The “I Love Aussie Lamb” Fest has been running since last month, tempting food lovers across Metro Manila with creative takes on one of Australia’s most celebrated meats. The festival, which continues until September 15, is led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and brings together some of the city’s most loved dining spots to show just how versatile Australian Lamb can be.
Whether you’re into fine dining, laid-back comfort food, or even a cheeky burger, participating restaurants are plating up unique lamb dishes that prove this meat belongs on every kind of table.
Lamb with a global twist
“Aussie Lamb has always been about premium quality, sustainability, and flavour that inspires chefs and delights diners. Raised on open pastures and nourished on natural grass, Aussie Lamb is naturally rich in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and nutritious choice,” said Luisa Rust, Australian Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner.
She added, “We’re delighted to see leading restaurants across the Philippines – from fine dining to casual eateries – embracing Aussie Lamb and showcasing its versatility in truly innovative ways.”
On the lineup are top names like I am Angus, Chesa Bianca, Cyma, Discovery Primea, Souv, Dr. Wine, Mamacita, Bondi & Bourke, Brothers Burger, Blackbird, Elaia, Hossein’s, Persia Grill, People’s Palace, and Sala. Each has crafted special dishes that highlight the tender cuts and rich flavour of lamb raised on Australia’s open pastures.
From kaldereta to kebabs
Australian Lamb isn’t just about roasts and steaks. Its wide range of cuts makes it easy to adapt to Filipino favourites such as kaldereta, adobo, and sinigang, as well as international crowd-pleasers like Mediterranean roasts, Middle Eastern kebabs, and Asian stir-fries.
Chef Roby Goco, long a champion of Aussie Lamb through his restaurants Cyma Greek Taverna and Souv! by Cyma, continues to spread the love. In 2024, he was named the Philippines’ first “Lambassador” by Meat & Livestock Australia – part of a global movement promoting the meat’s quality and versatility.
An invitation to dig in
With the festival running until September 15, there’s still time to grab a fork and experience lamb dishes you won’t find every day.
For Filipino-Australians who are currently back home in the Philippines and have been missing the taste of lamb, this is a delicious reminder of what you’ve long enjoyed. And for Filipinos who have yet to try lamb, here’s your chance to discover why it’s a staple across Australia and loved around the world.
