In the heart of New York City, a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture and cuisine has taken root. Join us as we explore into the colorful world of Philippines Fest, the first Filipino street food festival to grace the bustling streets of NYC.
Experience the rich tapestry of Filipino culinary traditions, from sizzling skewers of inasal to the beloved adobo, as this festival brings the authentic tastes of Manila to the energetic backdrop of Manhattan. Celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Philippines, this festival promises an unforgettable culinary journey through the streets of NYC.
Philippines Fest: A Nationwide Celebration of Filipino Cuisine
Established by VJ Navarro, Augelyn Francisco, and Paulo Manaid, Philippines Fest is a monthly street food fair held in New York City, with satellite locations in Virginia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Filipino Street Food Festival, which took place last April 15 ,2023 at 6th Avenue in Manhattan which runs monthly until October 2023, is a testament to the founders’ dedication to promoting Filipino culture and supporting the community.
Featuring a diverse array of vendors, each offering their unique take on traditional Filipino cuisine, Philippines Fest has garnered recognition both nationwide and worldwide, highlighting the rich heritage and culinary talent of the Filipino-American community.
Culinary Delights at Philippines Fest: A Gastronomic Journey Through the Flavors of the Philippines
The Philippines is a vibrant archipelago known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors. Food is deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture, with each region offering its unique gastronomic experiences.
Filipino Street Food Festival provides a platform to explore a delightful culinary journey, showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine and highlighting the country’s culinary traditions.
The festival brings together a wide array of vendors, each offering their own delectable creations that represent the flavors of the Philippines. From traditional favorites to innovative fusion dishes, visitors can indulge in a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the diversity and richness of Filipino food.
Let’s explore some of the vendors and their offerings at Philippines Fest:
Patok by Rach
This New York-based lechonera is renowned for its succulent roasted pig, a beloved Filipino delicacy. The establishment offers a tantalizing taste of traditional Filipino lechon, prepared with expertise and care to capture the authentic flavors of the Philippines.
Patok By Rach began its flavorful journey in January 2021, starting in a small apartment in Inwood, NY, with a mission to introduce Filipino Street Food Festival to the American mainstream. Despite facing challenges from the pandemic, the business persevered by pivoting to a lunch delivery service, then expanding to catering and concessions at festivals.
Now, Patok By Rach proudly boasts its own brick-and-mortar location, a testament to its growth and success in sharing the vibrant tastes of Filipino cuisine with a wider audience.
Oohlam
Oohlam, a homestyle Filipino catering and pop-up business, tantalizes patrons with a menu featuring quintessential Filipino comfort foods. From sinigang na baboy, a tangy pork soup with tamarind broth and vegetables, to succulent adobo and hearty kare-kare, each dish evokes the warmth of Filipino home cooking.
As their name suggests—a playful twist on the Tagalog term “ulam,” meaning main dish—Oohlam offers a diverse array of comforting and authentic flavors, providing a delightful taste of tradition at Philippines Fest.
Japayuki
Introducing a new Filipino-Japanese concept by Kabisera restaurant, Japayuki brings innovative fusion cuisine to the festival. This vendor offers a unique dining experience by blending Filipino and Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing the creativity of Filipino cuisine.
Augelyn Francisco and partner Joey Payumo’s Filipino-inspired restaurant is famous for its delectable pop culture-inspired savories and sweets.
Japayuki’s diverse menu, from traditional Pansit to contemporary chicken katsu with garlic rice, reflects Filipino and Japanese cuisine’s eclectic tastes.
So Sarap NYC
Specializing in Filipino street food, So Sarap NYC presents a vibrant array of traditional and contemporary street eats. This vendor captures Filipino street food culture with iconic snacks and inventive culinary creations, delighting visitors with diverse flavors.
Founded by VJ Navarro, So Sarap NYC is a culinary venture based in New York City with a mission to bring the authentic flavors of Filipino cuisine to a wider audience. Their menu features both traditional favorites and innovative creations, each crafted with care and attention to detail.
So Sarap NYC prioritizes quality and authenticity, delivering a memorable dining experience celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.
Sari Kusina
Based in Washington DC, Sari Kusina, led by chef-partner Paolo Dungca, has garnered acclaim for its exceptional cuisine. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema recently named this vendor as one of his favorite places to eat. They promise a culinary experience reflecting diverse Filipino flavors.
Daniel Corpuz
A pastry chef and chocolatier, Daniel Corpuz is known for his appearance on Netflix’s “School of Chocolate” and his delectable bonbons and ube donuts. With a focus on quality and creativity, this vendor offers a delightful selection of sweet treats that showcase the unique flavors of the Philippines.
Salamat Cookies
This vendor specializes in offering Filipino flavors-inspired baked goods, adding a sweet touch to the festival experience. Salamat Cookies presents a delightful range of baked treats, blending traditional Filipino pastries with innovative creations. They honor the country’s culinary heritage.
Logan and Co.
Owned by the festival’s youngest vendors, five-year-old Logan and three-year-old Jaxxon, this duo ensures guests stay refreshed with their calamansi juice, a zesty Filipino citrus drink. With a focus on providing a refreshing and authentic beverage experience, Logan and Co. adds a vibrant touch to the festival with their delightful offerings.
A Fusion of Tradition and Style at Philippines Fest
Celebrates the convergence of heritage and modernity through fashion and accessories. Artisans fuse traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, showcasing Filipino culture. Attendees glimpse the vibrant world of Filipino fashion.
Hatzumomo
Uses handwoven and hand-loomed fabrics indigenous to the Philippines, showcasing the artistry of these textiles in their clothing line. Every piece reflects deep appreciation for Filipino heritage and commitment to preserving indigenous craftsmanship on a global scale.
NATIBO ATBP. BY HATZUMOMO, established in 2016, embodies the beauty, style, and elegance of Filipino-made handicrafts. Their contemporary fashion and accessories seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.
Shop Fleurenz
FLEURENZ, led by CEO and Founder Fleurenz Villar, is dedicated to providing high-quality, durable jewelry at accessible prices. Fleurenz Villar, a young Filipina immigrant in New York City, passionately provides affordable alternatives to traditional retailers. She creates quality, stylish jewelry.
At FLEURENZ, the focus is on empowering individuals to express their unique sense of style without compromising on quality or breaking the bank. Fleurenz Villar’s stunning collection of hypoallergenic, tarnish-free, and affordable 14k gold jewelry adds an elegant touch to the festival. It reflects her commitment to timeless designs for everyone’s best.
Building Community Through Collaboration
VJ Navarro reflects on the camaraderie and unity that has flourished among the founders and participants of Philippines Fest. Their collective efforts foster a sense of family and togetherness, building strong relationships that transcend business boundaries.
The festival’s ongoing success and expansion stem from a spirit of support and solidarity among its members. They ensure mutual growth and prosperity with each event.
Empowering Small Business Owners
Philippines Fest is committed to supporting Filipino-American small business owners, who infuse passion, creativity, and innovation into the culinary scene. They form the core of the festival, embodying its dedication to showcasing Filipino culture through gastronomy and entrepreneurship.
The festival empowers local communities by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase products and connect with a broader audience. It fosters economic growth while preserving and promoting Filipino culture.
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Final Thoughts
As Philippines Fest continues to captivate the hearts and palates of attendees in New York City and beyond, it stands as a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of Filipino culture.
Through its celebration of culinary traditions, community collaboration, and empowerment of small business owners, the festival not only delights the senses but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the Filipino-American community.
From the sizzling skewers of inasal to the sweet indulgence of ube donuts, Philippines Fest offers a flavorful journey that showcases the rich tapestry of Filipino cuisine and heritage.
FAQs
When is the first Philippines Fest held
Philippines Fest hosts a monthly street food fair in New York City, with satellite locations in Virginia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. The festival starts last April 2023 runs monthly until October 2023.
What can attendees expect at Philippines Fest?
Attendees can anticipate a diverse array of vendors offering traditional and modern twists on Filipino cuisine. Cultural performances and fashion accessories showcase Filipino craftsmanship.
Who are the founders of Philippines Fest?
VJ Navarro, Augelyn Francisco, and Paulo Manaid, Filipino-American small business owners, founded Philippines Fest to promote culture and community support.
How does Philippines Fest support small business owners?
Philippines Fest provides a platform for Filipino-American small business owners to showcase their products. Through collaboration and support, the festival empowers entrepreneurs to succeed and thrive in the culinary landscape.
With its commitment to showcasing Filipino culture and cuisine, supporting local businesses, and fostering community collaboration. Philippines Fest continues to serve as a beacon of pride and celebration for the Filipino-American community and beyond.