Cover Janine Barican-Le, director of Chibog in West Footscray, Melbourne (Photo: Janine Uy)
Janine Barican-Le, director of Chibog in West Footscray, Melbourne (Photo: Janine Uy)
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Nurse turned restaurateur Janine Barican-Le is the director of modern Filipino restaurant Chibog in Melbourne, which first opened its doors early in 2020
When word of an eclectic new Filipino restaurant first spread through the streets of Melbourne, it roused a palpable excitement. While Filipino cuisine is aptly represented between the city’s many night markets, food trucks, pop-up events, and a couple of casual restaurants few and far between, Chibog immediately set itself apart.
Beyond the purple-hued neon lights and jeepney mural, the modern Filipino offerings immediately turned the heads of homesick folks and gastronomes alike. Helmed by healthcare worker turned restaurateur Janine Barican-Le, the self-professed foodie hopes to “share and celebrate Filipino food with Melbournians,” one delicious bite at a time.
See also: A Taste of Home: What Are Melbourne-Based Chef Ross Magnaye's Favourite Filipino Eats?
Above A spread of dishes from Chibog (Photo: Maysie Lecciones)
A spread of dishes from Chibog (Photo: Maysie Lecciones)
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Simple but timeless choices like the mouthwatering fried chicken wings in a sweet-spicy glaze called Chibok Bok, triple-cooked pork sisig, and sizeable crispy pata (complete with Mang Tomas, of course) all beg for a chilly bottle of San Miguel beer, which they also happen to carry. Meanwhile, dishes like the tortang talong with blue swimmer crab, seafood Bicol express with crunchy battered pumpkin, and crispy deep-fried leche flan provide mind-boggling takes on the familiar—a creative whim equally evident among their Filipino cocktails.
Of course, Barican-Le’s foodie origins remain rooted in the Philippines, rife with the aromas of streetside eats and the irresistible crunch of our sinful fried food. Find out what she misses the most about the Philippine food scene, below.
See also: Foodie Finds With Chit Juan, Southeast Asia Councillor of Slow Food International
Kinilaw (Photo: Maysie Lecciones)
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What do you miss most on the food/drink front when you are away from the Philippines or haven’t been back for a while?
What I really miss is the street food, taho, and green mango on a stick with bagoong. My childhood favourites are Chicken Joy from Jollibee and Choco Butternut from Dunkin Donuts. The fresh grilled seafood by the beach, and for drinks fresh green mango juice, and ice-cold beer.
What is the first dish you want to eat when you return, and where do you go for it?
I’m currently five months pregnant and I’m craving all my childhood favourites. All I can think of is Choco Butternut from Dunkin Donuts, Jollibee Chicken Joy and burger steak, mantis shrimp and crabs from Malabon, and super sour green mangoes with bagoong.
Above Mesa’s palabok
Mesa’s palabok
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Do you have a favourite restaurant in the Philippines? For fine dining and for more casual experiences?
I really have no favourites, I tend to let my family and friends take me out when I’m in Manila. But you can't go wrong with fresh seafood and a cold San Miguel by the beach. For casual dining, I always end up at Mesa or Gerry’s Grill for a Filipino food fix.
If you have visitors/guests with you, where do you go to give them a real taste of the Philippines?
I have family in Bulacan and Malabon. I’d love to take them to both to get fresh seafood and kakanin from Malabon, lechon and chicharon from Bulacan.
See also: The Culinary Capitals of the Philippines: Chef JP Anglo’s Guide to Negros Occidental
Above The ensaymada and cheese roll from Mary Grace
The ensaymada and cheese roll from Mary Grace
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Where do you like to meet up with old friends for food/drinks?
A mini-reunion in a resort island, either Cebu or Boracay. If we’re in Manila, a gastropub—last time I was there we checked out Tipsy Pig.
Do you have a favourite bar and/or café in the Philippines?
No real favourites when it comes to bar, [I’m happy with] any place with good pulutan and beer. Café-wise, I enjoy the sweets and coffee from Mary Grace.
Any other must-visit food/drink spots when you are back?
I’d love to try Alamat and Toyo Eatery, and also visit Siargao for the first time to enjoy a boodle fight and learn how to surf.
Do you take any food or treats back home with you from the Philippines?
Choco Butternut always, and green dried mangoes.
Where do you go to find authentic flavours of home where you live?
If I want to eat authentic Filipino dishes, I’d go to my parents’ house or make it myself. For a lechon fix, I’d go to Cebu Charcoal Belly, and Kariton Sorbetes for the best Filipino-inspired gelato.
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
