Filipino Food reigns in Milan!

In The Mix Magazine
May 14
3 min read

Text by Mye Mulingtapang

Photos by Remuel Tuares

Mabuhay Restaurant in Milan achieves significant acclaim for its authentic Filipino cuisine.

Filipino Food Reaches New Peaks

Mabuhay Restaurant's rise to fame in Milan isn't just about serving delicious food, it’s about creating a home away from home for Filipinos and a gateway to Filipino culture for locals and tourists. Since its opening in 2019, the restaurant has become a gathering place for the Filipino community in Milan, offering a taste of home through hearty and flavorful dishes that celebrate Filipino culinary traditions. Chef Dario Guevarra’s commitment to authenticity and quality has resonated with a diverse clientele, from Filipinos missing the comfort of traditional meals to Italians discovering the bold and vibrant flavors of the Philippines.

What sets Mabuhay apart is its atmosphere. The open kitchen not only allows guests to watch the magic unfold but also fosters a sense of connection between the chefs and diners, reinforcing the Filipino value of "kapwa" (shared experience). Guests are not just eating; they are part of the story.

The restaurant's success has sparked conversations about Filipino cuisine's growing influence in Italy. Chef Dario’s menu masterfully blends Filipino favorites such as adobo, lumpia, pancit, and kare-kare with Japanese-inspired dishes, reflecting the cultural fusion that Filipino cuisine often embodies. The careful attention to detail and use of quality ingredients has earned it a spot in the hearts of Milan’s food scene, showing that Filipino food is not only flavorful but also adaptable to international tastes.

As it continues to thrive, Mabuhay serves as a reminder of the strength and spirit of Filipino entrepreneurs abroad. Chef Dario Guevarra’s vision has given the Filipino community in Milan a place to gather, celebrate, and connect with their roots, all while inviting the world to experience the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. In the years to come, Mabuhay is poised to remain a cornerstone of Milan’s culinary diversity, proving that the Filipino way of eating and sharing food will always find a place in the global food scene.

Serving Filipino Warmth and Flavor in Milan

Chef Dario Guevarra Jr. is a name that has quickly become synonymous with authentic Filipino cuisine in Milan. As the proud owner and chef of Mabuhay Restaurant, Chef Dario is not only serving up traditional Filipino dishes but is also reshaping the culinary landscape of Italy with his distinct blend of flavors, passion, and hospitality.

Arriving in Milan in 2000 with the dream of sharing the tastes of home with the Italian community and after working in several restaurants, Chef Dario opened Mabuhay in 2019. What he didn’t expect, however, was the overwhelming response from both locals and Filipinos living in the area. In just a few short months, his restaurant claimed the coveted number one spot on TripAdvisor, an achievement that still humbles him.

“It’s already been an emotion to become number one; honestly, I didn’t think we would stay at the top for so long,” he says, reflecting on the success.

For Chef Dario, the key to his restaurant’s success lies in the authenticity of his dishes and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. From the first bite of adobo to the comforting sweetness of ube float, every dish on the menu speaks of home.

“Filipino food is all about sharing, warmth, and family,” he explains, “and that’s what we want to bring to the people here.”

But beyond the food, Mabuhay is a celebration of Filipino culture. The open kitchen allows guests to witness firsthand the love and care that goes into each dish, a trait Chef Dario feels is an important part of the Filipino dining experience. It’s not just about eating; it’s about connection.