Last Saturday afternoon, the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2 buzzed with energy as home cooks, food enthusiasts, and aspiring chefs gathered for “Cook with Chef Tatung: Ignite Your Passion.” This special event offered a unique chance to learn from Chef Tatung Sarthou, a culinary icon known for his Simpol philosophy, which simplifies traditional Filipino recipes. The venue was lively with product displays from sponsors like Masflex Cookware, Nestlé, Maggi, and NutriAsia, who also provided a range of freebies to attendees.
Meet the Culinary Maestro
Chef Tatung Sarthou is a name that resonates deeply in the culinary world. With over three million followers across digital platforms, his influence extends from his popular digital show, Simpol, to his international appearances at Madrid Fusion and the Village Internationale de la Gastronomie in Paris. His work in promoting Filipino cuisine globally and his role as a resource speaker on Netflix’s Street Food showcase his dedication to elevating Filipino flavors.
Chef Tatung is also a successful restaurateur with ventures like Pandan Asian Café, Tatung’s Private Dining, Azadore and Tindeli. His creative agency, Vertikal Kreatives, manages major culinary projects and campaigns for top brands. This event was a testament to his commitment to making cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Interactive Cooking Demos: A Culinary Showcase
The centerpiece of the event was Chef Tatung’s interactive cooking demonstration. Attendees watched closely as Chef Tatung, alongside Menchie Porciuncula—winner of the “Get a chance to cook with Chef Tatung” contest—prepared his Birthday Spaghetti. This dish featured a delightful mix of carrots, bell peppers, and sausages from Tindeli, demonstrating how simple ingredients can create a flavorful meal.
The collaboration didn’t stop there. Chef Tatung also teamed up with Chef Jackie Ang Po to craft a unique Bibingka Cheesecake. Chef Jackie, known for her work with Fleur de Lys and Del Monte Kitchenomics, added her expertise to this innovative dessert, blending traditional Filipino flavors with modern techniques. Their joint efforts highlighted how combining different culinary styles can produce extraordinary results.
Simpol Tips and Kitchen Hacks
Chef Tatung shared valuable tips and kitchen hacks that resonated with both seasoned cooks and beginners:
- Patience is Key: “Add ingredients little by little when cooking; take time to develop the flavors,” Chef Tatung advised. He emphasized that patience is crucial for achieving the best results in cooking.
- Adapt and Innovate: Chef Tatung encouraged cooks to be flexible. “Authenticity is not the basis for us to feed our families. Use what you have and let creativity guide you.” This approach is all about making the most of available ingredients and adapting recipes to fit your needs.
- Seasoning Throughout: One of his essential tips was to season food step by step. “Season your food every step of the way, not just at the end,” he said. This method ensures that every part of the dish is flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Understanding Fundamentals: Chef Tatung stressed the importance of mastering basic cooking techniques. “We need to understand the fundamentals. Whether cooking salmon or tilapia, improper seasoning or overcooking can ruin the dish.” His focus was on learning the basics to create delicious, well-balanced meals.
Engage and Taste: A Hands-On Experience
The “Taste and Learn” segment was a highlight of the event. Select participants had the opportunity to taste Chef Tatung’s dishes and gain insights into his cooking techniques. This interactive portion allowed attendees to experience the flavors firsthand.
Exciting Prizes and Giveaways
The event also featured a range of prizes and giveaways that added excitement to the day. Trivia games rewarded winners with Tindeli vouchers and Simpol aprons, while the raffle offered a variety of prizes. Attendees could win kitchen essentials like Masflex cookware, with major prizes including La Germania gas stoves and online cooking classes with Chef Jackie. These giveaways, along with product displays from sponsors, made the event even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
The Big Reveal: Simply Simpol
One of the most anticipated moments was the reveal of Chef Tatung’s latest cookbook, Simply Simpol. This new addition to his bestselling series emphasizes the simplicity of cooking. What sets this book apart is its inclusion of QR codes that link to cooking videos. Readers can use their phone cameras to access these videos online, making it easier to follow along with Chef Tatung’s recipes. The book will be available starting October 2024 for Php490 at National Bookstore, Shopee, Lazada, Fully Booked, Tiktok Shop, and Amazon.
Inspiring Home Cooks
As the event concluded, it was clear that Chef Tatung’s influence extended beyond his recipes. His approach to cooking—making it accessible, creative, and enjoyable—left a lasting impression on everyone present. Whether they were seasoned cooks or just starting out, attendees left feeling inspired and empowered to explore their culinary passions.
Chef Tatung’s dedication to simplifying cooking and sharing his love for food continues to resonate with a wide audience. Through events like this, he shows that anyone can create delicious meals at home with a little creativity and a lot of heart.
Know more about Chef Tatung and his various endeavors by visiting his website or by following his social media platforms: Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok.
Jellybeans in the City 