Food content creator and TikTok sensation Abi Marquez, famously dubbed the “Lumpia Queen,” has once again caught the culinary world’s attention by putting a Filipino spin on Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish, Beef Wellington. This playful yet skillful feat began with a daring challenge from the British celebrity chef himself.
The Challenge: Lumpia Meets Beef Wellington
Abi first captured Ramsay’s interest through her TikTok post showcasing crab cake lumpia. Intrigued by her creativity, Ramsay cheekily commented, “Can you make a lumpia out of my famous Beef Wellington?” This dish, a hallmark of British cuisine, consists of beef tenderloin wrapped in pâté, duxelles (a finely chopped mushroom mixture), Parma ham, and puff pastry. It’s baked to golden perfection and considered one of Ramsay’s most iconic creations.
Abi, known for her vibrant personality, initially reacted to Ramsay’s comment with excitement and humor, exclaiming, “ANONG IRE-REPLY KO, HUHUHU” (What do I even reply?). Determined to rise to the challenge, she quipped about achieving “lumpia world domination.”
Creating the Masterpiece
Taking Ramsay’s dare to heart, Abi set out to create her unique version of Beef Wellington lumpia. Her process, captured on TikTok, showed her wrapping the classic elements of the dish in delicate lumpia wrappers before frying them to crispy perfection. She captioned the video, “WILL CHEF APPROVE?”
Abi then had the opportunity to present her creation to Ramsay in person. The moment was unforgettable: Ramsay took a bite, leaned in for a hug, and exclaimed, “I f*cking loved it!” Overjoyed, Abi instinctively gave Ramsay several enthusiastic pats on the back, a gesture that delighted Filipino viewers who found it “so Pinoy.”
A “Very Posh Spring Roll”
Ramsay didn’t hold back in praising Abi’s dish, describing it as “absolutely exquisite” and the “most glamorous spring roll I’ve ever eaten.” During a fan Q&A at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on January 20, he highlighted her creativity and skill, calling her version of the Beef Wellington a standout culinary innovation.
Filipino Charm on Display
Abi’s natural reaction to Ramsay’s compliment endeared her even more to her Filipino audience. Many viewers found her celebratory back pats to Ramsay hilariously relatable, commenting, “The paghampas (patting) is so Filipino!” and “No one’s safe from a Pinoy’s joyful hampas.”
Abi embraced the comments, humorously replying, “Walang ligtas sa hampas” (No one escapes the pats). Her authenticity and talent have cemented her status as a beloved food content creator.
Ramsay in the Philippines
Gordon Ramsay’s visit to the Philippines coincided with the success of his Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Newport World Resorts, which garnered over 10,000 reservations within a month of its August 2024 opening. His visit not only celebrated the restaurant’s achievements but also highlighted the Philippines’ rich and evolving culinary scene.
Abi’s creative twist on a global classic and her interaction with one of the world’s top chefs exemplify the growing recognition of Filipino food and culture on the international stage. The Lumpia Queen has proven that even the simplest dishes can become culinary masterpieces when infused with heart, heritage, and a dash of daring.
