Budgie Montoya is the chef and creative force behind Sarap and Apoy, taking his ventures from an intimate supper club in 2017 to critically acclaimed London restaurants by 2020. His bold, joyful cooking redefined Filipino flavours, helping put modern Filipino cuisine firmly on the city’s culinary map.
Budgie has appeared as a guest on MasterChef UK and competed on BBC’s Great British Menu (2023), representing London and the South East. He has cooked at standout venues including Oranj and The Sun & 13 Cantons, along with international pop-ups in El Nido, Manila, and Seattle. He has headlined banquets at Australia House and Wilderness, and appeared at festivals such as Meatopia, Big Grill, and CelebrASIA. His recipes have featured in The Guardian, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and Great British Chefs.
With 13 years in professional kitchens, including Dean Street Townhouse and Michelin-starred Restaurant Story, Budgie now focuses on consultancy projects, helping brands, chefs, and organisations connect cultures through food.