Ten years ago, I wrote a post bemoaning the lack of respect for Filipino food. Today, I write about Filipino Food Month and Michelin stars for FilAm restaurants.
In Filipino homes, food has always been the glue that holds everyone together. Even when family members are scattered across cities, islands, or countries, it’s the meals they come home to that reconnect them—favorite dishes waiting on the table, stories shared over second helpings, and the familiar invitation: “Kain na.”
Filipino cuisine is the ultimate fusion fare before fusion became a fad. Filipinos have taken the food from China, Malaysia, Indian, Spain and Japan have adapted them into indigenous techniques and local ingredients, iesisig on fries, adobo hot wings, lechon, well, its hard to improve on lechon.
FYI: High-end Filipino cuisine in the Napa Valley
In recent years, Filipino and Filiipino American chefs have ventured beyond traditional recipes to adapt traditional recipes and ingredients to create modern takes on the dishes that have defined the cuisine.
As more and more people become acquainted with Philippine cuisine, the inaugural Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 was officially unveiled on October 30, 2025.
Across the US, community organizations, restaurants, and consulates are hosting festivals, street fairs, and intimate dinners to highlight Pinoy flavors. Here are a few of them:
Across the US, community organizations, restaurants, and consulates are hosting festivals, street fairs, and intimate dinners to highlight Pinoy flavors. Here are a few of them:
Los Angeles & Southern California
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles is leading regional efforts to highlight Filipino food as a cultural asset.
- Kamayan Dinner with Chef Barb Batiste: A family-style feast curated by the chef behind B Sweet and Big Boi, designed to honor traditional customs by eating with your hands.
- Barkada Sessions #4 (Glendale): A music and food showcase on April 4, 2026, featuring Fil-Am artists, local food vendors, and popular ube and calamansi beers from Brewyard Beer Company.
- Filipino Weekend Reception (Fullerton): Taking place April 17, 2026, at the Fullerton Community Center, this reception features food, raffles, and Disney-themed prizes.
- Fiesta in Lomita: A community festival on April 18 featuring Filipino BBQ, entertainment, and novelty items.
- ASCEND - Rising Artists (Cerritos): A live concert and cultural celebration held on April 4, 2026, at Kusina Filipina.
San Francisco & Bay Area
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco has partnered with the Filipino Food Movement to promote the region's diverse culinary scene.
- "Connected by Taste" Mini-Series: Starting April 5, 2026, the Consulate is releasing a social media series showcasing various Filipino restaurants throughout the Bay Area.
- Filipino Fiesta Fest Social Night (San Jose): A kickoff event for the larger May festival, was held on March 28 at the Pete Be Center featuring classic dishes and karaoke.
- Aurora Kusina Weekly Features: Throughout April, this local favorite is sharing spotlighted dishes, cupboard essentials, and traditional snacks weekly on Instagram.
- Ube Festival 2026: While taking place slightly later on June 20, 2026, at the Cow Palace, this major event is often highlighted during Food Month as a culmination of the ube culinary trend.
Hawaii
Hawaii's celebrations focus on the deep-rooted plantation history and contemporary fusion of the islands.
- Filipino Food Month at FilCom (Waipahu): The Filipino Community Center serves as a hub for cultural activities and food heritage talks throughout the month.
- Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta: A major festival and market on May 2, 2026, at the FilCom Center that serves as the official culmination of the spring food celebrations.
- Local Specialties in Waipahu: Top-rated spots like Minasa Hawaii (known for ube churros and lechon fries) and Da Ultimate Grindz are expected to feature seasonal specials honoring the month's theme.
- INSPO! 2026 (Honolulu): A community fundraiser on April 11, 2026, at Kaimukī Middle School that highlights locally inspired meals and community sharing.
Major festivals and street fairs)
- Chi-Ibigan 2: A Night for the Barkada (Chicago, IL)
Date: Saturday, April 4, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: Ravenswood Event CenterDetails: This massive collaboration features over 16 chefs and restaurants, including Bayan Ko, Boonie's, and Kasama. The event includes tasting stations, an open bar, karaoke, mahjong, and DJs.
Location: Ravenswood Event CenterDetails: This massive collaboration features over 16 chefs and restaurants, including Bayan Ko, Boonie's, and Kasama. The event includes tasting stations, an open bar, karaoke, mahjong, and DJs.
- Ubeland NYC
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Broadway between 12th and 13th Streets
Details: Organized by Philippines Fest, this outdoor festival features 20+ vendors dedicated to ube (purple yam). Expect creative dishes like ube paella, ube burnt Basque cheesecake, and various sweet treats.
- 15th Annual Filipino Festival Spring Edition (Peoria, AZ)
Date: April 11–12, 2026
Location: Centennial Park Plaza
Details: Billed as "Filipino Food Freedom Month," this fiesta features over 50 vendors, vibrant traditional dances, local art, and family-friendly games.
Regional events
- San Antonio, TX: Following a successful National Lumpia Week in mid-March, local Filipino-owned businesses continue to offer specials throughout April as part of the broader month-long observance.
- Portland, OR: The Filipino American Association of Portland and Vicinity (FAAPVI) is kicking off its 2026 Cultural Immersion Program in April with events like the Governor's Marketplace to celebrate the month and support AAPI businesses.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.
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