What makes people drive all the way to Silang for Chef Rhea Rizzo’s cooking? Now, a taste of Mrs. Saldo’s is coming to Balmori Chef’s Table, with familiar favorites and new dishes worth making room for.
Some restaurants make you want to come back for a particular dish. For Mrs. Saldo’s in Silang, Cavite, the appeal is in the food that keeps people talking, and bringing their friends along. Now, Chef Rhea Rizzo is bringing that following to Rockwell again with Nayam by Mrs. Saldo’s, a pop-up at Balmori Chef’s Table that gives Metro Manila diners a chance to find out what the fuss is about.
A Love Letter Across Continents
Rooted in her Filipina heritage, French culinary training, and years abroad, Chef Rhea’s menu at Nayam blends local and global influences. The lineup pairs three signature Mrs. Saldo’s best-sellers with 80% brand-new, rotating creations.
A highlight on the new menu is the Gulai Ayam, a fusion that pairs French-style Duck Confit with a rich, fragrant yellow curry Chef Rhea mastered during her time in Malaysia. For texture and depth, the dish is finished with Indonesian Sambal Embe (crispy shallots, chili, and garlic), fresh Kaffir lime, and local calamansi.
“It’s about bringing all those components and memories from the countries I’ve lived in and loved, and putting them together onto a single plate,” Chef Rhea notes.
For diners looking to experience Mrs. Saldo’s for the first time, Chef Rhea recommends indulging in a mix of classic hits and new interpretations:
Start with the classic Crab Dip—a rich, cheesy favorite served with homemade sourdough—or opt for a playful new menu entry, the Peanut & Bagoong Korean Fried Chicken. Inspired by Filipino kare-kare and her recent travels to Korea, this inventive dish is finished with crispy dilis and a bright yuzu yogurt.
For sharing-style mains, the Barramundi remains a classic favorite, pairing delicate sea bass with an aromatic kaffir beurre noisette, capers, and crisp sourdough croutons. Joining the lineup as a Rockwell-exclusive new creation is the Salmon with Fresh Sambal Matah, where crisp pan-fried salmon meets rich Goan curry, crispy coconut saba, and zesty sambal matah, a traditional raw Balinese chili condiment.
For a sweet finish, Nayam offers a variety of desserts, including the Mango Coconut Sticky Rice topped with salted coconut and white chocolate-coconut ganache, alongside the signature Mrs. Saldo’s Earl Grey & Chocolate Cake with Lapsang Souchong meringue.
Indulge in the thoughtful comfort, lush ambiance, and playful cross-cultural flavors of Chef Rhea Rizzo’s Nayam by Mrs. Saldo’s, available until January 5 at Rockwell’s Balmori Chef’s Table.
For reservations, contact 09542353702.
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