Quezon city: A home-style restaurant opened by a Taiwanese woman in Quezon City in Metro Manila has been featured in the first-ever Michelin Guide honoring exceptional restaurants in the Philippines. The restaurant, Fong Wei Wu, was one of 74 eateries to receive a “Michelin Selected” honor in the guide, while one restaurant received two Michelin stars, eight received one star, and 25 were awarded a “Bib Gourmand.”
According to Focus Taiwan, the guide, which was limited to restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu, was published on Oct. 30. In a recent interview, Feng Wei Wu’s owner and chef, Linda, expressed her delight at receiving such recognition as a restaurateur in her 60s. She described the affirmation as “indescribable,” recounting her initial disbelief upon hearing the news. Linda recalled thinking it was a joke until her employees assured her of its truth, leaving her with goosebumps.
Linda shared that she moved to the Philippines in 2000 to help her daughter improve her English. During the five years she spent accompanying her daughter, Linda’s passion for cooking and ample free time inspired her to open a restaurant. It began with classic Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup, pork ribs with rice, and braised pork rice. Despite the challenges of starting a business in a foreign country, Linda was determined to succeed.
To enhance her culinary skills, Linda attended Taiwanese cooking classes organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, learning from top Taiwanese chefs. She also imports many ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame sauce, and pickled mustard tuber, directly from Taiwan to ensure authentic flavors, even if it means higher costs.
The Michelin Guide describes Fong Wei Wu as a “cosy family-run spot serving home-style Taiwanese food,” featuring a daily-changing menu of 15-20 dishes. One standout recommendation is the fried bihon, stir-fried rice noodles with pork and cabbage, topped with flavorful minced pork, creating a harmonious blend of soy umami and vegetable sweetness.
Fong Wei Wu is located at 82 Banawe Street corner Samat Street, Quezon, Metro Manila.
(By Emerson Lim and Matthew Mazzetta)