October is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of the Filipino community. For us at Sunda New Asian, this celebration holds deep meaning. Our founder and CEO, Billy Dec, is proudly Filipino, and our culinary director and partner, Chef Mike Morales, brings his Filipino heritage to life through every dish he creates.
This October, we invite you to join us at Sunda as we celebrate Filipino American History Month with limited-time food and drink specials inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Philippines.
Rooted in Heritage
For Billy Dec, this month is personal. Recently, Billy produced a moving documentary titled FOOD ROOTS, where he travels back to the Philippines to reconnect with his family and uncover treasured recipes passed down through generations. This journey reflects the same spirit we bring to Sunda: celebrating culture through food and storytelling.
Chef Mike Morales shares this passion. Growing up in a Filipino household, many of the dishes featured this month are inspired by the flavors and traditions he knows intimately. Mike explains, “These dishes are a way to share a piece of my upbringing and the flavors that shaped my love for cooking. They represent the heart of Filipino cuisine — bold, vibrant, and deeply comforting.”
Featured Menu Items
This year’s specials highlight iconic Filipino dishes, reimagined with Sunda’s signature elevated touch. Available throughout October, these dishes and cocktails honor tradition while bringing something new to the table.
Seafood Pinakbet
A vibrant take on a Filipino classic, this dish combines mussels, clams, and shrimp with grilled kabocha squash and a velvety squash puree, all finished with a bagoong chili crisp. The result is a balance of smoky, sweet, and umami-rich flavors that showcase the depth of traditional Pinakbet in an elevated way.
“Pinakbet is a vegetable stew made with shrimp paste. Growing up in the Philippines, meals were often very meat and rice focused, so having this dish felt special. I love grilling the squash to add a beautiful char and depth of flavor. With the addition of clams, mussels, and shrimp, plus the umami-packed shrimp paste, this is the best version of Pinakbet we’ve ever made at Sunda.” – Chef Mike Morales
Bistek Ribeye
A refined interpretation of Bistek Tagalog, this dish features a 10 oz. ribeye with rich marbling, seared to perfection and topped with grilled onions, then finished with a bright lemon soy reduction and fresh chilis.
It’s a bold, flavorful centerpiece that honors a beloved Filipino classic while elevating it with premium ingredients.
“Although simple, Bistek Tagalog is one of the most popular dishes in the Tagalog region of the Southern Luzon, where this dish originated. Traditionally, it’s made with thinly sliced beef braised in soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, black pepper, and onions. At Sunda, we use a beautifully marbled ribeye, finished with our own lemon soy sauce and chilis for a refined take on a Filipino classic.” – Chef Mike Morales
Java Rice
Fragrant jasmine rice infused with achiote and warm spices, creating a vibrant, aromatic side dish that perfectly complements our featured entrées.
“Java Rice, also called Sinigapuna, originates from the southern island of Mindanao. It’s cooked with turmeric and spices and shares similarities to the Indonesian dish Nasi Kuning. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and a perfect complement to our featured dishes.” – Chef Mike Morales
Cocktails to Celebrate
Our bar team has created signature cocktails inspired by Filipino flavors to complement this month’s specials.
Doroma Star Martini
A tropical and effervescent martini crafted with vodka, vanilla passionfruit syrup, lime juice, and yuzu liqueur, finished with a splash of Zipang sparkling sake for a light, refreshing sparkle.
Singang Sour
A bold, tangy cocktail featuring bourbon, tamarind syrup, lemon juice, and a blend of angostura and orange bitters, inspired by the sweet and sour flavors of traditional Filipino Sinigang soup.
Celebrate With Us
Join us at Sunda throughout October as we pay tribute to Filipino heritage with special dishes and cocktails crafted by Chef Mike Morales and our team.
Whether you’re visiting for a full dinner or stopping by for a cocktail, this celebration is an opportunity to experience the flavors, traditions, and stories that make Filipino cuisine so unique. Make your reservation at SundaNewAsian.com.
Learn More & Get Involved
You can also learn more about Filipino American History Month and its significance at Filipino American National Historical Society.
