Miguel Cabel Moreno is a Filipino chef, restaurateur, and cultural advocate known for championing the cuisine of his native Tausug heritage and the Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) Region of Southern Mindanao.[1][2] He is the founder of Palm Grill, a restaurant in Luzon specializing in Southern Mindanaoan cuisine, and co-founder of Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant.[1][3][4]
Moreno's work includes children's literature and media appearances, aimed at preserving heirloom recipes and challenging negative stereotypes associated with his home region.[5][3][6]
Early life and education
Moreno was born in Jolo, Sulu, and raised in Zamboanga City.[2][7] His culinary knowledge was passed down through his family, particularly from his mother, Melissa Cabel, and grandmother, Oswalda Alcantara-Cabel.[2][7] He learned to cook through observation and practice, absorbing traditional methods by "feel" rather than by following formal recipes.[1]
He graduated from Ateneo de Zamboanga University with a degree in nursing.[7] Following his studies, he worked as a nurse for two years before deciding to pursue a career in the culinary arts.[7]
Career
During his college years, Moreno rented a booth at the annual "Ateneo Fiesta" to sell his mother's Piyanggang manok, a Tausug dish of chicken cooked with burnt coconut. The consistent success of this venture solidified his ambition to open his own restaurant.[7]
In May 2017, Moreno opened Palm Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It was the first restaurant in Luzon to focus exclusively on the cuisine of Southern Mindanao.[1][8] Moreno stated his goal was to address the "erasure" of his culture's food from the capital's culinary landscape and to "reclaim" its narrative.[1][9] The restaurant's signature dishes include Tiyula Itum (a black beef soup traditionally served to Tausug royalty) and Piyanggang Manok.[10][3]
In 2025, Palm Grill was featured on the YouTube series Best Ever Food Review Show. Host Sonny Side awarded the Tiyula Itum a 5-star rating, calling it "one of the best foods I've ever had in the Philippines."[10][11] The restaurant's second branch, Palm Grill Araneta, opened in October 2023 at the Palenque food hall of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, Cubao.[12][13]
In late 2022, Moreno, along with his brother JC "King" Cabel Moreno and sister Maria Isabel, opened Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant.[7][3] The restaurant is located in the historic Casa Roces, a restored 1930s ancestral home adjacent to Malacañang Palace in Manila.[3][14][15]
Cabel's menu is pan-Philippine, featuring heirloom recipes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.[14] By placing Tausug dishes like Tiyula Itum alongside national staples such as Adobo and Kare-kare, the restaurant aims to integrate Southern Mindanaoan cuisine into the broader Filipino culinary canon.[3][14] The establishment also incorporates an art gallery and a speakeasy, functioning as a cultural hub.[3][16]
Advocacy and other ventures
Moreno has co-authored two children's books with his husband, GMA broadcast journalist Nelson Canlas, and his sister, Maria Isabel Moreno-Go. The books are intended to introduce Tausug culture, traditions, and food to young readers.[10][5][17][18]
Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug is inspired by Moreno's childhood.[10][19]
Ang Kwento ni Putli Mandi is a follow-up story about a traditional chewy coconut treat.[5][20]
Moreno received the Datu ng Kusinang Kultural award at the Maharlikang Filipino 2025 for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Filipino cuisine.[20]
In March 2024, Moreno was honored with Malaya Business Insight’s Creative Culinary Excellence Award at the annual Living Laurels Awards Night.[21]
Personal life
Moreno's mother, Melissa Cabel, was a single parent and entrepreneur who also ran several food businesses, which Moreno cites as a key inspiration.[7] His brother, JC "King" Cabel Moreno, left a 12-year corporate career to co-manage the family's restaurants.[7][3] Moreno is married to GMA broadcast journalist Nelson Canlas.[10][22][23]
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