TOKYO – Filipino food lovers in Japan will be excited to know that Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Roma’s have collaborated with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to launch their own interpretation of popular Filipino dishes: Pancit Bihon, Inasal Chicken Sandwich, Pork Sisig with Lettuce Wrap and Turon with Mango Sauce. The legendary American restaurants will make these special menu items available in their Roppongi branches from April 1 to 30.
This partnership marks the first time that both restaurants will offer Filipino food to their customers.
“I take pride and honor to invite our Japanese friends to taste the flavors of the Philippines at Hard Rock Café and Tony Roma’s in Roppongi. It is my hope that the inspiration and excitement we offer through food will result in welcoming Japanese friends and tourists in the Philippines this year and for the years to come,” the country’s ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V said during the launch held at Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi on March 26.
He noted that the staging of this pioneering project is a pivotal step towards the mainstreaming of Philippine food in Japan.
“It is part of DOT’s efforts to give attention on the unique Philippine cuisine as an important product to lure Japanese tourists,” Laurel said.
This collaboration called “Eats. More Fun in the Philippines” will coincide with the celebration of Filipino Food Month, which is celebrated every April since 2018. - Florenda Corpuz
(Photographs by Din Eugenio)
