TACLOBAN CITY —Actor, chef, and food storyteller Erwan Heussaff lent his support to Samar’s culinary heritage by exploring the province’s hidden food traditions in the much-anticipated “Secret Kitchens of Samar” journey, showcasing heirloom recipes, rare delicacies, and home-cooked dishes rooted in generations of history.
Heussaff’s involvement brought national attention to the province’s rich culinary culture—one that thrives not in commercial restaurants, but in humble homes and tucked-away kitchens where family stories and local flavors intertwine.
From slow-cooked specialties to regional delicacies rarely known outside their communities, the project highlighted Samar’s distinct gastronomic identity.
During his exploration, Heussaff met passionate local cooks who shared both their cooking techniques and the deeply personal stories behind their dishes. “Some of the country’s best flavors are found off the beaten path,” he said, reflecting on the unique experiences and heritage preserved in these home kitchens.
The Secret Kitchens of Samar tour took Heussaff to several key destinations:Catbalogan City, the province’s capital and cultural hub;Jiabong, renowned for its food heritage and traditional culinary practices; and Villareal, where family recipes and community cooking remain central to daily life
The initiative also aligns with Samar’s growing food tourism campaign under Spark Samar and One People One Samar, designed to promote local pride, attract visitors, and highlight the province’s culinary treasures on the national stage.
By sharing these stories and dishes, Heussaff reaffirmed that Samar’s secret kitchens hold flavors and heritage that deserve to be celebrated—and shared with the world.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
