Iloilo's Iconic Food Stalls Steal the Spotlight at Macau's Gastronomy Fest

Three popular Iloilo food stalls have made their mark at the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest in Macau. The event, running from March 20 to 29, 2026, showcases culinary talents from UNESCO-recognised gastronomy hubs around the world. On its first day, all three Iloilo establishments completely sold out their offerings.

The festival takes place at the International Gastronomy Promenade, located between Roman Amphitheatre Square and Legend Boulevard in Macau Fisherman's Wharf. Visitors can explore diverse dishes from cities like Kelowna in Canada, Porto in Portugal, and the host, Macau SAR. The event operates from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Representing Iloilo are Kap Ising's Pancit Molo, Netong's La Paz Batchoy, and Sunburst's Balay Tablea. According to the Iloilo City of Gastronomy Technical Working Group, their stalls attracted long queues on March 22, with every item selling out by closing time. The high demand reflects the growing reputation of Iloilo's cuisine on the international stage. The festival highlights how UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy collaborate to share traditions and flavours. While the exact number of cities in this network remains unconfirmed, participants like Kelowna and Porto bring unique specialities, from Canadian wines to Portuguese pastries. Macau's role as host underscores its own culinary heritage, blending Chinese and Portuguese influences.

The success of Iloilo's food stalls on the first day points to strong interest in Filipino cuisine abroad. The festival continues until March 29, offering more opportunities for visitors to sample dishes from different gastronomic cities. Organisers have not yet announced whether additional Iloilo vendors will join the event.