What happens when the different flavors of the Philippines come together in one place? At Culinaire 2026: Flavors of Possibility, the answer came through a table filled with dishes inspired by destinations across the country.
Presented by SMX Convention Center Manila, the annual culinary showcase brought together SMX’s accredited caterers and partners to celebrate Filipino food, local ingredients, and the communities behind them. This year, in particular, the event turned food into a way of exploring the diverse character of the Philippine archipelago.
With the Philippines’ identity as an archipelago as its inspiration, this year’s Culinaire explored flavors from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
A Taste of Every Destination
To bring this idea to life, each participating caterer was assigned a city represented within the SMX network. From there, they were challenged to create an original dish inspired by its local character, ingredients, and culinary traditions.
For example, Bizu Catering Studio brought Mandaluyong City to the table with Higupin – Poached Duck Egg Penoy, while Hizon’s Restaurant and Catering represented Davao with Sinuglaw.
For Pasay City, Juan Carlo The Caterer created Ginto: Gateway to the Islands, its take on halo-halo. Kitchen City, meanwhile, highlighted Clark, Pampanga through Kapampangan Sisig Crisp.
The regional journey continued with M Catering and Fine Foods’ Coconut Inutak Brûlée for Taguig, Richgold Weddings’ take on Cebu Lechon, and The Creamery Catering’s Chicken Inasal Pani Puri representing Bacolod.
Tjioe The Caterer Inc. showcased Sta. Rosa, Laguna through Laguna Angus Kulawo, while Via Mare Corporation represented Sto. Tomas, Batangas with Tawilis Fish and Chips with Calamansi Aioli.
Adding another layer to the experience, Event Shaker Mobile Bar and GQ Mobile Bar created beverage concepts inspired by the different destinations represented at SMX.
More Than Just a Culinary Showcase
For SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), Culinaire goes beyond putting creative dishes on a table. It also shows how food can tell stories about places, people, and local traditions.
“Over the years, Culinaire has become a channel for SMX, its caterer partners, and sponsors to showcase creativity and culinary craftsmanship,” said Walid Wafik, SMHCC Senior Vice President for Operations.
Through events like Culinaire, SMX becomes more than a venue for meetings and gatherings. It becomes a space where guests can experience a taste of the destinations connected to its growing network.
Bringing Filipino Flavors Forward
As SMHCC continues to expand its hospitality and MICE portfolio, its properties across the country provide more opportunities to showcase Filipino culture through food and experiences.
From Metro Manila to Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Clark, Laguna, and Batangas, Culinaire 2026 offered a reminder that the Philippines’ culinary identity is as diverse as its islands—and that sometimes, the best way to discover a place is through what’s on the plate.
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