The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The chicken inasal and other Filipino street food recently won the Judges’ Award at the 2026 YMCA Embassy Chef Showcase in Ottawa, the Philippine Embassy in Canada said. The embassy, represented by Filipino Chef David Vinoya, snatched the award after featuring the street corner-themed Filipino cuisine. The embassy featured a curated selection of Filipino favorites such as beef tapa barbecue, chicken inasal barbecue, longanisa barbecue, pork barbecue and achara (pickled papaya) – collectively presented as “D’ Original Mang David’s BBQ.” The panel of judges, headed by Margaret Dickenson, a world-renowned Canadian cookbook author, columnist, and television host, "recognized the Philippine entry for its excellence in execution, presentation, taste, and creativity," the embassy said. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said the event celebrated cultural diversity through cuisine while supporting charitable causes. “We did not only want Ottawa to get a taste of Philippine street food," he said. "We wanted to let Ottawa experience how Filipinos end their work days, whether waiting in Cubao for their buses or jeepneys, or going home to their barangay, by eating comfort food at grill stations very much like D’ Original Mang David’s BBQ.” The Philippine booth became one of the event's main attractions, with long lines of guests eager to sample the Philippines’ offerings. Guests enjoyed the authentic street food experience of dipping the BBQ skewers into classic Filipino sauces. The competition, held at the Horticulture Building in Lansdowne Park, Ottawa on April 16, brought together 15 countries, "each presenting signature dishes that reflect their respective culinary traditions," it added. The embassy said the event provided "an excellent opportunity to highlight the Philippines’ culinary traditions while contributing to a meaningful cause," as it celebrates Filipino Food Month and Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada.
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