Fil-Canadian chef Jordan Andino aims to earn Filipino food’s 1st Michelin star

Filipino-Canadian chef Jordan Andino is set on earning Philippine cuisine’s first Michelin star.

In a CBC News report, Jordan said Filipino food was worthy of such an honor, using one of Pinoys’ favorites as an example.

“We are so much more than just a simplistic fried pig-eating country,” he said.

“Using the little intestines where all the nastiness goes, we’re eating that. As long as it’s cleaned properly and done well, it’s delicious.”

Among the criteria to get a Michelin star is the quality of ingredients used, mastery of flavor and technique, and personality of the chef who represents the dish. For Jordan, Filipino food has all of that.

“I believe that is actually our biggest asset. We can serve things that none of you all have ever had,” he said.

“We wanna take those what some call are taboo ingredients and put them and present them in ways that are both traditional in flavor but worthy of these accolades that we all want.”

Jordan said one of the things that inspired him was seeing a hawker restaurant in Singapore earning a Michelin star.

“The second I read that article, I went, Filipino food [needs] a Michelin star and I’m like, I’m gonna do it and I’m gonna be the only one that does it or at least, the first one.”

Currently an owner and chef of a Filipino taqueria in New York called Flip Sigi, Jordan admits that while his menu does not yet meet the Michelin star standard, it’s all part of his plan.

“The purpose of this is to just be the introduction to Filipino cuisine to anyone who’s never had it.”

Jordan said he was 75% ready with the Michelin menu and was developing one exciting dish.

“I have a lot of ammunition to give to the culinary world. The second I find a way to make dinuguan in a refined way, it will change the culinary landscape,” he said.

Jordan is confident that among all the chefs out there, he will be the one to bring Filipinos their first Michelin star.

“I can do more than just cook it for you. I can explain it to you, I can break it down for people who do not understand cuisine or food. I can articulate it and that’s what we need.”

Apart from his restaurants, he is using his influence to let Filipino food be known through various shows, including Selena Gomez’s “Selena + Chef.”

Flip Sigi, which also has a branch in Jersey City, serves sinigang, longganisa, and chicken adobo, among other Pinoy favorites. True to what Jordan wants to achieve, many people have come to love these dishes.

“We need more people to try longganisa. That’s what we need,” one customer said.

His Instagram account, which has over 100,000 followers, is filled with Pinoy goodies such as pancit bihon, beef kaldereta, and even other cuisines from all over the world. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News