TJ Conwi’s passion for food bridges West Coast and Asian cuisines, rooted in his Filipino heritage and shaped by his experiences in kitchens in Taiwan and Chile. His dishes are creative, flavourful, and guided by a commitment to sustainability.
After formal training under French chefs at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, TJ refined his craft at The Arbutus Club and within the hotel industry—most recently as Executive Chef at Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites by Marriott. He was also part of the opening team at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel before the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Throughout his career, TJ has executed large-scale hotel functions for hundreds of guests and orchestrated elaborate galas for the Japanese, Filipino, and French Consulates. His culinary leadership has also been showcased at major events, including the BC Food & Beverage Awards and his own fundraiser series, A Night of Too Many Chefs.
Today, as the owner of Ono Vancouver, TJ combines his expertise, creativity and community focus to make a lasting impact in the local food industry. Ono’s services—event catering, private dining and kitchen consulting—all fuel his mission to:
Read more about Ono Vancouver's community impact and visit ReRoot Kitchen, where they turn surplus food into healthy, frozen meals.
TJ also serves on the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia Board of Directors as Education Co-Chair, continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.
Vancouver Filipino Chef Meal Train in the news:
The Nosh Podcast Ep 190 The Nosh - Chef & Food Security Advocate TJ Conwi
Nov. 30, 2024 | 100.6 Coop Radio Vancouver | Anya Levykh
Chef TJ on the Pechakucha Stage Volume 58 Talking about his journey through food and his art
Sept. 21, 2024 | Vancouver Playhouse | Design Vancouver Festival
Keeping Thanksgiving dinner affordable
Oct. 5, 2023 | BC Today - CBC Vancouver | Michelle Eliot
Vancouver chef tackles food insecurity one meal at a time
July 6, 2023 | The Georgia Straight | Bridget Stringer-Holden
Pinoy chef sa Vancouver ginamit ang talento para tulungan ang mga nakakaranas ng gutom
March 23, 2023 | Omni News | Rhea Santos
Jan. 16, 2023 | FoodMesh
These talented chefs are using a surplus of food to feed those in need
July 16, 2021 | Daily Hive Dished | Hogan Short
These six Canadians are making the country a better place
Dec. 13, 2021 | Tangerine