IFEX Kitchen 2025 Chef Series: Finding meaning in food with Adobros

More than a nod to the famed Pinoy dish adobo, culinary duo Adobros has been serving Filipino cuisine inspired by a unique perspective that has been shaped by international experiences yet deeply rooted in heritage. Founded by celebrated chefs Michael Francis Pastrana and Morris Danzen Catanghal in April 2023, Adobros is both a supper club and culinary initiative making waves in Melbourne, Australia.

Paying tribute to the Filipino diaspora that has cultivated the richness, complexity, and capacity for innovation in their work, Adobros continues to push Filipino food forward by bridging cultures and inspiring new generations in the industry and across the globe.

A reimagined serving of Filipino classics that brings together memories of Philippine life and modern culinary appeal (l-r): Adobros Ensalada Lumpia Tartlette, Tapsi Arancini, and Champorado wrapped in creative elegance.

Grounded in tradition, yet infused with global taste, the duo’s creations tap into fond memories, build bridges, and spark new conversations among communities. Chef Michael explains, “My way of expressing love to my family has always been through food. And I love how food can access a memory, and how dishes from our childhood can shape how we see the world in a way.”

The two chefs met at a Filipino gathering in Melbourne. And as fate would have it, they found common ground in their passion for food, family experience, and earnest advocacy for Filipino heritage and giving back to the community.

Early on in his career, Chef Morris found himself working in Cambodia, China, and Malaysia before spending close to a decade in Italy running his own restaurant in Sicily, even winning a national cooking competition during his stay. Contemplating a better future for his two sons, however, he decided to move to Australia in March 2023, taking a position at Italian restaurant Buono, located in Melbourne where he now resides with the family.

As for Chef Michael, he initially moved to Melbourne for international studies, graduating from culinary school in 2020. Although an accountant in the Philippines, he used to own and manage multiple restaurants in Quezon Province. And just like Pastrana, he has two sons at the heart of his personal and professional decision-making.

Applying their own creative spin, Adobros has taken the adobo, known for its soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic notes, into dessert territory. Simply called the Adobros Signature Adobo Dessert 2.0 featuring Lakan, it is an exercise in flavor balance meriting a familiar yet unique multisensory experience. This creation successfully blends the caramelized richness of soy, the depth of umami, and the unexpected brightness of vinegar. The result is a burst of individual flavors coming together for an irresistible course easily deserving seconds.

The unassuming adobo dessert that combines dark chocolate, turmeric, coconut, banana, and miso in one multi-textured gelato offering.

An interpretation of pork adobo with reduced sauce and garnished with fresh chilis, part of the Adobo Masterclass featuring Adobros hosted by RW Marketing and Masterplan Global.

Strengthening Filipino food presence and community relationships further, Adobros helped kick off Filipino food month by taking part in the first Adobo Masterclass initiated by the Philippine Consulate in Melbourne, and supported by the Philippine Trade Investment Center-Sydney. Playing host to industry professionals, chefs, and culinary creatives, Adobros took them through a cultural narrative–from the origins, vast regional influences, and iterations to a memorable hands-on experience of the iconic adobo dish.

Sharing the heritage of Philippine food across cultures (l-r): Chef Michael leading the narrative at the Adobo Masterclass; and Chef Morris adding the delicate umami taste of Asin Tibook, a rare sea salt from Bohol, Philippines.

Firm in the belief that Filipino food deserves to be a global mainstream, Adobros is excited to be part of this year’s IFEX Philippines. As celebrity chefs at the IFEX Kitchen series, they will be sharing not just food, but their personal stories and inspiration behind their dishes. According to Chef Morris, “we want to inspire students who want to be chefs and to show the world that Filipino food deserves a seat at every table.”

Bringing their brand of culinary expertise and creativity, catch them live at IFEX Kitchen of IFEX Philippines 2025 featuring Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and Conference, happening from May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

Photos courtesy of Valsite Imprints and Films, RW Marketing, Gavriel Jardin, and George Gregorio | Adobros