They say the beauty of Filipino food lies in its power to carry generations’ worth of stories and experiences. But for this trailblazing Filipina from Down Under, our dishes also hold entire cultures waiting to be explored across every region.
Photo: Queenie Manuel
Queenie Manuel has spent years in the local and international culinary business with the Philippines’ finest delicacies as her compass. She may be busy building her food and hospitality career in Melbourne, Australia, but her heart will always find a home in Pampanga, where she first honed her craft and passion for food. Beyond her arsenal of accolades, big and small, Queenie’s Pampangueña roots will never waver—and she isn’t afraid to get that point across, one mouthwatering plate at a time.
Queenie’s penchant for proudly Pinoy cuisine—regional specialties, in particular—is no mere coincidence. Years of discipline and creativity have gone into her journey as a cook, earning her a variety of accomplishments in competitions that’ve helped her find her footing abroad.
After making her kababayans proud as both a team leader and captain of her own kitchen, Queenie now has her heart set on championing Filipinos’ favorite regional meals. Her innovative cooking initiatives, which stay true to her heritage, bring together communities of diverse backgrounds and put our food on the map of global cuisine.
To Pampanga, Melbourne, and Beyond
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No matter where Queenie’s culinary life takes her, she’ll always incorporate home into her lifelong passions. Even with tons of valuable insights from living overseas, she still attributes much of her cooking prowess to the Filipino neighborhood that raised her.
“Growing up in Pampanga, food was always at the center of family gatherings and celebrations. I was surrounded by people who expressed love and care through cooking, and that naturally sparked my interest in food,” Queenie shared. Pampanga’s rich culinary heritage has inspired her to delve into the vast history of Filipino cuisine, which she weaves into the meals she creates for communities from all walks of life.
No Stranger to the Kitchen’s Pressure
Sure enough, Queenie brought her Pampangueña spirit to numerous cooking competitions in Australia, where she excelled both individually and as a team leader. Pressure in the kitchen may escalate in the blink of an eye, but Queenie’s determination and creative vision have helped her stay on top of her game and keep her feet on the ground.
This year, Queenie brought pride to the Philippines as one of 32 finalists in the Proud to be a Chef program, which trains apprentices from Australia and New Zealand into remarkable leaders in food service. While completing her culinary studies, she also earned silver medals for herself and her fellow cooks at last year’s Australia – Technical and Further Education (AUS-TAFE) State Culinary Competition.
Sharing the kitchen with some of Australia’s most promising young cooks was no easy feat. But Queenie was never one to back down from a challenge, especially if it meant growing as a valuable storyteller and team player.
“Competing has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. I enjoyed seeing Filipino-inspired ideas and flavors receive recognition from respected industry professionals, such as Chef Mark Normoyle, Chef Sarah Todd, my Head Chef, Chef Jabili, and my Sous Chef, Chef Chachi. Some of them even appeared on MasterChef and Dessert Masters in Australia!” Queenie recalled.
Despite the intense stakes of leading a group, cooking double-time, and staying consistent, Queenie approached her competitions level-headedly with her mentors’ wise words in tow. She added, “Collaborating with chefs of such a high calibre has challenged me to refine my skills and continuously strive for excellence. Their mentorship has shaped me as a cook and inspired me to champion Filipino flavors and stories diligently.”
The competitive side to culinary ventures will always be riddled with chaos, plot twists, and trials by fire, but Queenie wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, her winning moments as a cook already hinted at even more boundless opportunities and blessings that awaited her.
Creative Collaborations That Bridge Communities
Who would’ve thought that rich Filipino flavors and regional cuisine would shine globally, and in Australia, no less? This pursuit may have been a long shot at first, but nothing is impossible with Queenie at its helm.
Last month, she continued to earn her culinary stripes this year as the co-host of a Philippine Independence Day dinner in Melbourne. She and her fellow Filipino cooks put their experience and techniques front and center in curating an extensive menu that celebrated the country’s iconic dishes.
In what she considered an “incredible honor,” Queenie shared, “Some of the dishes included a sinigang-inspired course, a barramundi dish paired with crab fat sauce and bringhe-inspired elements, and a chicken tocino mousse taco inspired by childhood memories and Kapampangan flavors.”
Her chicken tocino mousse taco was an instant crowd favorite that even got a shout-out on The Philippine Times. It was a certified core memory among the event’s many inspiring moments that strived to uplift Filipino cooks, bring the country’s cuisine to large global crowds, and open doors for aspiring chefs with stories worth sharing through food.
More of Pampanga’s Standout Specialties
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With all her notable efforts to represent Filipino and Australian communities in food and hospitality, Queenie reckons that more meaningful conversations can stem from her journey.
Even simple food recommendations like hers can get the ball rolling: “Sisig is definitely a must-try because it represents Pampanga’s creativity and bold flavors. I’d also recommend bringhe, a Kapampangan rice dish that’s often compared to paella, but has its own unique identity. And if you want to explore further, tibok-tibok is a beautiful traditional dessert. Meanwhile, dishes like buro, kilayin, sipo egg, and kamaru showcase the diversity and resourcefulness of the province’s delicacies.”
For Queenie, food is more than nourishment. Our favorite local meals carry memories, traditions, and identities passed down to future generations. She continued, “For Filipinos living abroad, food can bring a sense of home and nostalgia. For those trying Filipino cuisine for the first time, it can offer a deeper understanding of our history and culture. That’s why I want to create connections between people through cooking. know I’ve achieved something meaningful if my food can amplify others’ stories and make people appreciate Filipino flavors.”
Learning and Growing at Her Own Pace
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A bright and eventful future awaits Queenie in food, hospitality, and whichever field she finds herself in next. She eyes many more travels in the months and years to come, including a much-anticipated trip back to the Philippines.
“I’d love to return to the Philippines and explore opportunities to cook, collaborate with local chefs, and learn more about the regional cuisines that make our food culture so diverse and exciting,” she beamed, citing a potential dinner she can host with her loved ones and kababayans. She also looks forward to the collaborations, events, and projects that come her way as she explores regional Filipino cuisine wherever she goes.
When the same opportunities come around for future Filipino cooks, Queenie hopes they approach them with as much courage and eagerness to learn as she has (if not, even more). Staying motivated in “embracing their roots and mastering the fundamentals of their craft,” she advises, will help them go far without compromising their own life stories.
She couldn’t have said it better:
“We don’t need to change who we are to gain international attention. Instead, we should continue telling our stories with authenticity, pride, and passion. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Every challenge, mistake, and achievement is part of the journey. Keep showing up, keep improving, and keep believing in what Filipino food can achieve globally.”
ALSO READ: Meet the Filipino-American Chef Who Brings Communities Together, One Plate at a Time
We’re so proud of you, Queenie! What are your favorite regional delicacies in the Philippines? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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