Shaping the Next Generation of Filipino Culinary Professionals: 18th Philippine Food Expo Presents the Culinary Challenges

Press Release.

The Culinary Challenge returns as one of the flagship events of the 18th Philippine Food Expo 2026, bringing together the country’s most promising culinary students and educators for a three-day celebration of skill, creativity, and professional excellence. Happening on April 17–19, 2026 at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila, 

The Culinary Challenge, organized under the Philippine Food Expo, serves as a vital platform that bridges classroom learning and real-world culinary practice by mirroring industry standards, encouraging innovation, and nurturing the next generation of Filipino culinary talent. 

The competition is open to currently enrolled students and faculty members from culinary schools, colleges, universities, and hospitality and tourism management programs. Participating institutions can gain national visibility, recognition for culinary excellence, and a meaningful benchmark for aligning academic training with professional practice.

National Platform for Culinary Excellence

The Culinary Challenge strengthens collaboration between culinary schools, colleges, and universities across the Philippines, while fostering healthy competition and professional growth among students and faculty alike. Participants gain hands-on experience that reflects the realities of hotel, restaurant, and tourism operations. At its core, the Culinary Challenge emphasizes:

• Technical culinary mastery

• Creativity and artistry

• Nutrition and healthy cooking

            Professional discipline and teamwork

"Bounty of the South: Davao on a Plate"

This year highlights the richness of Southern Philippine flavors, with a particular focus on Davao’s regional ingredients, heritage dishes, and culinary identity. Across most categories, participants are challenged to reinterpret local flavors using modern techniques while maintaining cultural authenticity. 

The competition features a diverse set of categories that test a wide range of culinary and hospitality skills:

• Food Styling & Photography: An on-the-spot food styling competition which aims to showcase the combination of art and culinary skills of each student. 

• Philippine Regional Table Setting: Participants shall set-up a 2-seater table judged by their hospitality, service, and thematic presentation.

• Creative Filipino Dessert Platter: An on-the-spot cooking competition where participants must create a creative Filipino dessert platter using local flavors.

• Healthy Pasta: An on-the-spot cooking competition where participants must create a nutritionally balanced Filipino-inspired pasta.

• Kitchen Masters (30-Minute Challenge): A time-pressured, on-the-spot cooking competition.

• Pinasarap Breakfast: An on-the spot cooking competition where participants must create a “Balanced Pinoy Breakfast Meal”

• Mystery Ingredient: An on-the-spot cooking competition focusing on Davao Regional Dishes using Mystery Ingredients.
• PFE Knowledge Challenge: Academic quiz bee to test the knowledge of student tandems on local  food and beverage, geography and tourism.

A Culinary Stage That Shapes Careers

As part of the 18th Philippine Food Expo, the Culinary Challenge stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to culinary education, innovation, and cultural pride. By empowering students, mentoring them alongside faculty, and placing Filipino cuisine at the center of global conversations, the Culinary Challenge continues to shape the future of the Philippine culinary industry one plate at a time.

For more information, kindly email pfeculinarychallenge@gmail.com. Stay updated on further announcements by following @philfoodexpo on Facebook and Instagram.

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