On 7 May 2025, Barkada โ Hong Kongโs celebrated home of modern Filipino cuisine โ will host an extraordinary evening that marries film and gastronomy. As the cityโs sole representative in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary Authentic or Not: The Filipino Food Revolution, the restaurant invites guests to an exclusive seven-course dinner โย accompanied by an advance screening of this exploration of Filipino culinary heritage.
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Where Food Meets Film
This one-of-a-kind event goes beyond a typical dining experience, inviting guests to explore the essence of Filipino cuisine. Each course connects to the documentary about how Filipino food has evolved. Guests will enjoy Barkadaโs signature dishes while watching owner Jen Balisi tell her story, along with other chefs from Manila to New York who are changing how the world sees Filipino food.
The menu kicks off with Wagyu Beef Lumpia topped with Nomad caviar, offering a luxurious twist on the classic Filipino spring roll. Adobo Popcorn Chicken, served in miniature buckets, gives a nod to beloved street food traditions. For heartier courses, guests will savour the soul-warming Beef Sinigang, featuring a tangy tamarind-infused broth, and the Roast Lechon Pork Belly, complete with crisp, lemongrass-infused skin.
Modern interpretations shine through in creations like Spicy Funky Crab Sushi, where traditional bagoong shrimp paste meets Japanese nori, and the Sisig Empanada, which fuses two Filipino staples into a single bite. The meal culminates with Ube Biko Bumbong, a purple dessert that combines sticky rice, coconut, and condensed milk for a sweetly satisfying finish.
Adapting Traditions In A New Home
This event holds particular importance in Hong Kong โ where the Filipino community continues to thrive with energy and cultural richness, yet remains underrepresented in mainstream dining conversations. The documentary โ and this exclusive dinner โ shines a light on how immigrant restauranteurs like Balisi celebrate their heritage while embracing the challenges and opportunities of adapting to new environments.
Donโt Just Watch The Story โ Taste It
The next screening and dinner begins at 7:45pm on 7 May. Priced at HKD$448 per person (plus 10% service charge), this limited-capacity event welcomes you to dive into the story of Filipino cuisineโs growing influence on the world stage, ahead of its streaming debut.
For those curious to witness the evolution of Filipino food from its cultural roots to contemporary interpretations โ both vividly portrayed on screen and expertly plated โ this evening promises an extraordinary blend of sensory delight and compelling storytelling.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether sheโs belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
