Famous Asian resto to offer its version of Pinoy boodle fight this October
Sunda New Asian to serve boodle fight staples this Fil-Am History Month | Photos from Rockit Ranch Productions/Vimeo
We’re barely halfway through Filipino American History Month yet a myriad of cultural festivities, exhibits, and live gigs have already lit up the calendar. With more promising events in the pipeline, all we’re left to do is pick which ones to roll with.
But if you like commemorating your roots the classic way—a.k.a. filling your belly with authentic Filipino food—here’s a recommendation: the kamayan feast at Michelin-recommended Sunda New Asian.
It’s an elevated version of boodle fight, which is a traditional eating style in the Philippines. Imagine a long table adorned with banana leaves, heaping piles of white rice, various types of meat, fresh veggies, and an assortment of side dishes all spread out before you.
The setup alone is a feast for the eyes. But the real highlight of this culinary experience is the bayanihan spirit it fosters as you share the meal with your family and/or friends—or even strangers—and dig in with bare hands.
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Pinoy boodle fight (the Sunda New Asian version)
In an episode of a Chicago-based TV program, founder and CEO Billy Dec personally prepared the restaurant’s rendition of the Pinoy communal fare.
The spread includes jasmine rice, crispy pata, chicken inasal, garlic shrimp skewers, adobo pork belly, lumpia egg rolls, green beans, fresh fruits, and a selection of Pinoy dipping sauce: garlic vinegar, sweet and sour, and chili.
It’s like a parade of Filipino flavors—with each dish carrying the essence of the country’s culinary culture. “You can order this entire chef’s block of feast for your table [at Sunda]. It’s a great way to take a trip around the islands of the Philippines,” Dec says.
Besides Filipino dishes, Sunda New Asian also offers an array of Southeast Asian cuisine and some from Japan and China. So, in case you’re up for an elevated culinary journey around Asia, this restaurant can be your one-stop destination.
A documentary on Dec’s culinary identity
Fun fact: Dec is also an Emmy Award winner venturing into creative media. His latest project is “Food Roots,” a documentary film where the Chicago restaurateur embarks on an adventure through his mother’s native land, the Philippines.
He explores the depths of family recipes, cultural treasures, and even a few family secrets, all while crisscrossing bustling cities, mountain villages, and remote islands.
You may catch its screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Oct. 13, and at the Chicago International Film Festival on Oct. 19 and 21.
