If you had asked me a few weeks ago what the most surprising ingredient at an afternoon tea in Tokyo might be, I would never have guessed bananas. But on Sept. 25, the Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted a delightful twist on the traditional tea experience—aptly called the Banana Afternoon Tea at The Steakhouse, ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo.
Japan is a country that loves this quintessentially British tradition, and it’s also no stranger to creative culinary experiences, but this event, hosted in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Tokyo (PDOT-Tokyo), offered something unique. The afternoon tea put the spotlight on one of the Philippines’ most beloved and versatile agricultural treasures. Interestingly, bananas are also the Philippines’ top export to Japan, commanding the largest market share.
Now, bananas might not seem like the most elegant ingredient for an upscale event, but trust me, this afternoon tea redefined that notion. From pastries and savory bites to banana-infused drinks, each course demonstrated the unexpected culinary potential of this humble fruit. I enjoyed tasting treats that ranged from sweet banana tarts to more complex savory creations like banana-wrapped appetizers. It was proof that, with a little creativity, bananas could hold their own in the world of gourmet cuisine.
A Showcase of Banana-Inspired Delights
The menu was quite a revelation, featuring ten banana-inspired dishes that highlighted both the versatility and sophistication of this tropical fruit:
1. Cheesecake and banana cream
2. Banana and pistachio financier, mango agar jelly
3. Banana and lemon clafoutis with rum flavor
4. Verrine banana and passion fruit
5. Banana and gold chocolate ganache, brown sugar sauce
6. Banana Halo-Halo
7. Chicken Taco with jalapeño and banana mole
8. Blue cheese sandwich with banana chutney
9. Lobster royal with banana toston and chicharron
10. Glazed pork ribs with banana chips
From the sweet Verrine banana and passion fruit to the savory blue cheese sandwich with banana chutney, each dish explored new flavor pairings, combining Filipino ingredients with the elevated techniques of Japanese fine dining. One standout for me was the Lobster royal with banana toston and chicharron—a delicious and creative mix of flavors I hadn’t thought possible.
What made the event even more enjoyable was how it celebrated the deep-rooted agricultural relationship between the Philippines and Japan. For decades, the Philippines has been one of Japan’s top suppliers of bananas, accounting for nearly 80 percent of Japan’s fresh banana imports. It’s a relationship that supports not only trade but also thousands of livelihoods in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, where the banana industry serves as a major economic driver.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, who warmly welcomed us, spoke about the significance of this event beyond the delicious food. “Bananas are just one of the many treasures of our country, and we are excited to see them appreciated in new, creative ways here in Japan,” she said. And I couldn’t agree more. As much as the event was about showcasing a Philippine export, it also felt like a cultural exchange—an opportunity for two nations to connect through the shared experience of food.
Bananas as a Culinary Bridge
Chef Jane Kemmochi and her colleagues at the ANA Intercontinental even hosted a cooking demonstration, showcasing three banana-infused dishes. Their banana-inspired maruya with a twist—it was topped with taco meat—was particularly inventive, as was the roast chicken with banana puree and the classic Filipino turon. Each dish brought a unique take on bananas, reminding us how this simple ingredient can shine in both sweet and savory preparations.
As I devoured a small piece of banana cheesecake and admired the thoughtfully curated menu, I found myself reflecting on how even the simplest ingredients can build bridges between cultures. The Philippines, known for its rich biodiversity and agricultural resources, has long been exporting bananas to Japan, but this afternoon tea elevated the conversation around the fruit. It wasn’t just about eating bananas; it was about appreciating the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation behind each dish.
The event was also a celebration of the Philippines’ agricultural heritage. With the banana industry employing around 700,000 people, it’s clear that bananas are more than just a fruit—they are a lifeline for many Filipino families and a pillar of the country’s economy. It felt particularly meaningful to be part of an event that celebrated not only a delicious product but also the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest it. And while the event was a one-day affair, its impact—both on my palate and in highlighting the cultural and economic ties between the two countries—will linger for much longer. Here’s hoping it becomes a yearly tradition because I, for one, am already looking forward to seeing what else can be done with bananas.