With over ten years of experience, I began my training in Manila and continue to hone my craft here in New Zealand. My cooking brings together the best of East and West blending flavours, techniques, and traditions to create dishes that feel both familiar and exciting, with a special focus on Filipino and Southeast Asian influences.

I love creating food that’s fun, expressive, and full of stories. My aim is always to keep the atmosphere relaxed while delivering something truly memorable on the table.

My main goal is to nourish and satisfy, making every dining experience memorable.

For me, cooking is...

my way of nourishing others and crafting unforgettable dining experiences that bring people together and hopefully bring a smile to my guest.

I learned to cook at...

Curiosity led me to cooking. I trained in Manila, worked overseas, and continue refining my skills here in New Zealand.

A cooking secret...

Let ingredients shine, understand each guest's needs, and create personalised, memorable dining experiences.

My menus

East Meets West: Chef’s 6-Course Showcase

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Avocado Sesame Smoked Salmon on Toast

Bruschetta, Mozzarella, Tomato, Proscuitto

Chicken liver, Strawberry, Sourdough

Tomato, Kiwi, Balsamic , Burrata

Baked Cheese Oyster

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Baba ganoush, Miso caramel, Flat Bread

Barbeque chicken skewer on lettuce kasundi

Broccoli, Carrot puree, Almonds, Mushroom, Adobo jus

Cauliflower Steak, Romesco, Salsa Verde, Almonds

Courgette, Yoghurt, Mint, Parsley, Lemons

Steak Venison Tartare, Puffed Wild Rice, Soy Cured Egg yolk

Beef Tataki, Orange, Salsa Verde, Radish, Chives

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

NZ Pork hock, Asian Green, Chorizo Romesco Sauce

Caldorobo Brisket, Roast potatoes

Crumbed Herb Market Fish, Garlic Parsley Emulsion, Fennel & Orange Salad

Beef Cheek, Pomme Puree, Green Peas, Kale

Chicken BBQ Inasal, Eggplant & Charred Tomato Ensalada

Linguine , Salmon, Scallops, Lemon Butter Cream sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Meringue, Strawberry, Chocolate, Custard

Tiramisu, espresso, mascarpone, cocoa powder

Banana Chocnut Pudding, Sweetcorn Anglaise, Salted Caramel Pocorn,

Kai Moana Bounty & NZ Local Feast

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Avocado Sesame Smoked Salmon on Toast

Gambas Al ajilio on Toast

Tempura NZ oyster, Aioli

Creamed Paua & Bacon, Vol Au Vent

Baba ganoush, Miso caramel, Flat Bread

Kumara & Whitestone Cheese Croquetas

NZ Beef Tartare, Toasted Rice Crisp, Pickle Radish

Tomato, Kiwi, Balsamic , Burrata

Fresh Oyster, Lemon, Hot sauce, Salt

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Seafood Chowder served with Sourdough

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Kiwi Fish & Chips (market fish) with Sailors Tartare Sauce

Crumbed Herb Market Fish, Garlic Parsley Emulsion, Fennel & Orange Salad

NZ Pork hock, Asian Green, Chorizo Romesco Sauce

Lamb Ragu, Pappardelle, Burrata, Basil

NZ Salmon en papillote, Courgette, Carrot ,Fennel, Beurre blanc

Tua Tua Clam Velouté, Sourdough, charred leek, herbs

NZ Beef Cheek, Pomme Puree, Roast Carrots , Kale

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu, espresso, mascarpone, cocoa powder

Pavlova , Strawberry, Chocolate, Custard, Vanilla Ice Cream

"trust the chef' menu

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Avocado Sesame Smoked Salmon on Toast

Bruschetta, Mozzarella, Tomato, Proscuitto

Fresh Oyster Thai Mignonette Caramel

Baked Oyster Cheese Sauce

Chicken Liver Pate, Textures of Strawberry, Sourdough

Tomato, Kiwi, Balsamic , Burrata

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Baba ganoush, Miso caramel, Flat Bread

Creamed NZ Paua & Bacon, Vol Au Vent

Carrots, Almonds, Beetroot, Kale, Home-made kurikake

Charred Broccoli, Carrot puree, Almonds, Mushroom, Adobo jus

Gambas Al ajilio with Tostadas

Barbeque chicken skewer on lettuce kasundi

NZ Beef Tartare, Toasted Rice Crisp, Pickle Radish

Kumara & Whitestone Cheese Croquetas

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Cauliflower Steak, Romesco, Salsa Verde, Almonds

Chicken BBQ Inasal, Eggplant & Charred Tomato Ensalada

Lamb Ragu, Pappardelle, Burrata, Basil

Miso butter, market fish, Asian Greens Warm salad,

Lamb Rump, Rosemary Roast Potatoes, Confit Garlic, Lamb Jus, Mint Sauce

NZ Beef Cheek, Pomme Puree, Roast Carrots , Kale

Panko Aubergine, Pomodoro, Mozzarella, Basil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu, espresso, mascarpone, cocoa powder

Pavlova , Strawberry, Chocolate, Custard, Vanilla Ice Cream

Show me more

Chef Quiel's reviews

4.78

•

20 services

We had Chef Q come to a house we rented and make dinner for 6 of us. 5 stars is not enough! Q was amazing!! From creating the menu all the way thru to the clean up, Q was a pleasure to work with. But what stands out the most is the quality and flavor of the food he created.

Outstanding Experience! We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Quiel and his team for Greg’s epic birthday celebration in New Zealand, and it truly made the night unforgettable. From the very first dish (oysters) to the final course, every plate was a masterpiece—beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor. The professionalism and passion his team brought into our home was second to none. Not only was the food exceptional, but the warmth, attention to detail, and seamless service created such a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for all of us. Guests are still raving about the menu and how special the evening felt. Quiel turned a milestone birthday into an extraordinary culinary experience that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re considering hiring a private chef in NZ, don’t hesitate—this is five-star dining at its finest, right in the comfort of your own space.

Chef Quiel was fantastic. All the food was delicious, especially the Pork Hock and oysters! He was friendly, and incredibly accommodating. He made it a truly memorable start to our holiday in Queenstown.