Adrian Tongko

Connect What is your signature dish?

At this moment I don't really have a signature dish. When I cook for family and friends. I always often ask if they have been craving anything specific, or missing a certain dish that a family member use to cook for them. And I try to recreate it to the best of my abilities. But if it came down to it. A cheeseburger would be my signature dish. As simple as they can be, burgers can also be quite technical. From making your own buns, patties, and sauces. And using higher quality ingredients.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

I would say my Ate Mayla is my biggest culinary inspiration. She was my nanny growing up in the Philippines. My most fond memories of my childhood was going to the markets with her, and helping her do the shopping. But it was when we finally got home and started preparing meals that sparked my interest in cooking. How she was able to turn all these simple ingredients to make the tastiest meals, that would make you keep eating till you couldn't anymore.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have always wanted to open a restaurant, and that $25,000 would definitely help get me there. My vision is to open an Asian inspired izakaya/tapas bar. The menu would not just be Asian dishes, but dishes that have stuck with me throughout my travels, working in different styled restaurants, and some I have adapted from different recipes. Recipes coming from all over the world.