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Heritage in a box: Filipino comfort food bento-style at the Philippine Pavilion
At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Philippine Pavilion presents a culinary story. Central to this experience is Hain, managed by Via Mare, a take-out concept that delivers the warmth and spirit of Filipino cuisine in a modern, bento-style format.
‘Hain’, which means ‘to serve’ in Filipino, pays tribute to the Philippines’ rich and diverse culinary heritage through a vibrant, thoughtfully curated menu, crafted in partnership with one of the country’s most celebrated food and beverage institutions, Via Mare. Hain reimagines traditional Filipino cuisine with a fresh, modern twist, serving classic dishes in innovative ways that suit today’s fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle. Each element of the carefully assembled bento box is more than just food—it’s an evocative experience that stirs nostalgia, pride, and a lasting connection to the Filipino identity. With every bite, diners are invited to savor authentic flavors while embracing the evolving story of Filipino food culture.
A tribute to heritage, made for the world
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines teamed up with Via Mare, a renowned restaurant recognized for upholding and innovating Filipino culinary traditions. Their partnership underscores a mutual commitment to showcasing and refining the heritage of Philippine cuisine, which is central to the Hain initiative. Inspired by Japanese bento aesthetics, Hain’s meals are carefully arranged in compartmentalized boxes that emphasize order, balance, and presentation. Yet, the soul of each meal remains thoroughly Filipino: recipes are drawn from beloved regional classics, and every box is accompanied by stories highlighting the cultural significance behind the dishes. This not only reinforces Via Mare’s promise of authentic and elevated local cuisine, but also celebrates the narratives and flavors intrinsic to the Filipino dining experience.
“Curating the menu was a labor of love,” said Antonio Laron, Restaurant Manager at Hain. “We had to balance flavor profiles, textures, and visual appeal, all while ensuring the dishes remained satisfying in compact portions.” Every element of the box was carefully chosen not just for how it tastes, but for what it represents.
Nostalgia in every bite
Crafting the menu was a thoughtful and meticulous journey that reveals itself in each thoughtfully curated dish. Lechon Bisaya stands out as sumptuous roasted pork, marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, then cooked to achieve both tender meat and irresistibly crispy skin. Lumpiang Binondo offers a nod to Southeast Asian spring rolls, with delicate wrappers enclosing a savory mix of pork, shrimp, and vegetables, delivering both crunch and flavor. Meanwhile, Bam-I Guisado—a noodle specialty from the Visayas—features stir-fried egg and rice noodles mingled with slices of meat and vibrant vegetables, resulting in a dish that is hearty and rich in umami. With counterparts in cuisines worldwide, these dishes serve as relatable yet distinctly Filipino introductions for diners discovering the country’s food culture.
The expanded menu highlights a tempting selection of regional Filipino specialties, each steeped in local flavor. Immerse your senses in Inasal na Manok, an iconic grilled chicken dish from Bacolod and Iloilo, marinated in a zesty mix of calamansi, vinegar, lemongrass, and spices, then grilled over open flames, delivering smoky notes and tangy, aromatic savor. Next, enjoy the Kapampangan classic Sisig: crispy pork jowls finely chopped and sautéed with onions and chili on a sizzling plate, sometimes crowned with a runny egg, for a multi-textured, intensely savory experience. The menu also showcases Pinaputok na Tilapia, where whole tilapia is generously stuffed with native herbs—tomato, ginger, scallions—before being deep-fried, infusing every bite with fragrant, earthy undertones and crackling skin. Complementing these mains are Empanaditas, petite turnovers boasting golden, flaky pastry and hearty fillings of seasoned meats and fresh vegetables. Comfort comes in the form of two noodle soups: Pancit con Caldo, featuring egg noodles and shredded chicken in a flavorful, warming broth with vegetables; and Pancit Molo, a Visayan favorite with plump pork dumplings simmered in a rich, savory chicken broth.
To conclude the meal on a delightful note, indulge in beloved Filipino desserts such as Turon—a crisp, golden-brown spring roll encasing caramelized sweet banana slices and luscious jackfruit, delivering both crunch and sweetness in every bite. Equally irresistible is Suman at Mangga, where sticky rice is lovingly cooked in rich coconut milk, then wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and paired with succulent, bright mango slices. Together, these classic treats evoke nostalgia with their aroma, flavor, and elegance, making for a comforting yet sophisticated finale.
![]Fresh flavors at Hain ranging from savory delights to sweet treats](https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Heritage-in-a-Box-6-700x1050.jpg)
A cultural experience
Filipino cuisine, for many diners, is a sensory journey that ignites fond memories—fragrant stews bubbling in the kitchen, the shared ritual of family meals, and the embrace of community warmth. Hain’s mission is rooted in this emotional resonance, using food as a gateway to nostalgia and connection. According to Laron, “It’s about inviting guests—especially those unfamiliar with our dishes—into the story of Filipino food. Each plate acts as a vignette, contributing to an immersive tapestry that together, reveals the heart of our culture.”
But Hain’s impact is not limited to food alone; it acts as a cultural conduit that reframes global perceptions of Filipino cuisine. Dishes are rendered vividly, with lively presentations and inventive flavor combinations that celebrate diversity and adaptability. “By showcasing our food in a style that feels fresh yet honors tradition, we help dismantle stereotypes and bring Filipino cuisine to its rightful place—not merely as comfort food but as an embodiment of our collective culture, history, and creative spirit,” Laron emphasized.
Filipino excellence on the global stage
Whether you’re taking your very first bite of Filipino cuisine or seeking the familiar comfort of flavors from home, Hain—the signature restaurant of the Philippine Pavilion—offers a truly meaningful, multi-sensory dining experience. Every dish spotlights the vibrant spectrum of Filipino flavors, using authentic ingredients and time-honored culinary techniques that showcase the diversity and depth of the Philippines’ food culture.
Nestled within the Empowering Lives Zone and conveniently located just a few steps away from the East Gate, the Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka stands as a testament to the unique heritage and dynamic spirit of the Filipino people. Designed to immerse visitors in a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation, the Pavilion invites you to explore stunning contemporary artistry, heritage crafts, interactive exhibits, and captivating performances—all celebrating the Philippines’ ongoing journey of creativity and resilience.
Filipinos tuning in from home can take pride in how the country’s legacy unfolds on this global stage. From now until October 13, 2025, join in the celebration of the Philippine Pavilion’s world-class showcase at Expo Osaka. Marvel at our culinary masters, visionary artists, and cultural bearers as they present the best of Filipino heritage, food, and ingenuity to the world.
Stay updated on behind-the-scenes moments, special events, and inspiring stories by following the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Be part of this historic journey, sharing the flavors, sights, and sounds of the Philippines with the global community at Expo 2025.
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Read: Expo 2025 Osaka Philippine Pavilion Opens with Warmth, Wonder, and Worldwide Curiosity
Heritage in a box: Filipino comfort food bento-style at the Philippine Pavilion
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog