Since he moved to the UK, Chef Budgie Montoya has been introducing Philippine cuisine to the British taste buds one dish at a time. Photo courtesy of Sarap London

06 March 2019 LONDON—Filipino chef Ferdinand “Budgie” Montoya of Sarap London has been shortlisted in the Brixton Village competition aimed at finding “the next big talent in food”. The competition is run by Hondo enterprises, owner of the Brixton Village and Market Row, one of the most vibrant culinary epicentres in the United Kingdom (UK).

There are two categories in the competition: one for London home cooks and another for more experienced chefs who are already running a small commercial venture such as a supper club or pop-up. Montoya will be competing under the Experienced Chefs category.

“New generation Filipino chefs such as Budgie are not only doing a great job in introducing Philippine cuisine to the UK and the world,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo. “Their efforts in going beyond the frontiers of our culinary heritage contribute greatly in enriching our culinary tradition. After all, at the heart of Filipino cuisine is the spirit of innovation and experimentation.”

As a shortlisted finalist, Montoya will be given a chance to pitch to a panel of judges including James Cochran of Islington’s 1251, Jackson Boxer of St. Leonards in Shoreditch, and Claire Ptak, who baked the wedding cake of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The competition’s grand prize winners will be given a six-month residency in Brixton Village this summer, supported by a team of mentors such as food critic Charles Nyereyegona and Chef Shakya Manage, founder of Sri Lankan Supper Club.

“For me this has been a journey of rediscovery to my cultural heritage,” said Budgie in a previous interview with the Embassy. “I never planned to make Sarap into something more than a side project and certainly not something I had intended to pursue as business. But the more I rediscovered the more I fell in love and the more my enthusiasm grew. My aim is simple really: I want Filipino cuisine to have its own identity in the culinary world.”

Montoya is well-known in the UK for his innovative takes on traditional Filipino cuisine. His specialties such as Lechon London and pork bbq skewers have gained a steady following regardless of the location of his residency. Currently, Montoya’s Sarap is cooking at Sun & 13 Cantons in Soho. He was also the first Filipino to participate in Meatopia, the UK’s biggest meat festival. END

Chef Budgie’s Lechon London has gained a steady following among foodies in London. Photo courtesy of Sarap London

Chef Budgie’s pork bbq skewers are a crowd favorite at Sun & 13 Cantons where Sarap London is currently on a residency. Photo courtesy of Sarap London