Filipino Classics
Manila, Philippines — SIMPOL ushers in the season with the launch of the SIMPOL x Arla Holiday Gourmet Cook-Off, now live on the Simpol YouTube channel. This festive special shows how real-dairy Arla Cheese can transform one of the Philippines’ most iconic dishes: Lumpia Shanghai.
Hosted by Chef Tatung Sarthou, the cook-off highlights a simple holiday truth—Filipino classics become even more memorable with thoughtful, flavorful upgrades.
“Lumpia Shanghai is something we all grew up with,” Chef Tatung says. “But when you add cheese with real natural ingredients, it becomes comforting and exciting all at once.”
A Cheesy Upgrade to a Filipino Staple
Chef Tatung opens the feature with his Simpol-style Cheesy Lumpia Shanghai, using Arla
Tex Mex, a natural cheese blend known for its clean flavor and smooth melt. He demonstrates how to season the filling, roll the lumpia neatly, and fry them low and slow for perfect crispness.
The twist works for one reason: Real dairy. Real cheese. Real flavor.
“Arla uses real milk,” Chef Tatung notes. “Its melting quality is incredible. It enhances the lumpia instead of overpowering it.”
Holiday Hosts & Tastemakers Take on the Challenge
The SIMPOL x Arla Holiday Gourmet Cook-Off brings together a diverse group of creators, each offering a fresh spin on holiday lumpia using their choice of Arla cheeses.
Featured Guest Creators & Their Cheesy Twists
Pepper.ph
Pepper.ph, a modern Filipino classic food platform with Chef Hendog General at the forefront, prepared a Garlic Cheese Sauce, a smooth Mornay-style dip made with Arla Gouda and Arla Cream Cheese for a restaurant-level finish.
Barni & The Kids
Bambi and Arni Dy of Barni & The Kids, the beloved parents of athlete Kianna Dy, as well as content creators Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika, cooked a Four-Cheese Lumpia Dip using Arla Mozzarella, Havarti, Emmental, and Tex-Mex for a gooey, pizza-like pull – perfect for big family gatherings this holiday.
Kaila Dy
Kaila, one of the famous Dy sisters known for her fun content, prepared a beginner-friendly Cream Cheese Lumpia Mix that folds Arla Cream Cheese directly into the filling for extra juiciness and richness.
What’s Your Ulam, Pare?
What’s Your Ulam, Pare?, a thriving Pinoy Facebook community with 1M members celebrating and sharing home-cooked meals and food inspiration, whipped up Dynamite Shanghai with cheese pull, generously packed with bold flavors, thanks to Arla Mozzarella for the stretch.
Real Cheese, Real Holiday Flavor
The feature ends with a festive tasting table showcasing all the creations. For Chef Tatung, the heart of the SIMPOL x Arla Holiday Gourmet Cook-Off lies in joyful experimentation and accessible holiday cooking.
“The special ingredient is Arla cheese,” he says. “Add a cheesy twist to your favorite Christmas dishes—you might just discover your next Noche Buena classic.”
WATCH THE FULL FEATURE VIDEO
Every twist. Every tip. Every cheesy moment—perfect for your holiday inspiration.
