Ivy Cakes & Pans – The Art of Cultural Food Creation

Credits

Photographs provided by Ms. Ivy Chabon

Words: Jeminah Birkner, ISLA MAGAZINE

Heritage in a plate creations by Ivy Chabon

For orders and Inquiries contact: +49 1590 1998452

Instagram Page: @Filipinodishinmunich

Facebook Page: Ivy Chabon

Up Close with Ivy Chabon: Where Art Meets Flavor in Filipino-Inspired Canapés. In the world of gastronomy, there are chefs who cook, and then there are artists who craft edible masterpieces—Ms. Ivy Chabon belongs to the latter. Ivy grew up in three different cities because of her father’s work, but Osamiz, Philippines was where she stayed the longest, Ivy was raised by her mother and grandmother, two women who deeply influenced her passion for food. Traditional Osamiz cooking revolves around the use of “Sugnod” (smoked coconut husks) and pugon (wood-fired ovens), which infuse dishes with a distinct depth of flavor that modern techniques often struggle to replicate.

Ivy’s journey in the kitchen began at the tender age of five when she learned to cook using clay pots and indigenous flavors. These early experiences shaped her palate and honed her ability to instinctively balance flavors, a skill that would later define her unique approach to food. Her natural determination and quick learning made her stand out, she had makings of a great architect because of her love of building and design —an unconventional yet profoundly impactful foundation for her culinary career. The discipline of drawing her designs instilled in her a meticulous approach to food presentation, structure, and layering, resulting in dishes that are not only flavourful but also visually stunning.

Ivy Chabon in Philippine Embassy Berlin
Pork Floss Buns
Salted Egg Cashew Nuts

Today, Ivy Chabon is known for her ability to reimagine Filipino cuisine, transforming nostalgic flavors into exquisite canapés and delicacies that seamlessly blend heritage and artistry. Her mastery lies in her ability to take traditional Filipino ingredients—Calamansi, Ube, Pandan, adobo, and more—and elevate them with modern fine-dining techniques. Whether it’s a delicately plated Adobo Floss Buns or a beautifully layered Palabok Macarons, every bite of her creations tells a story of culture, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Her culinary excellence has led her to participate in prestigious events, showcasing her work to diverse audiences. She has been a featured chef at Ube Fest since 2022, where she highlights the versatility of the beloved purple yam in gourmet creations. In 2024, she presented her artful canapés at Ambiente, one of the world’s leading consumer goods trade fairs at Messe Frankfurt, introducing her fusion of Filipino flavors to an international market. Beyond the Filipino community, Ivy’s artistry has also graced Germany’s traditional Weihnachtsmarkt in Oberasbach (2023), where she introduced holiday-goers to Filipino delicacies with a modern twist. Most recently, she played a key role in the launch of Rizal Wine at the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt (June 2024), where her carefully crafted food pairings enhanced the appreciation of this Filipino-inspired wine. Her dedication to sharing Filipino cuisine has also brought her to cultural and diplomatic events such as the Independence Day celebration at the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt (June 2023), the Frankfurt Buchmesse was the biggest and most impactful event for Ivy last 2023 and 2024, and recently the Costura Filipina 2024, where food meets fashion and heritage show got her as one of the catering suppliers.

However, Ivy is far from done. Passionate and endlessly curious, she is still in the process of mastering the craft of cultural and traditional food creation. She believes that food is an evolving art, and she is determined to continue innovating, refining, and pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine. With every dish she creates, she not only pays homage to her roots but also paves the way for the future of Filipino culinary artistry—one exquisite bite at a time.

Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Matcha Cupcakes

Ivy takes Cake orders as well in her area in Munich & nearby towns. Not only is it visually stunning, the taste is impeccable! Try it now!

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