General Santos City’s Tuna Festival: A Culinary Adventure at Café Ilang-Ilang
The vibrant coastal city of General Santos, known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” comes alive each year with the Tuna Festival—a celebration of the ocean’s bountiful offerings and the city’s rich marine heritage. In a culinary ode to this tradition, Café Ilang-Ilang, nestled within The Manila Hotel, embarks on a gastronomic journey that spotlights the ocean’s most prized gem: tuna.
Ester Joy Yap, the assistant food and beverage director of The Manila Hotel, shares her enthusiasm, stating, “Tuna is a true gem of the ocean, and we want to highlight its amazing flavors through a variety of dishes. Our goal is to provide our valued guests with an exceptional dining experience that celebrates this extraordinary fish.”
A Gourmet Tuna Adventure
The Tuna Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang promises a gourmet adventure like no other, showcasing a wide array of tuna dishes alongside its extensive buffet selection. Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing journey as you indulge in a diverse selection of tuna-inspired creations. Some of the mouthwatering dishes featured on the menu include:
- Tuna Kilawin: A zesty and refreshing tuna ceviche that awakens the palate.
- Tuna Chicharon: Crispy and flavorful tuna skin cracklings, a true delicacy.
- Sinigang Tuna Panga sa Miso: A comforting sour soup with tuna jaw and miso.
- Bistek Tuna Belly: Tuna belly marinated and cooked in a savory soy-citrus sauce.
- Tuna Bicol Express: A spicy and creamy tuna dish inspired by Bicolano cuisine.
- Sizzling Tuna Sisig: Savor the sizzle with this sizzling tuna sisig dish.
- Tuna Kare Kare: A unique twist on the classic Filipino oxtail stew, featuring tuna.
- Tuna-Shrimp Paella: A fusion of flavors with tuna and succulent shrimp in paella.
- Grilled Tuna Steak: Perfectly grilled tuna steak, a testament to simplicity and excellence.
- Tuna Putanesca: A flavorful pasta dish with a tuna twist.
- Indian Tandoori Tuna Kebab: A harmonious blend of Indian spices and grilled tuna.
These delectable dishes are available on a rotating basis at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience every visit. The Tuna Festival celebration continues until September 30, 2023.
Join the Celebration
Embark on a culinary voyage like no other as you celebrate the Tuna Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang. Dive into a seafood sensation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Philippine seas. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or a culinary explorer, this festival promises an unforgettable dining experience.
For more information and reservations, please call (63 2) 8527-0011 or (63 2) 5301-5500 or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. Don’t miss your chance to savor the flavors of the ocean’s gem—tuna—in all its culinary glory at Café Ilang-Ilang.
