"ULAM: Main Dish" is a 2018 documentary film that explores the diaspora of Filipino cuisine in the United States. It is directed by Alexandra Cuerdo and features prominent Filipino-American chefs such as Alvin Cailan and Nicole Ponseca. The film starts with a brief history of the Philippines and its colonial past, which has heavily influenced its cuisine. It then explores the rise of Filipino food in the United States and how it has evolved over time. The documentary features several chefs and restaurateurs who are working to bring Filipino food to the forefront of the culinary scene.
One of the central figures in the film is Alvin Cailan, a chef and entrepreneur who started out with a humble food truck in Los Angeles. Cailan talks about his journey from working in his parents' restaurant to building his own empire, including a popular breakfast spot called Eggslut. He also talks about the challenges of creating a business and staying true to his Filipino roots.
Nicole Ponseca, owner of two New York City restaurants - Maharlika and Jeepney - is another prominent figure in the film. Ponseca talks about her mission to introduce Filipino cuisine to a wider audience and how she has used food as a way to connect with her heritage.
The film also features several other influential Filipino-American chefs, including Chad Valencia of LASA in Los Angeles, Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint in Washington D.C., and Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam in Brooklyn. These chefs share their own stories and experiences of working in the food industry.
Throughout the film, the chefs discuss the challenges of making Filipino food popular in the United States. Many Americans are unfamiliar with the cuisine, and the chefs often have to educate their customers about the ingredients and flavors of Filipino dishes. There is also a sense of pride in sharing their heritage through food, and many of the chefs see their work as a way to connect with their roots and empower their community.
"ULAM: Main Dish" also touches on the history of Filipino immigration to the United States and how that has impacted the cuisine. The film includes interviews with historians and scholars who provide context for the diaspora of Filipino culture, particularly in the West Coast.
Overall, "ULAM: Main Dish" is a fascinating look at the rise of Filipino food in the United States and the people who are working to make it a staple of American cuisine. The film is a celebration of the rich history and diverse flavors of Filipino food, and it will leave viewers hungry to explore this cuisine for themselves.
ULAM: Main Dish is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
