Metro Manila’s food scene is lit this coming weekend, May 23 to 25, 2025, with a stacked lineup of pop-ups, chef collabs, and festivals serving global flavors. From K-drama-inspired feasts to French street food, this is your ultimate cheat sheet to a weekend of seriously good eats and Insta-worthy vibes. 

Chef Lily Min at Admiral Hotel Manila | Photo: Admiral Hotel Manila

1. The Admiral's Travels: A Culinary Voyage To South Korea

When: Until May 30, 2025

Where: Admiral Club Manila Bay, Admiral Hotel Manila

Why You Can’t Miss It: The second leg of Admiral Hotel Manila – M Gallery’s signature culinary series, called The Admiral’s Travels, brings the vibrant flavors of South Korea to their main dining restaurant, Admiral Club Manila Bay. Curated by Chef Lily Min, a Korean cuisine specialist and Korean Cultural Center instructor, this is a feast of authentic Korean home-style dishes available for lunch and dinner buffets. It's a celebration of Korean heritage with heirloom recipes, set against Manila Bay’s iconic sunset. 

Pro Tip: Book a table at (0917) 829-8434 using code KOREA, or visit admiralhotelmanila.com for details.

Trust Chef Frances Tariga to bring you on an omakase journey | Photo: Incanta

2. RITWAL: An Omakase Journey with Chef Frances Tariga

When: May 22 to July 18, 2025

Where: Incanta, 70 Scout Limbaga, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Why You Can’t Miss It:  At Incanta, “omakase” means surrendering to the genius of award-winning Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana NYC. Her 12-course Filipino-Japanese tasting menu, RITWAL, is a sensory pilgrimage blending fire, spirit, and flavor. Drawing from a sold-out preview in January, this pop-up fuses Filipino soul with Japanese precision, creating dishes that linger long after the final bite. With only a handful of seats per night, this is the summer’s most exclusive table.

Pro Tip: Reserve ASAP via Incanta’s Instagram DMs or email incantacavebar@gmail.com, as seats are super limited.

3. Mitsute: The Three Artisans Pop-Up

When: May 23 to 25, 2025

Where: Secret location in Metro Manila (revealed to ticket holders)

Why You Can’t Miss It: The masterminds behind Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Marudori, Ramen Yushoken, Kazunori Japanese Restaurant, and Kazu Cafe unite for a Six Hands Collaboration Dinner. Dubbed MITSUTE: The Three Artisans, this two-night event promises a symphony of Japanese-inspired dishes that blend tradition with innovation. Expect umami-packed plates and a vibe that’s as electric as the flavors. 

Pro Tip: Two sittings have been added on May 25. Get your tickets here  

Matnam at The Balmori Chef's Table | Photo: Your Local

4. Matnam Culinary Class Wars

When: Until June 1, 2025

Where: Chef's Table at The Balmori Suites, Rockwell, Makati

Why You Can’t Miss It: Culinary Class Wars Netflix chefs are cooking at the Balmori Suites’ kitchen, serving iconic dishes like Napoli Matfia’s pasta and Auntie Omakase #1’s kalguksu. This pop-up brings the show’s high-energy drama to Manila with bold Korean flavors that slap, perfect for fans and foodies chasing a hype dining vibe. Expect a lively crowd and Insta-worthy plates.

Pro Tip: Book early through balmorisuites.com or call +63 2 8893 8600, and check the chef schedule for your faves.

Grab a dessert passport, try three limited-time desserts | Photo: AF Hospitality

5. Limited-time desserts by the creator of the viral Dubai chocolate knafeh

When: Until June 11, 2025

Where: Ramen Ron, Steak & Frice, and a mano in BGC

Why You Can’t Miss It: Grab a dessert passport, walk to the three restaurants (a mano, Steak & Frice, Ramen Ron) and savor three limited-time desserts created by Chef Nouel Catis, the man responsible for the viral Dubai knafeh chocolate bar. You’ll love every single one of them, we guarantee. Hey, Catis might even pop in for selfies, adding major clout.

Pro Tip: Get all three limited-time desserts and get a chocolate knafeh prize. Be quick though, these are available only while supplies last. 

Pahiyas Food Festival | Photo: The Manila Hotel

6. Pahiyas Food Festival at The Manila Hotel 

When: Until May 31, 2025

Where: Cafe Ilang-Ilang, The Manila Hotel

Why You Can’t Miss It: Celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Quezon province, indulge in regional specialties like Paco Salad, Hardinera, Lucban Longganisa, Kulawong Puso ng Saging, Adobo sa Puti, Pancit Habhab, Ginisang Santol, Nilupak, Kalamay, and Tayabas Bonete. These dishes, among others, will be served on rotation during lunch and dinner buffet. The edible kiping decor and live cooking stations bring colorful, IG-worthy festival energy.

Pro Tip: Call 63 2 8527 0011 to skip the dinner rush.

Sake Manila 2025 | Photo: Sake Manila

7. Sake Manila 2025

When: May 23, 2025

Where: Okada Manila, Parañaque

Why You Can’t Miss It: Sake Manila is back at Okada Manila, one of the most anticipated gateways into Japan’s finest brews, rich culinary traditions, and unforgettable cultural experiences. With over 50 sake varieties and Japanese-inspired eats.

Pro Tip: Cop tickets early via okadamanila.com or call +63 2 8888 0777, and wear comfy kicks to roam the stations.

Gout de France 2025 | Photo: Make It Makati

8. Goût de France 2025

When: May 24 (4 PM–12 AM) and May 25 (8 AM–10 PM), 2025

Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati

Why You Can’t Miss It: Goût de France transforms Paseo de Roxas into a French street food fest with vendors like Oui Tacos, Araro Gelato, and Crepe, blending French and Pinoy “bayanihan” energy. Free entry, live music, and dishes like croissants and escargot make this a lit, open-air party under Makati’s trees.

Pro Tip: Show up early on May 24, bring cash for smaller vendors, and check @goutdefranceph on Instagram for updates; no reservations needed.