No need to fly to Bacolod or drive to Ilocos to get a taste of the regions. For one weekend, flavors from across the Philippines have come together at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls, where the DTI Food Festival 2025 is serving up the best of the country’s local food scene—until tomorrow.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with Mercato Centrale, the event features over 250 regional dishes and delicacies, all carefully selected to represent the culinary identity of the islands. But this isn't your usual food fair. There’s breathing room between booths, and a clear sense of order. Unlike most food events that feel like a crowded race for the next free sample, this one invites visitors to walk, pause, and explore.

There’s curation here—something rare and welcome. Each stall feels intentional, not just a filler. Whether it’s the vivid orange Ilocos empanada with its crispy shell and hot, savory core, or cups of bagnet that crunch beneath the bite, the food doesn’t just taste good—it tells a story.

Bottles of mead and fruit wine sit beside Davao-made chocolates, tempting passersby to bring home more than just memories. Many do.

Beyond the plates, the event also highlights Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship. The relaunch of the #MalikhaingPinoy website puts a spotlight on local makers and artists, while a behind-the-scenes B2B marketplace quietly connects regional producers with national and global buyers.

Still, for most visitors, it's about the food. The kind that reminds people of home.

The DTI Food Festival 2025 runs until June 1 at SM Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with free admission. Curated by Mercato Centrale, the event features a wide selection of ready-to-eat dishes and regional specialties, celebrating the country’s culinary diversity.