Filipino Food Tourism: New Roadmap Aims to Make Philippines a Culinary Hotspot

In the Philippines, food is never just food. It’s a conversation starter, a celebration, and a connection to heritage. Whether it’s a bowl of hot bulalo in Tagaytay or fresh seafood in Cebu, every dish tells a story. Now, the country is embracing that story like never before, with big plans to spotlight our culinary heritage on the global stage.

Also read: Must-Try Filipino Delicacies You Can’t Miss

PH sets the table for Food and Gastronomy Tourism

Boodle Fight | Thao Nhu from Studio Philippines via Canva Pro

Food lovers, take note: the Philippines is cooking up big plans to become a top food tourism and gastronomy tourism destination in Southeast Asia. With the launch of the Food and Gastronomy Tourism Strategic Framework and Roadmap 2024–2029, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is making it official: Filipino cuisine is more than just delicious, it's a cultural powerhouse.

Spearheaded by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, the roadmap was unveiled at Lakbay Museo in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, a fitting venue that celebrates our rich heritage. This ambitious plan is now a key pillar of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, signalling a nationwide effort to promote culinary tourism as a core travel experience.

Expect the rise of new culinary travel circuits across Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and Iloilo, provinces known for their vibrant food scenes. Think guided palengke tours, farm visits, factory walkthroughs, and food trails that tell the story behind every dish. Yes, even your local market or carinderia could become the next big thing.

Filipino flavours take centre stage at home

Image credit: (L) Bulalo | Sri Widyowati via Canva Pro, (R) La Paz Batchoy | Heidi Gutierrez via Wikimedia Commons

Filipino Food Month is also heating up with exciting culinary events across the country. From local food fairs to heritage dinners, Filipinos are coming together to celebrate the richness of Filipino cuisine. It’s more than just a month-long feast; it’s a nationwide tribute to our identity, culture, and shared love for food.

Local governments, restaurants, and culinary schools are joining forces to showcase regional dishes, time-honoured recipes, and sustainable food practices. Whether you're sampling bulalo in Batangas, La Paz batchoy in Iloilo, or suman in Antipolo, every bite tells a story rooted in Filipino heritage.

With food and gastronomy tourism now officially part of the country’s tourism strategy, expect more festivals, food tours, and community-led dining experiences that not only satisfy the appetite but also deepen your connection with the Philippines’ diverse culinary landscape.

Also read: 12 Best Food Destinations in the Philippines for Every Hungry Traveller

Final thoughts

The Philippines is ready to turn its food culture into a tourism powerhouse. With government support and global promotion, Filipino food is no longer just for the table, it’s now part of a bigger story about who we are. From palengke tours at home to fiesta plates abroad, this is just the beginning of our culinary journey on the world stage.