Chef Ben Roquero shares his migration journey from working on cruise ships to becoming a successful head chef in Melbourne, Australia. He discusses his innovative Filipino fusion cuisine, his frozen Filipino sesame ball business (Breea’s Buchi), and offers advice to aspiring migrants.
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over twitter @realmikosantos!
In this episode, we cover:
Chef Ben worked in cruise ships for 7 years before migrating to Australia in 2014 on a 457 visa
Currently serves as head chef at a private golf club in Melbourne while running Breea’s Buchi business
Creates fusion dishes incorporating Filipino flavors into Western cuisine
Overcame initial challenges including financial struggles and cultural adjustment
Emphasizes the importance of planning, starting small, and thinking big for success
Episode Summary
The episode begins with Chef Ben sharing his career progression from working in the Middle East and cruise ships to settling in Melbourne. He discusses the challenges of early migration, including surviving on limited funds and adjusting to Australian work culture.
Chef Ben explains his approach to introducing Filipino flavors through fusion cuisine at his current position as head chef at a private golf club. He also details his innovative business, Breea’s Buchi , which combines traditional Filipino sesame balls with modern techniques inspired by fried ice cream. The conversation covers topics including overcoming homesickness through technology, building a family in Australia, and his vision for promoting Filipino cuisine in Melbourne.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
What Listeners Will Learn:
Migration process and challenges in Australia
Strategies for introducing ethnic cuisine to new markets
Business development in the food industry
Work-life balance in Australian hospitality
Tips for successful migration and career building
Music:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/moonshine
License code: O6B7BV39QDARYJJZ
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-lainson/over-the-sea
License code: UQ3B9QG1J47D7TOR
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/happiness
License code: HS0YLR4EYUGBWG9N
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