Visiting Filipino chef Hernan Christian A. De Jesus brings the regional flavours of Luzon and the Visayas to Plates from 6 to 8 October 2026.
In the Philippines, “Kain tayo”, meaning “Let’s eat,” is more than an invitation to the table. It is an everyday expression of the warmth and generosity that define Filipino hospitality. From 6 to 8 October 2026, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings that spirit to Plates with Kain Tayo – Taste the Philippines, a three-night culinary showcase led by visiting Filipino chef Hernan Christian A. De Jesus.
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a cuisine as varied as its geography. Centuries of trade and cultural exchange with Malay, Chinese, Spanish and American influences have shaped it, and each region has developed dishes around its own produce and traditions. Rather than presenting a single “national” menu, Kain Tayo traces these regional identities, offering diners a sense of how place, climate and history come together on the Filipino plate.
Chef Hernan brings both kitchen experience and a strong commitment to preserving Filipino food culture. He is currently Partner and Executive Chef of Casa Mojica Restaurant and Executive Chef and Owner of HERNAN, his private dining and kitchen studio. He has previously led the kitchens of Provenciano Restaurant and Victorino’s Restaurant, and also works as a restaurant concept and culinary consultant.
He is a member of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement and was a Co-Founder and former Board Director of KAWA Pilipinas Foundation Inc., a humanitarian food programme. He has represented Filipino cuisine internationally, including at the Filipino Food Festival at Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou in 2025 and at the World Tapas Asian Exhibit, Festival and Competition in Malaysia in 2025 and 2026.
Kain Tayo continues Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s series of international culinary showcases, which bring the food traditions of other destinations to Colombo and give local diners and visitors a way to explore a culture through its cuisine.
