'Don't cheapen the branding of Filipino food': Every plate ACT chef Adi Davo creates decolonises the palate

Chef Adi Davo is all about "decolonising [the] palate" by amplifying Filipino flavours in plates that have "big egos" and, by approaching Filipino food like any other type of cuisine - with appreciation, celebration and respect.

Brown, queer and female: Ilongga chef Adi Davo has made a name for herself in the ACT culinary scene with dishes that reflect her identity and love for punchy Filipino flavours. Credit: Adi Davo

Key Points

• Adi Davo grew up in Iloilo and says that she was "classically trained by [her] grandmother", Gloria de Jesus, who owned an eatery in Jaro.
• Just when she became head chef of Luna and won Chef of the Year at the Australian Hotel Association (AHA) ACT hospitality and accommodation awards in 2023, her grandmother passed away.
• Davo admits that she is currently rediscovering her identity in the kitchen, and feels that her path is being led to where she started - Filipino food.

LISTEN TO

'Don't cheapen the branding of Filipino food': Every plate ACT chef Adi Davo creates decolonises the palate

SBS Filipino

13:10Filipino

You cannot cheapen the branding of Filipino food just because of its location in the world and just because of the colour of our skin.

Adi Davo, Award-winning ACT chef

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