The grand stage of Cebu’s culinary scene came alive last weekend as Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 drew chefs, students, and food professionals from across the Visayas to SM Seaside City Cebu’s Sky Hall.
Organized by the Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRAC), the two-day competition held September 26-27 featured participants from Cebu, Bacolod, Bohol, Leyte, Ormoc, Camotes, and Negros. With the theme “Balik Isla – Foraging in the Philippine Countryside,” contestants highlighted the richness of local culinary traditions through indigenous and seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets.
Showcasing talent
More than 30 professional establishments and 18 hospitality schools competed across 17 categories under five main clusters: Battle Royale, Compleat Chefs, Culinary Flair, Sweet Revenge, and a special Potatoes USA Pica-Pica Appetizer challenge. Categories ranged from sutukil-inspired dishes and traditional recipes to flairtending, creative cakes, and cacao concoctions.
Audiences were treated to a spectacle of flavors, with dishes that celebrated regional heritage while pushing culinary creativity forward. “Events like this prove that Cebu has both the talent and the vision to stand out on the national stage,” one participant shared after the competition.
Beyond the competition
Organizers emphasized that Cebu Goes Culinary is more than a contest. Winners received not only medals and recognition but also opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and potential entry into larger national and international culinary competitions.
By hosting the event, SM Seaside City Cebu reinforced its role as the premier venue for cultural and lifestyle showcases in the region, bringing together food, talent, and community in one celebration.
Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 ended with new champions, bold flavors, and a renewed spotlight on the diversity of Filipino cuisine in the Visayas.