For the first time in three years, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) was held outside Singapore with the Philippines hosting the 2016 event.
Foodies from all over the world who considered street foods as the real expression of the country’s food culture; and the who’s who in the Asian food industry gathered together at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig from April 20 to 24. The event was aptly themed “The Comforting Flavors of Home.” Aside from giving the people the opportunity to savor various Asian street foods, the event likewise aims to encourage team building and country cooperation with the world’s popular food culture as centerpiece – most especially in Asia. A WSFC Dialogue held on April 20-21 featured 16 speakers who presented their success stories and demonstrated their skills to the public.
The holding up the World Street Food Congress here in the metropolis serves as an opportunity for contemporary Filipino street foods to take center stage along with the street foods from other participant countries. The Philippines has a thriving street food culture, especially here in the metropolis. Food carts can be found almost anywhere, selling very affordable fish balls to mouth-watering hot goto in streetside stalls. Tasting Filipino street food is indeed a fascinating experience in itself.
Our group was all agog as we prepare for the big event starting from the day it was announced that Philippines will be hosting the event. We meticulously planned for the event, even fancying trying as many dishes as we could. We modestly managed to try 11 out of the 25 must-have foods, notwithstanding the food cost which ranges from P150 up to P450 per order.
We really cherished the experience, dust and heat of the place notwithstanding. We do hope that future food festival will be held in the Philippines. While waiting for that, our best street foods are here for us to enjoy!
