A flavorful experience at the emperor’s table

Conrad Manila recently welcomed celebrity master chef Jereme Leung back to the Philippines as the latest featured culinary artist in its Legendary Chefs Series. Known globally for his culinary expertise, Leung has built his reputation over the years with his exceptional talent and innovation.

In his participation in the Legendary Chefs Series, Leung presents a specially curated menu, The Emperor’s Table, which highlights his skill in blending flavors from various cultures gained throughout his extensive career.

“Year after year, Chef Leung brings something new and unique to the table, and 2024 is no exception,” said Fabio Berto, General Manager of Conrad Manila.

The multi-course menu includes appetizers like marinated crab meat with avocado in a crispy puff roll and marinated sweet plum drunken king prawn, as well as double-boiled sturgeon tendon and dry sea conch with morel mushroom Kung Fu soup. The main courses feature wasabi beef cheek wagyu with pistachio and green bamboo shoot, pan-fried black cod with torch ginger flower gravy sauce and pomelo, and Yin Yang rice with dry scallops and dry fish maw. Dessert includes chocolate egg coconut mousse with mango puree.

During a media luncheon at Conrad Manila’s China Blue by Jereme Leung, the chef emphasized that he crafted the menu with the Filipino market in mind.

“I don’t want to present a menu that is so exclusive and out of reach for most people,” Leung said.

Leung noted that China Blue has evolved from focusing solely on authentic Chinese food to incorporating elements that appeal to Filipino tastes, such as fried items and sweet and sour options, resulting in increased customer growth.

He added that the essence of great food is not in the most expensive or rarest ingredients but in creating dishes that engage people’s interest and are skillfully prepared. This philosophy is rooted in Leung’s extensive culinary experience, which began in 1983 at the age of 13. Initially trained as a Cantonese chef, he expanded his expertise by working in five-star hotels across 78 countries.

Leung’s exploration of lesser-known ingredients and cuisines has inspired many of his dishes, including those in The Emperor’s Table menu and at his global restaurants.

“Every restaurant gives me a platform to develop different teams of skilled chefs. I hope to facilitate promotions among these chefs so that our guests can experience a broader range of cuisines,” said Leung.

The Legendary Chefs Series: The Emperor’s Table menu is priced at P6,588 per person and is available for lunch and dinner daily until September 30. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8833 9999, +63917 650 44043, or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.