Taste of Manila 2024: The Largest Filipino Festival You Can’t Miss
Get ready, Toronto! The city’s most anticipated cultural celebration is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever. On August 17th and 18th, 2024, Taste of Manila returns, bringing with it a feast of flavors, sights, and sounds that promise to elevate your summer experience.
Celebrating its 11th year, this iconic Filipino food festival has become a global sensation, drawing foodies, culture enthusiasts, and trendsetters from around the world to indulge in the vibrant essence of Filipino culture. Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate in style at one of the largest Filipino festivals outside the Philippines.
- Where: Corner of Bathurst St and Wilson Ave, Toronto, ON
- Dates & Times:
- August 17, 2024: 9 AM to 11 PM
- August 18, 2024: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Tickets: Free admission
Festival Highlights
Bring the Filipino Festival to life with an epic lineup of cultural entertainment. It’s the experiences you won’t want to miss:
- From pork isaw to taho, explore authentic Filipino dishes from over 100 vendors. Try local favorites like mangga with bagoong and kwek kwek.
- Plus, Filipino icon Jollibee will have a booth set up, serving their iconic fried chicken and spaghetti.
- This year’s lineup features top Filipino artists like Isko Moreno, Alden Richards, Boobay, Ruffa Gutierrez, and a mix of local talents.
- Catch live performances from Alden Richards, Isko Moreno, Boobay, Zircon Tribe, Rachelle Show, Steeles Squad, Kilsen Band, Moreen Dela Cruz, Ruffa Gutierrez, Alyssa Grace, AMPLIFYE, Springwater Band, and more.
- Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural showcases for a weekend of entertainment.
- Discover the rich Filipino heritage through traditional performances, community activities, and a Filipino arts and crafts showcase.
- Shop from a wide array of Filipino crafts, clothing, and unique products that celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the Filipino community.
The best part? This Filipino Festival is totally free to attend.
Must-Try Filipino Street Foods
The real magic of Taste of Manila is in its lineup of vendors, each bringing a slice of Filipino culture to life. Whether you’re after mouthwatering dishes or unique finds, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Republika Restobar & Grill
If you’re after great food and even better vibes, Republika Restobar & Grill is your spot. This trendy hangout is known for its fusion of classic Filipino dishes and grilled favorites, all served in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re digging into sizzling sisig or enjoying a drink with friends, Republika offers the perfect blend of flavor and fun.
2. Kabalen
Dive into the bold, rich flavors of Pampanga with Kabalen Toronto — specializing in authentic Kapampangan dishes, this spot is a must for foodies looking to indulge in the best of Filipino cuisine. From sizzling sisig to hearty kare-kare, Kabalen brings the taste of tradition with a modern twist.
3. FV Foods
FV Foods has got you covered with their delicious range of Filipino pastries, desserts, and traditional treats. Whether it’s their famous sapin-sapin or fresh pandesal, FV Foods brings a taste of the Philippines that’s sure to satisfy.
4. Tagpuan
A beloved spot in the Filipino food scene, Tagpuan Restaurant brings the authentic flavors of the Philippines to Taste of Manila. Known for serving up delicious, no-fuss Filipino comfort food, this spot brings the heart of Manila straight to your plate. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a flavorful meal, Tagpuan’s got something that’ll hit the spot.
5. Wilson’s House of Lechon
Calling all lechon lovers! Wilson’s Haus of Lechon is your go-to for that crispy, juicy, mouthwatering lechon experience. This vendor is famous for their expertly roasted lechon, making it a must-try at Taste of Manila. Get ready to dive into one of the best bites of the festival.
6. Jollibee
Jollibee is bringing the heat with their iconic fried chicken and famous sweet-style spaghetti. This Filipino fast-food legend needs no introduction—stop by their booth for a taste of the comfort food that’s won hearts worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, Jollibee is a must-visit.
7. Wuba Eats
Delight in the savory goodness of freshly made bao buns at WuBa Eats. Each bite is a journey through the flavors of Asia’s street food scene.
8. La Isla
Craving the authentic taste of Ilocos empanada? La Isla has got you covered with this savory, crispy Filipino delicacy that brings the flavors of Ilocos straight to your plate.
9. Eskenita Foods
Eskenita Foods – From savory skewers to classic snacks, they bring the authentic taste of the Philippines to your plate.
10. Kanto Tato
Satisfy your cravings for crispy, delicious fries at Kanto Tato. Their potato fries and taters are a perfect snack as you explore the festival.
11. Hang-outs
Hang-out Foods A family-owned spot that serves up a mix of Filipino, Chinese, and Canadian dishes, specializing in catering with a focus on Filipino cuisine.
12. Tropang Ilonggo
Get a taste of the Visayas with Tropang Ilonggo! They bring the unique and delicious flavors of the Ilonggo region straight to your plate. From savory La Paz Batchoy to the iconic Inasal, Tropang Ilonggo offers a culinary journey that’s all about bold flavors and regional favorites you won’t want to miss.
13. Pnoy Fiesta
Indulge in rich, flavorful dishes that bring the taste of home to your plate. Pnoy Fiesta serves up classic Filipino ulam that will transport you straight to the Philippines.
13. Lemon Heaven
Quench your summer thirst with freshly squeezed lemonade from Lemon Heaven. It’s the perfect refreshing treat to cool you down on a hot day.
15. Happy Twist
Enjoy a crispy delight at Happy Twist, where they serve potatoes skewered on a stick, cut into a continuous spiral, stretched out, and fried to perfection! It’s a fun and tasty treat you won’t want to miss.
16. Arsenio’s Kitchen
Experience the authentic taste of Filipino cuisine at Arsenio’s Kitchen. Indulge in hearty bowls of lomi, goto Batangas, and beef pares, or savor all-day breakfast favorites like tapsilog and lechonsilog.
17. Rotchy Bar and Grill
Get ready for a flavor explosion with Rotchy Bar and Grill. They’re bringing the best of Filipino BBQ, Bacolod chicken inasal, and mouthwatering sisig to the festival—don’t miss out.
18. Kung Fu Tea
Quench your thirst with the authentic flavors of Taiwan at Kung Fu Tea Toronto! Their refreshing milk tea is perfect for any occasion—grab one and enjoy.
19. Gimbap Shop
Get a taste of Korea at Gimbap Shop! Enjoy delicious gimbap, spicy tteokbokki, and refreshing drinks that will leave you craving more.
20. Nakoo Sarap!
Get ready for the ultimate Filipino street food experience with Nakoo Sarap! From BBQ to balut, they have all your favorites ready to enjoy.
21. Rice is Rice
From savory dishes like Beef Pares and Chicken Inasal to sweet treats like Turon and Leche Flan, Rice is Rice covers all your Filipino cravings. Don’t miss their refreshing Sago’t Gulaman.
Sweet Treat vendors
For those with a sweet tooth, Taste of Manila 2024 has plenty to offer. From freshly baked pandesal at Jeprimo’s Bakeshop to the delightful halo-halo and ensaymada at Jackie’s Creative Cakes, there’s no shortage of Filipino treats to indulge in.
22. Jackie’s Creative Cakes & Sweets
Indulge in delightful Filipino treats like fluffy ensaymada, refreshing halo-halo, and nostalgic iskrambol at Jackie’s Creative Cakes. Your sweet tooth will thank you!
23. Fuwa Fuwa Pickering
Craving something sweet? Fuwa Fuwa Pickering has you covered with their delicious halo-halo, soft ensaymada, and signature Japanese soufflé pancakes. Treat yourself!
24. Marry Me Mochi
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Marry Me Mochi’s cute and irresistible mochi donuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re a must-try for any occasion!
25. Hop-Yah Factory
Indulge in the flaky, flavorful goodness of hopia from Hop-Yah Factory. Whether you’re into the classic mung bean or the ube variety, these pastries are a must-try.
26. Jane’s Cravings
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Jane’s Cravings! Their delicious Filipino snacks, desserts, and kakanin are a true taste of home in every bite.
27. Jeprimo’s Bakeshop
Satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly baked goods from Jeprimo’s Bakeshop. Their pandecoco, pandesal, hopia, and more are baked to perfection and sure to delight.
28. Claire’s Special Kakanin
Enjoy the sweetness of tradition with a selection of Filipino kakanin, including your favorite rice cakes and sweet treats.
29. Iskrambol Vancouver
Cool off with the classic Filipino treat, iskrambol! Visit Iskrambol Vancouver for a refreshing, nostalgic ice scramble that will take you back to the streets of the Philippines.
Unique Finds and Essential Services Vendors
Taste of Manila isn’t just about food; it’s also a marketplace for unique products and essential services. Here’s a peek at some of the non-food vendors you’ll find:
- GAF General Merchandise: Dive into a collection of stylish bags, handmade crafts, cozy slippers, and scented candles. GAF General Merchandise is your go-to for those perfect little finds.
- One Stop Goods: Upgrade your style with trendy bags and accessories from One Stop Goods. Whether it’s a chic handbag or a unique piece, they’ve got the goods.
- Aki’s Bayong: Explore beautifully crafted bayong bags and fans, along with other fun Filipino novelties at Aki’s Bayong.
- Tito’s Towing: Need a reliable roadside partner? Tito’s Towing offers 24/7 roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and more. From car lockouts to scrap car removal, they’ve got you covered.
- Evelyn Valdez – Right At Home Realty: Looking to buy, sell, or invest in property? Visit Evelyn Valdez at her booth and turn your real estate dreams into reality with her expert guidance.
- Arlene Marques – EXP Realty: Another real estate expert, Arlene Marques, is here to help you navigate the real estate market with ease and confidence.
- North South Accessories / Tuk Paw Prints: Spruce up your look with trendy accessories from North South Accessories. Whether it’s jibbits for your Crocs, cool caps, or stylish shirts, they’ve got something to add a personal touch to your style.
- Lovely Asian & Filipino Goods: Discover a mix of stylish items, including colorful bags, slippers, blouses, and hats. Plus, enjoy some delicious Filipino street foods and snacks like isaw and BBQ at Lovely Kusina.
- Mely’s Egg Processing Corporation brings the traditional delicacies of balut and salty red eggs to the festival, offering an authentic taste of Filipino street food.
One of the biggest highlights of Taste of Manila is the mouthwatering selection of street food. From smoky Pork BBQ Skewers and crispy Kwek-Kwek to the refreshing Halo-Halo and comforting Taho, there’s no shortage of delicious options.
Don’t miss out on adventurous bites like Isaw and Balut or classic favorites like Turon, Fish Balls, and Manggang Hilaw. And, of course, quench your thirst with a cool Sago’t Gulaman as you explore the vibrant flavors of Filipino street food.
Unique Pinoy Products at the Taste of Manila 2024
Looking for traditional apparel like a Barong Tagalog or a Pinoy novelty item?
Taste of Manila 2024 is also a shopper’s dream. The festival is packed with stalls offering an incredible range of Filipino-made products that celebrate the country’s rich culture. From the elegance of South Sea pearl jewelry to the craftsmanship of handcrafted bags and decor, there’s plenty to explore.
A Festival for Everyone
This year’s theme, “A Festival for Everyone,” perfectly captures the spirit of Taste of Manila. While the festival remains a celebration of Filipino culture, it also embraces the diversity of Toronto’s multicultural community. We encourage visitors of all backgrounds to join in the fun, taste new foods, and experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
From the delicious food to the vibrant performances, every moment at Taste of Manila 2024 is designed to make you feel part of something special.
References:
- https://www.sparccanada.ca
- https://www.todocanada.ca/taste-of-manila-canadas-fili-largest-street-festival-is-on-at-torontos-bathhurst-wilson-this-weekend
- https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/news-releases/60184/
- https://www.blogto.com/city/2015/08/taste_of_manila_returns_bigger_and_better_for_year_two/
- https://www.instagram.com/tasteofmanilacanada/
