Barrio Fiesta opens in Dubai; bringing a blend of traditional and fusion cuisine from the Philippines
 

Dubai, UAE Nov 11, 2009:  Yesterday, Barrio Fiesta fired up its kitchens for the first time in the UAE as it took its first steps into the Middle East market. Present at the opening was Philippine Consul General Benito Valeriano, Mr. Syed Salahuddin, Managing Director of ETA-ASCON Star Group, Happy Ongpauco, Celebrity Chef and Director , Barrio Fiesta Group of Restaurants and Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of ETA-STAR Retail.

“The opening of Barrio Fiesta is an exciting milestone for ETA-Star Retail, as well as the Ongpauco family who have grown the brand into one of the leading traditional family restaurants in the Philippines,” said Ishwar Chugani

Celebrity Chef, Happy Ongpauco, brings mouth watering cuisines from the Philippines such as the Kare-Kare; a Barrio Fiesta speciality made from beef oxtail and a variety of vegetables cooked in a traditional peanut sauce, the ever popular Sinigang na Hipon; a tamarind flavoured soup with shrimps and vegetables and the all time favourite Halo Halo, a traditional Filipino dessert of mixed fruits and beans served on crushed ice, milk and ice cream. Happy approaches her dishes with great integrity, consistent to the original recipes.

Commenting at the opening, Happy Ongpauco said, “This new addition to Barrio Fiesta’s global presence marks a new chapter in an institution and business that has grown over the last 50 years. We are pleased to be sharing these gastronomic delights with food lovers of the UAE and offer the Filipinos here a taste of home. “

The Filipino community is now the 4th largest ethnic group in the UAE. As part of ETA-STAR Retail’s expansion plans and strategy to identify niche business opportunities, we decided to enter this venture to provide the Filipino community a place just like home where they can meet, eat and invite their friends to savour Traditional Filipino delicacies. Having grown up in the Philippines and living here for over 30 years, it was my  dream to do something for the community and Barrio Fiesta is an endeavour very close to my heart, “ Ishwar Chugani said.

Barrio Fiesta is located in the new extension of Bur Juman Centre. The restaurant covers an area of over 3,000 square feet and when fully operational will have a capacity to serve 100 people. A lot of attention to detail was put into the design of the restaurant; with authentic materials and decorations sourced from the Philippines. The main entrance is made entirely from Mother of Pearl.
Established in 1952, Barrio Fiesta currently has 50 restaurants in the Philippines and the U.S.A.