Wonder what happens when an inventive mind decides to combine the iconic and ubiquitous “sari-sari” store or a neighborhood “tindahan” with an upscale specialty deli? Celebrity Chef, award-winning cookbook author and serial restopreneur, Chef Tatung Sarthou, did just that and introduces TINDELI—a Filipino-themed delicatessen and café dedicated to bringing the flavors of the Philippines without having to travel far.

Homemade with Love

Chef Tatung shares that “The food we serve and sell for Tindeli is custom-made for the store, giving it a very individualized touch. We bake our own breads and pastries. We also make our own sausages, wood smoked bacon, longganisa, chorizos, and other charcuterie. I’d love to have the diners enjoy Filipino flavors, anytime and anywhere.”

It is not really a surprise to anyone who follows Chef Tatung as he shares his arsenal of homemade bacon, sausages, longganisa, and even cold cuts in his social media accounts. With a fan base of its own, Chef Tatung’s much loved baked breads (especially his classic and rustic sourdough) will be available in the deli. Paired with curated jars of spreads, salad dressings and dips, these goodies are the perfect “pasalubong”, gifts or take-home treats. When asked what his specialty in the house is, Chef Tatung would beam with pride at his Christmas Ensaymada with homemade wood smoked Hamon, Chicken Galantina, Quezo de Bola and Salted Egg Brioche buns, and the special TINDESALs. Tindesals are oversized, open-faced pandesal topped with generous, creamy, and chunky fillings such as chicken salad and longganisa spreads. All these delicious goodies are yes, familiar and homey, yet expertly cooked and prepared for the best dining experience.

Young Modern Filipino

Chef Tatung says Tindeli is “not meant to be a fancy place, but a cozy spot where one can relax and chill with good homemade food and good coffee or tea—alone or with friends and family. It is, however, a beautifully designed deli and café crafted with the diner’s comfort in mind.”

Chef Tatung personally handpicked the colors and the design of Tindeli. He had an image in his mind, highlighting both and equally the traditional elements of Filipino design. One such example is of the “solihiya” or what we call the thin rattan woven into sunburst patterns with the vibrancy of modern, young, and global diners. The warmth projected by the local elements provide a perfect backdrop for comfortable and familiar dining. The lively hues and elements of modern art, on the other hand, makes the Filipino deli and café appear contemporary and relaxed.

Business Outlook for Tindeli

Chef Tatung is looking at opening more Tindeli Café & Deli in key cities around the metro and provincial areas in the next two to three years. His confidence comes from the ease of doing the business as they have dedicated support systems for the food components as well as years of experience in the restaurant business management.

Chef Tatung, through his company, VK Foods Concepts Inc., can provide all food requirements of as much as twenty stores by early next year; 2024. His management team of restaurant operators are all seasoned veterans given that they all have actual and relevant years of experience in running restaurants.

Chef invites everyone to “Join us in celebrating the essence of Filipino gastronomy, culture, and tradition with every bite and sip.” Let us step into the Pinoy na Pinoy na deli and café where the culinary magic of Chef Tatung unfolds with very dish, bread, pasty, dessert, and drink.

Tindeli Filipino Deli & Café by Chef Tatung is located at Gateway 2 Mall, Araneta Center. Fore reservations, call 0956 660 5913. Like and follow @TindeliPH on Facebbok and @tindeli.ph on Instagram to know more.