Inside Dara Hong Kong’s Modern Filipino Restaurant
Dining

Inside Dara Hong Kong’s Modern Filipino Restaurant

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Inside Dara Hong Kong’s Modern Filipino Restaurant

In Hong Kong, Filipino food has long existed in plain sight. It is deeply loved by the Filipino community, yet often overlooked by everyone else. Before Dara became a modern Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong, it was a family cooking out of their home during the pandemic. Led by Darang Mel, whose Kapampangan recipes were inspired by her own mother, the Bunoan family began preparing comfort food for a community that missed home.

In this episode of The Grind, we follow Darang Mel, her son Jermaine Bunoan, and the rest of the team as they balance family, tradition and the brutal realities of running a destination restaurant in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

LOCATION:
Dara
Shop 3, 5-6, G/F, Soho 189, No. 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Follow Dara:
https://www.facebook.com/hkg.dara/
https://www.instagram.com/dara_hkg

Special thanks to:
Imelda Bunoan
Jermaine Bunoan
Jon Bunoan
Mark Korponay
Alyssa Menchavez
Jay Brodit
Ehrica Maristela

Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(0:50) Busy Hong Kong
(1:45) Jermaine
(2:45) Darang Mel
(5:25) The Beginnings
(6:40) The Rise
(14:10) The Struggles
(16:00) The Magic
(18:00) Outro

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The Fat Kid Inside Studios

Erwan Heussaff – Founder
Kashka Gaddi – Creative Director
Eamonn Quizon – Cinematographer
Edel Valera – Story Producer
Harold Singzon – Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod – Story Producer
Kleo Balares – Supervising Producer
Hans Rivera – Creative Director
Janelle Sy – Content Producer
Elyzza Ragodon – Associate Producer
Julius Rivera – Videographer
Lorraine Santos – Editor
Dana Blasé – Editor
Kim Arroyo – Editor
Evan Olfato – Editor
Hazel Juniosa – Editor
Whilhem Lorena – Multimedia Editor
RM Alfonso – Multimedia Editor
Martin Narisma – Food Editor
Ynna Gaita – Junior Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos – Social Media and Content Manager
Chester Velasco – Studio Manager & Camera Operator
Kevin Amponin – Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac – Colorist
Sofia Paderes – Graphic Artist & Illustrator
Joshua Gonzales – Graphic Designer
Dajed Binauhan – Multimedia Artist
Eros Deocariza – Multimedia Artist
Bianca Adriano – Accounts & Sales Coordinator
Donalyn Aranda – Administrative Accountant
Jennylyn Quizon – Admin Accounting Assistant
Marvin Hernandez – Messenger
Janette Mellina – Office Maintenance Personnel
Sandy Mellina – Office Maintenance Personnel

Content Creators:
Seth Alonzo
Samuelle Bawasanta
Trisha Chua
Nica Soledad

Interns:
Fionna Virgo
Dharlene Ilagan
John Gabriel Gemzon

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25 Comments

  1. @Ewonghaseyo

    I wish they had a proper Philippine flag or Philippine map on display. Their decoration now doesn’t really look Filipino at all. Other than that, I wish them success. ‘Will definitely visit them next time I’m back in HK

  4. @jahwade3

    What an amazing group of Filipinos. The restaurant seems on its way to a Michelin recognition. I would love to dine whenever I come back to HK.

    Good luck to the folks at Dara.
    #FilipinoFoodForward

  7. @Angela-rq3vg

    This video is a testament to how powerful a mother's love is.🥹💓 I hope Darang Mel/Mommy Mel continues to be joyful and healthy💕

  8. @inbetweenworlds

    Such a lovely feature! I frequent HK. I will make it a point to visit! Dara Mel is gangster as an OG HK OFW. 💪💯

  9. @jcastle06

    One of the reason bakit hindi masyadong kilala Filipino food dahil rin sa ibang Pinoy na grabe pumuna sa luto or style ng kapwa nila Pinoy. Lagi mong makikita or mababasa sa mga comments na "Mali 'yan kasi hindi ganyan luto namin.", "Hindi naman ganyan ingredients niyan eh, not authentic.", etc. Masyadong sarado ang utak nila on how to elevate Filipino food.

  11. @estephanienanettedchan8399

    If you're looking for authentic Filipino food, this place is a must-visit! Every dish has that comforting homemade taste that reminds you of family gatherings and traditional Filipino cooking. The ambiance perfectly captures the Filipino spirit, warm, welcoming, and full of positive energy. Highly recommended!

  14. @cindyabel1010

    I really felt the passion and pride of Darang Mel. I also love cooking and have so far been successful in impressing all of our British guests to a point that some are willing to invest on me i.e., to put up a resto or a takeaway. I'm still trying to conquer my fears though, fighting against that voice in my head saying, "maybe I'm not good enough".

  16. @victorinobaltazar1273

    I love this episode. It shows a mother's love to her family and to her cooking. I love the food and the drinks at Dara. Truly Dara has elevated Filipino cuisine.

  18. @KusineroNovoRecords

    Nakaka Proud as a Filipino Cook and as a OFW na may naglilift ng mga putahe nating mga Filipino sa ibang bansa. Love it here from Kuwait to Nueva Ecija!

  22. @themoreuhatedamoreulab

    I love reading comments here po talaga.. at lalo na pag si kuya erwan Ang nakikita sa videos,😛❤️ parang na pupunta ka sa ibang atmosphere eh . Ung vibes at ung story ng mga tao .. daming learnings po. . Thank you feather and also the crew.. at staff at camera man .. napaka quality ng videos nyo po .. 🤎

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