sleeping beauty of Asia'
Ramsay also shared his thoughts on Filipino cuisine, sharing that the best dish he's tried recently is sisig.
He talked about trying some sisig tacos made by a young Pinoy chef of a Filipino restaurant in Melbourne. "Just seeing what he's doing with that evolution of Filipino food was exceptional," he said.
For the chef, Filipino cuisine is the "sleeping beauty of Asia."
"It's now prominent. It's become famous across Asia, there's no reason why it can't," he said. "And to be a part of that, and to share it with the team, honestly, it's a dream. It really is a dream."
"Filipino cuisine, it’s here to stay for a long time, let me tell you," he added.
Ramsay's advice for aspiring chefs
Ramsay gave some advice to aspiring chefs in the audience, highlighting the importance of “getting comfortable being uncomfortable.”
"Don’t get too comfortable. You have to be the most energetic sponge," he said.
He also noted that understanding cultures is crucial. "Travel is of the essence. Traveling into different cultures and understanding. You never get up to speed with the language but you can speak through the food."
"Never take any job for any salary, or any increase in salary because it’s not the money you need—it’s the knowledge. So you just have to keep getting up and down. When you go down and go to the next kitchen, you just learn so much more," he continued.
The event was held at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Monday, Jan. 20, gathering over a thousand industry makers in the country—from F&B leaders, chefs, and food influencers to foodies, culinary students, and fans. It also featured a 10-minute cooking challenge a la "MasterChef" with celebrity chef Judy Ann Santos, food influencer Ninong Ry, culinary student Danica Lucero, and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH head chef Bea Therese Qua, who gave their own takes on the beloved Pinoy dessert, halo-halo.
Check out PhilSTAR L!fe's recap of the event below.
@philstarlife Somebody find the lamb sauce! #GordonRamsay spent time with Filipinos and even hosted a mini cook-off during his stay in Manila. #entertainmentnewsph #JudyAnnSantos #NinongRy #PhilStarLife ♬ original sound - philstarlife
Newport World Resorts Chairman Kevin Tan announced the arrival of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in the Philippines in November 2023. It officially opened to the public on Aug. 31. You can have a glimpse of the restaurant and some of its food items here.
Ramsay is a multi-Michelin-starred chef who has opened various restaurants in different parts of the world. He’s best known for cooking shows such as Kitchen Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen, Hotel Hell, and MasterChef.
