Celebrating the vibrant and diverse flavors of Southeast Asia, the Raffles Hotel Singapore, in collaboration with Makansutra’s K.F. Seetoh, is featuring Negrense chef Nico de Asis Millanes in the relaunch of its Southeast Asia Regional Hawker Series.
The week-long culinary event started on Monday and will run until Sunday, April 13, at the Raffles Courtyard.
Chef Nico, a Bacolodnon and a graduate of the Enderun Colleges’ École Ducasse pioneer batch, brings to Singapore his signature take on Kansi – a hearty and soulful Negrense beef shank soup traditionally slow-cooked with jackfruit or langka and the uniquely tangy batwan, a fruit endemic to the Negros and Panay Islands.
Known for his refined technique and use of premium local ingredients, Chef Nico honed his craft under legendary French chef Alain Ducasse at La Cour Jardin at Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris.
He currently helms Portiko, a restaurant and bar that has become a fixture in Bacolod’s vibrant culinary scene, celebrated for its modern take on Negrense flavors – including his signature kansi. He also owns and operates two other Bacolod restaurants: Terrasse Bistro and Café Gorda.
“I’m honored to bring Kansi to an international audience,” said Chef Nico. “It’s a dish that speaks deeply of home – of warmth, resilience, and the rich culinary heritage of Negros Island. Kansi holds the heart of every Negrense household.”
He is the first Filipino chef to be invited to the Southeast Asia Regional Hawker Series*