Written By: Dario Lleva
Filipino Chef
Dario Lleva is a Filipino chef in Prague, passionate about introducing the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine to the Czech Republic. Through food festivals and events, he’s working to share his love for traditional Filipino dishes and make them a beloved part of the local food scene.
Prague – Adobo, Sinigang, Lumpia—these are just a few of the well-known Filipino dishes. However, Filipino gastronomy has much more to offer than these beloved staples.
The Philippines’ history of colonization by various countries has made its cuisine incredibly diverse. As a result, Filipino food features a unique blend of flavors that are both intriguing and exciting. While some dishes share similarities with Chinese and Spanish cuisines, they all carry the distinct Filipino touch that sets them apart.
With more than 7,000 islands, each region of the Philippines has developed its own methods of food preparation and presentation. This diversity adds even more richness to the country’s culinary offerings.
Here in the Czech Republic, Filipino cuisine is still relatively unknown. Three years ago, there was a Filipino restaurant in Prague, where I had the privilege of working as a chef. During my time there, I witnessed firsthand how dishes like Lumpia, Kare Kare, Sisig, Siomai, Siopao, and Bicol Express were embraced and loved not only by locals but also by the expatriate community.
This experience made me realize that Filipino cuisine has the potential to become the next big thing in the Czech Republic. As a Filipino cook, my goal is to make that a reality.
This summer, I will be participating in several food festivals across Prague to reintroduce Filipino cuisine to a wider audience. With the support of the Filipino community, I am confident that we can slowly make Filipino food the next sought-after cuisine in the Czech Republic.
