If you’ve ever walked through Truman’s Markets on the weekend and caught the irresistible scent of smoky BBQ, sizzling Chicken, or that unmistakable aroma of Filipino street food—you’ve already had a taste of Ed’s world.
Ed is the heart, hands, and hustle behind Kalye De Manila, a street food business born out of deep roots, world-class culinary training, and a dream to share a piece of the Philippines with the people of London. Friendly, passionate, and full of energy, Ed is more than just the guy behind the grill—he’s a professional chef, a storyteller, and the soul of this growing street food brand.
From Manila to London – and Around the World
Originally from the Philippines, Ed grew up surrounded by the rich, colourful chaos of Manila’s food culture. Street food wasn’t just about satisfying hunger—it was about connection, celebration, and comfort. The smoky BBQ stalls, the buzz of people gathering around trays of freshly cooked food, and the clinking of cold drinks—those early memories shaped his love for cooking.
But Ed didn’t stop at memories. He trained professionally and became a qualified Head Chef, building a culinary career that took him across the globe. He spent years cheffing aboard international cruise ships, cooking gourmet dishes for thousands of guests, often for months at sea without a single day off. Ask Ed where he’s been, and the better question is: Where hasn’t he been?
Those years gave him not only world-class experience, but also a tireless work ethic and deep resilience—skills he now brings to every skewer of BBQ he grills in London.
Kalye De Manila – A Dream Built on Passion (and No Sleep)
Despite working full-time as a Head Chef during the week, Ed still wakes up before sunrise on market days—often at 5:00 AM—to get everything ready for Kalye De Manila. He preps ingredients, checks supplies, loads up the van, and sets up the stall with care and consistency.
Running a street food stall isn’t easy—it’s physically demanding, weather-dependent, and unpredictable. But Ed does it all with heart, driven by his mission to share authentic Filipino street food with a wider audience.
He often jokes that he’s working 24/7, and honestly—it’s not far off. Between his full-time chef job and weekends at the market, Ed rarely takes a break. That’s why, every few months, you might see Kalye De Manila take a weekend off. It’s not laziness—it’s pure necessity.
Exhaustion is real, and Ed is only human. After years of non-stop work, from cruise ships to markets, sometimes a short break is the only way to keep going. And when Kalye does pause for a weekend, it’s a chance for Ed to rest, recharge, and come back even better.
More Than Just a Food Stall
“Kalye” means “street” in Filipino, and Kalye De Manila translates to “The Streets of Manila.” That’s exactly what you get when you eat here—not just food, but a story, a culture, and a connection to home.
Whether it’s first-timers trying Filipino BBQ or fellow kababayans (Filipinos) craving the taste of their childhood, Ed makes everyone feel welcome. He’ll explain every dish, throw in a few Tagalog phrases, and always serve with a smile and a laugh.
Come Say Hi!
So the next time you’re at Truman’s Markets, don’t just follow the mouthwatering smell—follow the stories.
Stop by Kalye De Manila and meet Ed. Ask him about his time on the cruise ships. Ask about his favourite Filipino dish. Ask him where in the world he hasn’t been. And while you’re at it, grab a skewer (or three) and taste the real flavours of Manila.
Because when you meet Ed, you’re not just meeting a chef. You’re meeting a man with a mission—to share his heritage, to work harder than most ever will, and to build something special, one weekend at a time.
Wondering about the quirky picture?
Yep, that’s Ed at the stall—rocking a new funky hat he picked up for an upcoming holiday (our little one loves ducks 🦆) and some fresh glasses from the lovely independent traders right here at Truman’s Markets. Always supporting small, always keeping it fun.