Who travels without getting acquainted with the place’s specialty?
In Bohol, the best restaurant to introduce you to the Boholano cuisine is quietly hidden atop a limestone cliff on one end of the Alona Beach – Amorita Resort’s The Saffron.
The person behind your soon-to-be-lovely dining experience? The charismatic executive chef of the restaurant, Raphael Ongchiong.
Even the Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, herself, was captivated by Chef Paeng, as how he is commonly addressed. She even broadcasted in national television that Chef is indeed one of the top three chefs she has met… ever!
However, his charm only comes second. Nothing beats his culinary skills.
Once “chicken halang-halang” is served, you will have all the reason to consider chef as an angel sent from above and The Saffron as the place of the gods.
The Saffron’s “chicken halang-halang” is subtly different from the rest. It comes with a twist because basically Chef Paeng loves to marry the culture of the place he is in and his forte which is European.
“I ask questions sa mga tao dito kung ano ‘yung pagkain nila, then I create something na parang European ‘yung presentation pero very local and Boholano‘yung flavors,” said Chef Paeng.
Boholanos usually grill a native chicken for this specialty; but The Saffron uses regular chicken. It is stewed in a coconut cream flavored with red onion and a little bit of turmeric to add color. Fresh coconut meat is added to balance the creaminess of the dish.
An interesting trivia: the date in the calendar is pretty much the determinant of how spicy “chicken halang-halang” will be. For instance, if it is cooked on the 27th, Boholanos will put 27 chili in the dish.
The Saffron guests need not worry. According to Chef Paeng, “Natuwa ako d’on pero hindi ko ginagawa dito kasi I’m leaning towards subtle spice taste.”
The next time you visit the lovely place of Bohol, do not miss the chance to meet Chef Paeng and his “chicken halang-halang.”
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