This month, the Asian Food Channel and the Food Network begin their Asia-wide search for the new Food Hero. Two outstanding talents will be chosen to star in their own cooking shows—and the winner could be a Filipino!
In an e-mail interview with the first “Food Hero” winners, Michele Lean and Sarah Benjamin, they share their experiences as hosts of “Food Wars Asia” and “Must Try! Asia,” respectively:
Can a Filipino nail it? Benjamin answers: “Somebody from the Philippines could be the next Food Hero, who should be able to cross boundaries and connect with people of all cultures. It doesn’t matter which country they come from.”
For Lean, a Food Hero is “someone who is passionate about food, and inspires others to get out of their comfort zone and try new things. If you love food and want to share that passion, the Asian Food Channel and Food Network are great platforms.”
Favorite dishes
What are their favorite Filipino dishes? Benjamin shares: “I love sinigang, as I love sour, clean-tasting food. And, who does not love lechon?”
The 32-year-old Lean got a Culinary Trust scholarship at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa and was an actress in the 2011 Chinese remake of “What Women Want,” with Andy Lau. She discloses, “My favorite Filipino dish is chicken adobo. We were staying at a dive resort in Romblon and met Filipino travel TV host, Kiko Rustia, who shared with us his chicken adobo. It has been one of my favorite dishes ever since.”
Lean gives tips on how to be a standout in the search. She suggests, “Be you. Share a video that personifies who you are, and share your love for food!”
Visit www.foodhero.asia to sign up for the “Food Hero” mailing list. Contestants can upload video entries of themselves presenting a culinary dish until June 28.