Reconnecting with One's Roots: Chef Christina Sunae Introduces New Dishes at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen

Chef Christina Sunae reveals more than just her evolving creative culinary style with the new menu at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, it's a snapshot of who she is, where she's from and her on-going journey to a world of borderless cuisine for a colorful tapestry of flavors. The Argentina-based Korean American chef also has a unique perspective cutting through various cultures and traditions, reinterpreting the memorable flavors of her travels and experiences which includes spending her formative years in Pampanga immersing herself with its own rich culinary heritage. The result is an intricate yet seamless weave of Asian flavors influenced by various styles for a lavish new dining experience. This is the story of Christina Sunae, told and expressed in an exciting new menu at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen...

Now rebranded as Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, the unique dining hotspot in BGC shifts to a more personal approach to flavors reimagined by Chef Christina Sunae's own experiences and culinary evolution. Her restaurant in Argentina, named Apu Nena is an homage to her Capampangan grandmother who taught her the intricacies of the province's famed cuisine. For the chef and culinary author, the experiences and journeys are the inspiration for her unique perspective on flavors showcased at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen's eclectic and diverse menu of tasty offerings.

The blend of Southeast Asian, Filipino and even Latin American influences have defined Chef Christina Sunae's own perspective both as a chef and as a person, and this is clearly expressed in her repertoire of dishes at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen (for more on Chef Christina Sunae and her cuisine, see my previous posts Weaving Asian Flavors in a Colorful Tapestry by Chef Christina Sunae at Sunae Asian Cantina from last year and Dining in the Next Normal: Sunae Asian Cantina Bounces Back with Vibrant Southeast Asian Flavors at One Bonifacio High Street Mall from three years ago). 

Chef Christina Sunae's extensive travels around the Philippines armed her with a deeper understanding of local and regional flavors. In a recent interview with CNN, Chef Christina jokingly boasted that she probably visited more places in the country than the average Filipino. And that may be true, as Chef Christina explores buro from Pampanga and itum from the deep south that may soon be added on the menu of Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen. A new chapter unfolds at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, and these are indeed exciting times.

As Chef Christina explained the new menu additions at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, one can sense her refreshed enthusiasm in her exploration of flavors. With a number of exclusive events including a four-hands dinner with Chef Sau del Rosario lined up at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, Chef Christina has a full schedule ahead crammed into her tight and limited stay in Manila before flying back to Argentina.

But first, some libations. The Asian restaurant is also known for its extensive cocktail selection, and it's always a good idea to start with a refreshing tipple...

...like the sweet and clean Lychee Ron with its blend of Havana Club 3 years, lychee, lemongrass syrup and lemon...

...and my personal pick, the soothing Antigo Loco Old Fashioned with Luisita Oro, coconut sugar syrup and orange bitters.

One more round of Antigo and Chef Christina served the first dish from the updated menu of Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen starting with the Kinilaw Tahure, an intricate creation highlighted by pure, clean and unrestrained yet elegant flavors with fresh tuna, tofu cream, seasonal fresh fruits, dill, chili oil, shallots and crispy quinoa. The briny sweetness of the fresh tuna comes through with each bite, followed by the rich and mildly nutty hints of the tofu cream for flavorful bursts. The medley of fresh fruits in season adds another layer of delicate sweetness punctuated by the sharpness of the fresh dill, shallots and chili oil. The play on flavors and textural contrasts with the crispy quinoa opens up the palate for even more lavish creations from Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen's playlist...

...with the bold flavors of Chef Christina's Seafood Laksa for her own spin on the Singaporean coconut noodle soup with succulent clams, squid balls, plump prawns, tofu, basil and spicy sambal. The rich broth drapes the palate with a savory richness followed by a lingering yet soothing heat in a delicate and intricate weave of flavors. The freshness of the seafood combine for bold and clean briny notes completed by the distinct flavors of the creamy coconut enriched broth. Like a comforting hug to the palate, each sip is soon followed by another.

The Mackerel Penang Curry topped with pan-fried Spanish Mackerel Steak draped in a thick Thai Penang style curry with kaffir, fried Thai basil leaves and lemon is yet another comforting number from Chef Christina's new menu at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen. The richness of the naturally oily fish adds to the distinct flavors of the dish, complemented by the equally rich curry. The lemon, kaffir and fragrant basil cuts through the richness for that tempered and balanced finish. A meal in itself, it's a dish that's made for the rainy weather. Or any day, really.

It's the different layers of flavors that tease the palate with each sip and bite, and the freshness of the different ingredients that deliver all the flavors. Like many of Chef Christina's creations, the dish reflects a seasoned and well traveled palate, infusing key elements from various cuisines in a harmonious blend of unique flavors.

An here's another winner from the new menu of Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen that's guaranteed to satisfy any craving. The Bangkok Style Crab & Prawn Omelette with soft and fluffy stir-fried garlic fried rice topped with crab and prawn omelette made richer and more indulgent with crab fat or aligue is one rice topping dish that's an absolute must-try on the new menu.

The fresh notes and sweetness of the crab and prawns conspire for a decadent duo of clean flavors made even more sinful with crab fat draping the palate with an indulgent and savory richness that lingers long after the last bite. The fresh onions and herbs tempers the richness of the crab fat for that balanced finish. 

The new menu additions at Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen presents an evolving story that continues as Chef Christina explores even more flavors without borders.

For loyal fans of Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen, Chef Christina served the popular bestsellers like the Korean Style Fried Chicken Bowl (P 380) with marinated free-range chicken thigh and cucumber salad...

...and the Chicken Inasal (P 480) with grilled free-range chicken thigh fillet marinated lemongrass, ginger, lemon and turmeric, both hits on my list.

As more guests arrived, Chef Christina headed to the kitchen to oversee the orders for the dinner service. Next up, dessert.

Our preview of the new dishes by Chef Christina ends on a sweet note with a pair of indulgent desserts like the Carioca Pop (P 280) with fried glutinous rice balls, mango, sesame seeds, coconut and sweet potato ice cream...

...and the aptly named Not Your Ordinary Halo-Halo (P 420) with strawberry granita, Thai tea and kamote ice cream, orange, pandan, crisp meringue, ginger cookie, passion fruit and nata de coco for a brilliant sweet finish.

As the last order the evening's busy dinner rush is promptly expedited under Chef Christina's supervision, this may be the end of another memorable dining experience. But the story doesn't end just yet. Chef Christina heads back to Argentina in just a few days, but her flavorful journey and exploration of flavors without borders continues with so many chapters yet to unfold.