April is an exciting time as it marks the National Filipino Food Month.

This year, the National Capital Region capped the month-long celebration with a regional food fair called Flavor of NCR.

In 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) staged the event in Marikina, this year, the event was hosted by the City of Manila at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.

The event was participated by the 17 local government units of Metro Manila highlighting popular food in their locality.

The Flavors of NCR featured over 50 food establishments from the NCR that offered a wide range of dishes, such as classic Filipino street food and international cuisine with a local twist.

Tasting and enjoying the food is a given, but knowing the places that offers them is another reason one must visit and experience the mouth-watering food they offer.

Here are some of the foods offered at the Flavors of NCR:

•  Caloocan City (Siomai House)
•  Las Piñas City (Kakanin and other delicacies)
  
• Makati City (Smoked & grilled balut, tusok-tusok street foods, and lugaw from Lugawan sa Tejeros)
  
• Malabon City (Soft broas, Dolor’s kakanin, and special empanada)
  
• Mandaluyong City (Adelina’s Ham, desserts)
  
• Manila City (Halo-halo sa ugbo of Aling Consuelo from Tondo, and Jolli Dada’s Palabok in Quiapo)
  
• Marikina City (Lunch meals such as ‘Everlasting’ and Huaknatoy)
  
• Muntinlupa City (Dielle’s apiary and meadery and Likhang Munti Eco Grocer)
• Navotas City (Tinapang Bangus, Sukang Silangan, and Crispy Spicy Dilis)
  
• Parañaque City (Japanese foods such as Futomaki, Mango Cheese Maki, and Sushi Platter; Lauya ng Paranaque, Antala ng La Huerta)
  
• Pasay City (Adobong Kabayo, and Walastik)
  
• Pasig City (Suman with Ube, Leche Flan, or Mango, then Chao Fans with different toppings)
  
• Pateros (Inutak, ice cream with inutak, as well as lunch meals like kaldereta itik, laing, and beef tapa)
  
• Quezon City (Piyaya, tuhog-tuhog, and halu-halo)
  
• San Juan City (Pancit and creamy palabok)
  
• Valenzuela City (Putong Pulo and Kutsinta)
  

Aside from the food, you could also enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment such as live musical performances, food competitions, and cooking demonstrations.

Not only that, seminars, workshops on food preparation, food styling, and of course, food photography were also conducted.

The Flavors of NCR honors not only the region’s delectable cuisine, but also its vibrant culture and heritage. Attending such opened doors to a taste of different dishes of the region and getting to know new establishments and their friendly people.

If you missed this year’s Flavors of NCR 2023, then make sure to look forward to the next one. Moreover, you can visit these cities yourself and experience the unique cuisine of the National Capital Region! (pia-ncr)