In a significant stride towards bolstering gastronomy tourism across the Philippines, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently spearheaded a vibrant culinary tour of the historic City of Malabon. This initiative underscores the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the country and introducing innovative tourism experiences.
The gastronomic adventure commenced at the Malabon City Hall, where Secretary Frasco and key stakeholders from gastronomy tourism associations and travel and tour groups received a warm welcome from local officials, including Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Vice Mayor-Elect Edward Nolasco, and the City Councilors of Malabon.
The tour immersed participants in the authentic flavors and culinary traditions that define Malabon. Among the iconic local establishments visited were:
- Nanay’s Pancit Malabon: Where the group indulged in a generous serving of the city’s renowned pancit Malabon.
- Original Dolor’s Kakanin ng Malabon: For a delightful taste of traditional steamed rice cakes, or kakanin.
- Ellet’s Sweets: Offering a refreshing pause with their delightful halo-halo.
- Hazel’s Puto: Where visitors enjoyed soft and fluffy puto (steamed rice cake) topped with salted egg or cheese, and the equally beloved puto pao.
- Jay’Rs Okoy at the Concepcion Market: A well-known stall operating since 1999, providing a good sampling of the beloved Filipino snack, okoy.
A pivotal highlight of the tour was the visit to the thriving Concepcion Market. This stop emphasized the DOT’s prioritization of gastronomy tourism and marked the introduction of “market tourism.” This innovative program aims to spotlight local public markets as vibrant cultural and culinary hubs, offering visitors immersive experiences through their unique products, lively atmosphere, and compelling stories.
“Malabon City, with its distinct culinary identity and bustling markets, serves as a perfect example of the authentic gastronomic experiences we want to offer to our visitors,” stated Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “By championing market tourism, we are not only promoting our local delicacies but also supporting our communities and celebrating the everyday life that makes our culture so rich and appealing.”
This culinary expedition to Malabon City represents a key step in the DOT’s broader strategy to position the Philippines as a premier gastronomy tourism destination, inviting both local and international travelers to savor the diverse and delectable flavors of the archipelago.
