Explore savor authentic Filipino flavors in Hanoi
This cultural showcase is a highlight of the ongoing celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines–Vietnam Strategic Partnership, reinforcing cultural ties between the two nations.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Filipino Food Festival, which will take place until June 12, features the importance of food in the Philippines culture and the connection between cuisine and culture.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the Filipino Food Festival in Hanoi. Photo: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times
Meynardo Montealegre, Ambassador of the Philippines to Vietnam, officiated the festival's opening ceremony held on June 8 by the Embassy of the Philippines in Hanoi in cooperation with the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.
He described cuisine as a powerful medium for connection and cultural expression. "For Filipinos, sharing a meal is more than a daily habit; it reflects our identity and values," said Ambassador Montealegre. "When we say 'Kain Tayo' or 'Let's eat,' we are inviting others not only to enjoy our cuisine, but also to partake in our traditions, heritage, and sense of community."
The festival offers a vibrant exploration of Filipino cuisine, which is known for its bold interplay of flavors that often harmonize sour and sweet elements. These flavors are deeply rooted in indigenous culinary practices and influenced by centuries of Asian and Western exchanges. They have also been adapted to the tropical Philippine climate through traditional preservation techniques, such as the use of cane or coconut vinegar.
Filipino cuisine features bold, savory, and tangy flavors shaped by strong Spanish and American influences.
The festival offers a curated buffet of 29 traditional Filipino dishes. A highlight of the event is Guest Chef Geramarie Dianzon from the Sheraton Manila Bay Hotel, who will lead a live cooking session and showcase her renowned rendition of sisig – a sizzling dish of grilled pork ear, cheek, and crispy belly popularized globally by the late chef and food documentarian Anthony Bourdain.
Other featured dishes include kilawing tanigue, or fresh wahoo fish marinated in calamansi vinaigrette; inihaw na talong, or grilled eggplant salad; kare-kare, or oxtail and tripe stew in peanut sauce; and adobo, or chicken stewed in garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce. Adobo is often considered the national dish. For dessert, guests can enjoy halo-halo, a colorful, cooling mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, and milk – an ideal treat for Hanoi’s summer weather.
The event serves as both a culinary celebration and a meaningful cultural exchange. It offers Hanoi residents and international guests an opportunity to experience Filipino hospitality and cuisine while strengthening the shared values and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Visitors to the Filipino Food Festival in Hanoi.
