Adobo as dessert? These two Pinoy chefs are 'reinventing while keeping the essence of Filipino cuisine'

Two Filipino chefs in Australia, Michael Pastrana and Morris Catanghal, are pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine through Adobros.

Two Filipino chefs in Australia, Michael Pastrana and Morris Catanghal, are pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine through Adobros. Credit: Adobros / SabrinaFrames

Two Filipino chefs in Australia, Michael Pastrana and Morris Catanghal, are pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine through Adobros, blending tradition with innovation in dishes.


Key Points
  • Adobros aims to showcase Filipino cuisine beyond traditional boundaries, incorporating fine dining techniques while staying true to its roots.
  • Chef Michael transitioned from accounting to leading a top Melbourne kitchen, while Chef Morris brought his culinary expertise from Italy after a career shift from music.
  • The chefs believe dining is more than just food; it’s a way to share stories, memories, and culture while using the best Australian produce to elevate Filipino flavours.
Adobo is one of the things that Chef Michael Pastrana and Chef Morris Catanghal have in common, forming the foundation of their brotherhood and giving birth to Adobros.
I think the Filipino cuisine promotion is just starting, so people are afraid to dive into something new. That’s why we are creating something new but still relatable.
Chef Michael Pastrana
They believe that dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together through flavours, stories, and creativity while showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.
We need to be proud of our cuisine and share it with non-Filipinos. Let’s promote it.
Chef Morris Catanghal

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