NORTHERN Manila’s rich culinary heritage took center stage at SM City Grand Central during the much-anticipated Bestival Chef event, where the iconic flavors of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela—known collectively as CAMANAVA—were celebrated.
Highlighting the food heritage, culture, and vibrant tapestry of Filipino gastronomy, Bestival Chef centered on a show-stopping culinary attraction: The Giant Bilao Feast.
Measuring 10 feet in diameter and yielding over 600 servings, the Giant Bilao Feast brought together staple delicacies from each of the cities in CAMANAVA. Caloocan’s assortment of kakanin, Malabon’s famed pancit palabok, Navotas’s signature black kutsinta, and Valenzuela’s popular putong pulo were all merged in one massive spread, paying homage to the cities’ food culture and rich heritage.
With food at its center, guests flocked to the event to experience the unique flavors, indulging in the free servings of the Giant Bilao Feast.
Beyond a culinary showcase, Bestival Chef at SM City Grand Central is positioning itself as a key advocate for local tourism, using food as its gateway. By featuring dishes that capture the essence of the local palate, the mall is tapping into the growing interest in culinary tourism and a shared love for time-honored flavors.
“We hope that this event creates meaningful connections with our customers and inspires them to support local products” says SM City Grand Central Assistant Mall Manager Alpha B. Hernandez.
Crafted by local chefs like Ervin Virador of SM Foodcourt’s Rajah Palabok, the giant bilao feast not only highlighted the diverse culinary landscape but also served as a nod to the upcoming holiday festivities.
As the holiday season inches close, SM Malls in CAMANAVA are set to continue this momentum with dazzling entertainment and exciting activities that promise to keep the festive spirit alive. (UnliNews Online)
