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The Delmon International Hotel in Manama is hosting its second Filipino Food Fiesta until March 20 at the CafŽ Sayah.
The festival was inaugurated by The Philippines Ambassador Eduardo Pablo M Maglaya.
He said: "Little is known to people living in Bahrain of authentic Filipino cuisine. Our food is a mixture of Cantonese and Spanish cuisines.
"The festival's food is excellent. It's like home cooked food."
Friend and fellow guest Michele Sitchon said: "It is just like mother's cooking. I will definitely come back."
The festival's menu is the brain child of Filipino Executive Chef Roman M Perales.
He has been on the island for 20 years of which 12 have been with the Delmon International.
He said: "Not everyone can adjust to Filipino cuisine. Most of the guests who come in for the festival are Filipinos but it is a good chance for others to try our food too.
"We have on offer dishes such as the kare kare which is a common favourite for cuisine lovers."
Before coming to the island Chef Roman, 56, had been working with the Manila Peninsula from where he got the chance to come work at the Palace Inn Hotel in Bahrain.
He has also spent time with the Gulf Gate Hotel and Bahrain International Hotel prior to joining the Delmon.
Chef Romano's specialisations include Filipino, Continental and Spanish food.
He said: "I worked in a Spanish restaurant back in the Philippines and that has helped me develop an interest and skills in preparing the cuisine."
Chef Romano hopes to open a restaurant serving Filipino and Spanish cuisine in the Philippines when he leaves Bahrain.
At the festival diners can get a taste of true Filipino flavours with dishes including lechon kawali, gising gising, beef caldereta, palabok, inihaw na isda, sinigang na hipon and garlic fried rice alongside a range of salads and desserts.
The buffet is open daily from 7pm to 11pm. For details, contact 17224000.
