PHILIPPINE CUISINE AND CULTURE FEATURED AT THE 2023 MERCADO CULINÁRIO INDONÉSIO 

Lisbon, 05 June 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Portugal participated in the annual Mercado Culinário Indonésio 2023, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Portugal on Saturday, 27 May 2023.

As the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Lisbon (ACLP), the Indonesian Embassy in Portugal, alongside the Embassies of the Philippines and that of Thailand, aimed to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of Southeast Asian culture and gastronomy through this year’s edition of Mercado Culinário.

Philippine Ambassador to Portugal, Celia Anna M. Feria, expressed her appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy for extending the invitation for the Philippines to participate for the 2nd time in the Mercado Culinário, and acknowledged the exceptional effort in organizing this exclusive experience.  According to Ambassador Feria, “this year’s Mercado Culinário Indonésio 2023 provided a unique platform to promote and highlight the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase Filipino food and engage in cultural exchange with our ASEAN neighbors as well as with the  Portuguese community”,

The Philippine booth featured food entrepreneurs from the Filipino community in LIsbon, such as  A Diplomata, Panindang Pinoy sa Portugal, and Mamita’s Kitchen. Each Filipino entrepreneur offered a distinct selection of Philippine food,  serving a delectable array of Filipino dishes, delicacies, and desserts that were to the liking of the Portuguese visitors. Adobo, Halo-halo, Sago’t Gulaman, and Biko quickly became a hit among attendees, who had the opportunity to taste and compare the unique flavors of the three southeast Asian cuisines.

In addition to food promotion, the event also featured cultural performances that reflect the unique cultural  traditions of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. Attendees witnessed the Southeast Asian dances, folk music, and traditional attire, further immersing themselves in the cultural tapestry of the region. Wearing colorful malongs from the Maranao tribes of Mindanao, dancers from the Filipino community showcased the traditional and modern interpretation of the Kappa Malong Dance accompanied by intricate rhythmic sounds of the kulintang.

The Mercado Culinário Indonésio 2023 received an overwhelming response, with a high turnout of 850 attendees, including Portuguese locals, members of the diplomatic community, and other foreign visitors. By participating in this event, the Philippine Embassy in Portugal endeavors to further enhance the awareness and understanding of Philippine culture among the Portuguese community, fostering a deeper appreciation for our nation. Simultaneously, it aims to strengthen our relations with neighboring ASEAN countries, fostering deeper people-to-people linkages and promoting regional collaboration.

Mercado Culinário Indonésio is an annual event that celebrates the vibrant gastronomy and culture of Indonesia. This year’s special edition has now expanded its scope to include the culinary treasures of the Philippines and Thailand, creating an unparalleled cultural experience for guests and visitors.  END