Pakistani man shares with Filipinos some masala secrets — viral cooking reels viewed by millions

Manila: A heartwarming cultural exchange is winning hearts here off- and on-line. A Tagalog-speaking Pakistani content creator has become a sort of local celebrity by sharing with Filipinos authentic secrets of chicken masala and the beloved biryani.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click hereThe man behind the popular Facebook Reels and TikToks is Mr. Ahmed (often tagged as #mrahmed555 in his videos), a Pakistani expat living in the Philippines whose vlogs have become fodder for food lovers.Some of his clips have racked up 1.5 million+ views, with over tens of thousands of reactions in others.In a recent Facebook Reel, Mr Ahmed posted a step-by-step chicken masala recipe. In the nearly 10-minute video, the content creator prepares the flavourful, spiced chicken base that serves as the heart of a biryani.BIRYANI: A celebrated South Asian mixed rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice, aromatic spices, and a protein like chicken, lamb, goat, beef, or shrimpIn his videos, often happily sprinkled with his signature wit while Pakistani songs play in the background, Mr Ahmed shows his cooking methods — the right sequence of adding spice blends, marination techniques — in an accessible way that resonates with Filipino viewers who love rice-based dishes. Based in San Marcelino, Zambales, in the Philippines — near the Subic Bay Freeport area (where oil facilities are also located ) — Mr Ahmed runs a small halal food business focused on authentic south Asian dishes, including the mighty roti, and other Pakistani dishes.Besides his step-by-step cooking tutorials and food preparation, Mr Ahmed also shares glimpses of his daily life and cultural exchanges.His content often features a mix of Urdu/English and Tagalog, making it highly relatable to Filipino audiences who love rice-based meals.The Pakistani man is married to a Filipina and has built a loyal local following by adapting and teaching Pakistani recipes while operating in Zambales. Mr Ahmed, the man behind 'Biryani ni Pakistani' Reels. Many Pakistanis and South Asian communities have settled in areas like Metro Manila (particularly in places such as Quiapo or parts of Quezon City), often running small food businesses or sharing recipes online. ExpansionHe has expanded with at least one additional branch in Commonwealth, Quezon City.Many Pakistanis and South Asian communities have settled in areas like Metro Manila (particularly in places such as Quiapo or parts of Quezon City), often running small food businesses or sharing recipes online. Mr Ahmed's content bridges Pakistani culinary traditions with local Filipino audiences who are increasingly curious about international flavours, especially spicy, aromatic dishes that pair well with rice.This fits into a broader trend of cross-cultural cooking exchanges in the Philippines, where overseas communities (including Pakistanis) share their heritage through street food, home cooking videos, and small eateries.Filipino viewers flooded the comments with enthusiasm, appreciation, and requests for more recipes. Common sentiments include praises for the clear instructions and mouthwatering visuals (“Sarap naman!” / “Looks delicious!”) as well as excitement about trying Pakistani flavours at home.Many say it reminds them of Filipino rice dishes -- but with bolder spices.There are also those who express gratitude for the cultural sharing, and calls for more videos).There are affectionate remarks typical of Pinoy Facebook culture, such as joking about needing extra rice or inviting the creator to cook for them.SetbacksMr Ahmed's reels highlight the warm reception of Pakistani cuisine among Filipinos and the power of social media to foster food diplomacy. Mr. Ahmed said the journey has not been without setbacks. On one occasion, local vandals reportedly broke into his shop, ransacked the kitchen and searched for cash. They left empty-handed, he said, after failing to find any money, leaving ingredients strewn all over the place.Still in the Philippines, a country famous for its love of bold flavours and communal meals, this Pakistani masala masterclass is a tasty reminder that good food knows no borders. Many commenters are now eagerly awaiting his next recipe drop — proof that biryani diplomacy is thriving in the Philippines.Why Kerala’s aromatic Thalassery biryani in Dubai is addictive— and top 5 places to try in UAEFrom office worker to award-winning gourmand: How biryani changed Japanese chef Takamasa Osawa's life Salman Khan delights friends as ‘Chef Bhai’ with special bhel puriHow this Saudi chef cooked his way to 3.4 million TikTok fans—with Kabsa, a lot of heart and a big smile