Heritage in a box: Filipino comfort food bento-style at the Philippine Pavilion

At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Philippine Pavilion offers a culinary experience that tells a story. At the heart of this immersive experience is Hain, operated by Via Mare, a take-out concept that brings the warmth and soul of Filipino cuisine into a contemporary, bento-style presentation.

‘Hain’, which directly translates to ‘to serve’ in Filipino, is a culinary tribute to the country’s rich gastronomic heritage. Its menu was specially curated by one of the country’s acclaimed food and beverage institutions, Via Mare. Hain offers a modern take on traditional Filipino flavors, a heritage cuisine re-imagined for today’s fast-paced, global lifestyle. It aims to deliver accessible yet deeply rooted Filipino dishes while preserving its cultural soul and authenticity. Each element of the bento box goes beyond taste, rather it evokes nostalgia and pride, and a deep connection to the Filipino identity.

A tribute to heritage, made for the world

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines partnered with Via Mare on account of their mutual commitment to refinement and respect for culinary heritage, which lies at the core of Hain. Its bento-style format draws inspiration to the Japanese culinary aesthetics and discipline. Yet, each box remains unmistakably Filipino from the flavors to the stories behind them, staying true to Via Mare’s long-standing promise of authentic yet elevated local cuisine.

“Curating the menu was a labor of love,” said Antonio Laron, Restaurant Manager at Hain. “We had to balance flavor profiles, textures, and visual appeal, all while ensuring the dishes remained satisfying in compact portions.” Every element of the box was carefully chosen not just for how it tastes, but for what it represents.

Nostalgia in every bite

The menu’s development was a meticulous process but the results speak for themselves. Dishes such as Lechon Bisaya, Lumpiang Binondo, and Bam-I Guisado have drawn attention for how well they translate across cultures that offer a sense of familiarity. Lechon Bisaya is essentially roasted pork, Lumpiang Binondo resembles wrapped rolls found in other Southeast Asian countries, while Bam-I Guisado is a Visayan noodle dish rich in savory flavors. All three have recognizable parallels around the globe, making them ideal entry points for discovering Filipino cuisine on one’s own terms.

The expanded menu delves deeper into regional Filipino specialties. These include Inasal na Manok, which is a grilled chicken dish from Bacolod and Iloilo known for its savory, tangy profile; Sisig, a crunchy and flavorful dish made from chopped pork jowls; and Pinaputok na Tilapia, deep-fried with a medley of native herbs and spices infused in the fish (Tilapia). These are complemented by ‘Empanaditas’ or bite-sized turnovers filled with savory meat and vegetable fillings; and two comforting noodle dishes: Pancit con Caldo, a comforting egg noodle soup with shredded chicken and vegetables, and Pancit Molo, a Visayan dumpling soup served in a rich chicken broth.

And to end on a sweet note, Filipino desserts such as Turon, sweet banana slices and jackfruit wrapped in spring roll wrapper, and Suman at Mangga, sticky rice cooked in coconut milk paired with ripe mangoes, offer a nostalgic finish that’s both comforting and refined.

A cultural experience

For many diners, Filipino cuisine evokes more than just flavor — it brings back childhood memories, shared family meals, and moments of warmth and connection. At Hain, this emotional response validates the deeper purpose behind the concept. Laron added “It’s about giving people, especially those new to Filipino food, a way in. A way to experience not just a dish, but a story told in parts that, together, form a more vivid whole.”

Beyond the food, Hain is a cultural ambassador that reshapes global perceptions of Filipino cuisine. It presents Filipino food in a new light, one that is vibrant, diverse, and adaptable. “Presenting it in a format that is modern yet mindful helps dispel stereotypes and elevates our food to the recognition it deserves—not just as comfort food, but as a reflection of our culture, history, identity, and creativity,” Laron emphasized.

Filipino excellence on the global stage

Whether you’re taking your first bite of Filipino food or you’re in search of comfort through flavors, Hain offers a meaningful, multi-sensory experience. Located at the Empowering Lives Zone, just a few steps from the East Gate, the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 invites visitors to discover a rich tapestry of heritage and modernity.