I got to learn more about Filipino cuisine when I was partnered with copywriter Tom Trinidad during my last few years at BBDO Singapore. He had moved over from Manila for the position and found the cutest little old one-storey house in Siglap to rent. To de-stress, he would garden and cook. I benefitted from the latter because he would invite friends over for meals regularly. Let me tell you, that man could make some very tasty food. Thanks to Tom, I got to know a lot about the different kinds of Sinigang and Adobo, and fell in love with the acidity and delicious flavours of those classic Pinoy dishes.

I checked out “Filipino Fiesta” for the first time last week and was very pleased with the meal we had. Pictured above is the Milkfish Belly Sinigang ($15), a very appetising dish with large pieces of soft boneless fish in an addictive sour soup that also contained lots of mixed vegetables. I couldn’t help but drain the bowl completely dry - it was THAT TASTY.

Because bittergourd is one of my fave vegetables, I had to try the one here as well and it did not disappoint. The Ampalaya (that’s the Filipino name for it) came sliced up and fried with egg ($7). A simple but good choice.