Ep 12. Episode 12

Food Safari is a wonderful food and travel show that lets its viewers explore different cuisines from all around the world. Hosted by Maeve O'Meara, the show takes us on a journey to discover delicious foods, meet passionate cooks, and explore different cultures. It's all about celebrating the diversity of the world's food, and sharing the stories behind each dish.

In episode 12 of season 1, we are taken on a journey to explore the many flavors of Filipino cuisine. The episode begins with a visit to one of Sydney's popular markets, where Maeve meets up with Filipino-Australian Chef Tristan Rosier. Chef Tristan takes Maeve through a journey of different Filipino ingredients on offer at the market, including pandan leaves, ube (purple yam), banana flowers, and more. Chef Tristan also shares his insights and experiences of growing up in the Philippines, and how he has been blending Filipino flavors with Australian ingredients in his cooking.

The episode then takes us to La Mesa Filipino Modern Cuisine, a popular restaurant in Sydney that serves Filipino cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Bong Jun Choi, the head chef and owner of La Mesa, shows us how to prepare a few of his signature Filipino dishes. One of the dishes is BBQ pork belly, which he marinates with soy sauce, brown sugar, and calamansi (a type of citrus fruit). He then grills it to perfection and serves it with a side of rice and atchara, a pickled vegetable dish commonly served in the Philippines. Chef Bong also shows us how to make Filipino-style stuffed milkfish, which is a popular dish during festive seasons. The dish is made by stuffing a deboned milkfish with a mixture of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and frying it until golden brown.

Next up, the episode takes us to a Filipino bakery called Panaderia Manila. Here, Maeve meets with the owner, Maricon Fuentes, who introduces us to a few of her favorite Filipino sweets. One of the sweets is called ensaymada, which is a rich and buttery pastry topped with grated cheese and sugar. Another sweet is called bibingka, which is a traditional Filipino cake made with rice flour and coconut milk. Maricon also shows us how to make a type of bread called pandesal, which is airy and light, and usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

The episode then takes us to The Bayanihan Centre, a community center in Sydney where Filipino-Australians gather to celebrate their culture and traditions. Here, Maeve meets with a group of ladies who are preparing for a Filipino festival. The ladies are busy making a variety of traditional dishes, including lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and kare-kare (a peanut-based stew with oxtail and vegetables). They also show us how to make a refreshing drink called buko juice, which is made from young coconut.

The episode ends with a visit to a Filipino grocery store, where Maeve discovers more Filipino ingredients and products. She meets with the owner, Bernadette Medina, who tells her about the importance of Filipino food and how it has evolved over the years. Bernadette also shares her tips on how to cook Filipino dishes at home, and which ingredients to use to achieve the authentic flavors of the Philippines.

Overall, Food Safari season 1 episode 12 is a wonderful exploration of Filipino cuisine and culture. It's a great way to learn about the flavors and ingredients of the Philippines, and to meet the passionate cooks who keep the tradition alive. Whether you're a foodie or just someone who loves to travel and experience new cultures, this episode is definitely worth watching.