Pampanga's Angeles City named Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination

Pampanga's Angeles City has been recognized as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Angeles competed against other renowned Asian food destinations, including Hanoi in Vietnam, Kyoto in Japan, Taipei in Taiwan, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

It is the city's first-ever accolade in the category.

"This prestigious recognition of Angeles City as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination underscores the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans," Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a press release.

"The city's rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but across the world, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage," she added.

Angeles City, known as the "culinary capital" of the Philippines, is at the urban core of Metro Clark alongside Mabalacat and San Fernando City. It is promoted as a gastronomy tourist destination.

The city is known for its famous Pork Sisig, which earned it the moniker "Sisig Capital of the Philippines." A Sisig Festival, locally known as the Sadsaran Qng Angeles, is celebrated every December.

The World Culinary Awards, a sister event to the World Travel Awards, recognizes and rewards excellence in the culinary industry following a year-long search for the world's leading culinary brands.

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News