New Zealand High Commission

MEET CHEF NERISSA!

NERISSA E CALDITO has been the High Commissioner’s Residence chef for nearly 20 years. Her ability to combine flavours and create stunning dishes regularly gets rave reviews and sees plates emptied by happy guests. We interviewed the Filipino chef about her career journey and highlights.

New Zealand High Commission Singapore

One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145

Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz

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Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore

Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz When did you first become interested in cooking?

When we were young our parents ran a small restaurant in our village – Poblacion Magpet North Cotabato in the Philippines. They were both very good chefs and our Mum taught us all how to cook. By the time I got to High School I was starting to create my own dishes. I then moved to Manila and worked as a chef for a Japanese family.

After moving to Singapore, I worked for a Chinese couple before moving onto work for an American family. They called me a ‘food architect’ and sent me on many F&B courses to further my cooking skills. When they returned to the USA, I worked for a British family who ran a café. Their friends were so impressed with my cooking they even sent their helpers to me for lessons!

In 2003, I started working at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence and haven’t looked back since! Over the years I've been to various culinary schools and training colleges and have learnt so many new skills. What is your favourite Filipino dish?

Beef Caldereta with Chicken or Pork Adobo. These are very traditional dishes that everyone knows how to cook.

Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore Do you have a favourite chef?

I like Jamie Oliver’s recipes. They are easy to follow and have a lot of natural ingredients. I love using a recipe as my base and then creating my own version of it. Who’s been your most memorable guest at the Residence?

I’ve cooked for several Prime Ministers and Governor Generals who have visited from New Zealand and that’s been exciting. We’ve also had senior heads of state from a few countries. The All Blacks attending a function at the Residence was a highlight too!

SHOUTOUT TO TEAM NZHC

The New Zealand High Commission in Singapore has several other long-serving and dedicated team-members. Their commitment and contributions were recognised by Chris Seed, the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during his recent visit to Singapore.

Mohamed Hamli has been our driver for 30 years! He proudly reels off the long list of High Commissioners he has served and the numerous Prime Ministers he has driven over that time. Mohamed is a true professional who is always willing (literally) to go the extra mile.

Pauline Chan clocks up 23 years as our Admin Manager. Pauline runs a tight ship and is our resident “Google” for anything work related! Her pride in NZ was reflected in giving her first-born a Māori name – Rangi – which roughly translates to ‘sky’.

Yolanda (Yoli) Dela Cruz has been our housekeeper for more than 18 years. She is the first friendly face you see upon visiting the Official Residence. Quietly efficient and always wellprepared, she is one of the reasons guests to the Official Residence are always keen for another visit.

Clara Poon has been with the High Commission almost as long as Pauline, and has her finance job down pat. She’s an outdoors person and has the best recommendations on hiking and cycling routes across Singapore.