On this week of The Hungry Immigrant, we sit down with Chef Marc Buenaventura, the culinary mind behind iSLAS, a Toronto restaurant bringing the heart of Filipino cuisine to the world.

Born and raised in Canada to Filipino parents who migrated in the 1970s, Chef Marc’s story is a tapestry of cultural identity, family traditions, and bold flavors.

We dive into Marc’s cherished food memories — home cooked meals and culinary experiences on the street of Philippines — that shaped his love for cooking and inspired the soulful dishes at iSLAS.

Chef Marc reflects on the challenges and joys of introducing Filipino food to new audiences, balancing authenticity with approachability, and creating a dining experience that feels like home!

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

01:22 - Who is Chef Marc Buenaventura? A career shift into the culinary world

04:25 - First taste of Filipino food: Grandma and mom's unforgettable home-cooked dishes

08:32 - Exploring Filipino street food: Balut, taho, and more

18:22 - How childhood dishes shaped iSLAS’ menu today

22:59 - Serving Filipino food in Toronto: Balancing authenticity and innovation

26:25 - Filipino food memories: Family gatherings, leftovers, and adapting to global markets and trends

35:22 - How Filipino food is perceived in Toronto, Canada

39:10 - Sambal Survey

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