Miguel Cabel Moreno

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. He is the founder of Palm Grill, a restaurant in Luzon specializing in Southern Mindanaoan cuisine, and co-founder of Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant.

Moreno's work includes children's literature and media appearances, aimed at preserving heirloom recipes and challenging negative stereotypes associated with his home region.

Early life and education Moreno was born in Jolo, Sulu, and raised in Zamboanga City. His culinary knowledge was passed down through his family, particularly from his mother, Melissa Cabel, and grandmother, Oswalda Alcantara-Cabel. 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. The restaurant's signature dishes include Tiyula Itum (a black beef soup traditionally served to Tausug royalty) and Piyanggang Manok. 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.

In late 2022, Moreno, along with his brother JC "King" Cabel Moreno and sister Maria Isabel, opened Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant.

Cabel's menu is pan-Philippine, featuring heirloom recipes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

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.

Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug is inspired by Moreno's childhood. Ang Kwento ni Putli Mandi is a follow-up story about a traditional chewy coconut treat.

Moreno was a featured culinary voice representing Mindanao in I Love Filipino, Netflix's first food documentary series on the Philippines.

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.