Food, culture, and community took center stage as the inaugural ZEEN & Tasted Food Festival, co-presented by Ayala Malls Market! Market!, successfully opened on August 8–9, bringing together culinary personalities, entrepreneurs, food brands, and the next generation of food lovers for a two-day celebration of discovery and shared experiences.
The festival opened with Sips & Sounds: Coffee Rave by McCafé, where Gen Z audiences kicked off the weekend with specialty coffee, music, and an energetic set by DJ John Gabriel, setting the tone for a vibrant celebration of food and youth culture.
One of the afternoon’s highlights was “Championing Regional Cuisine,” a conversation moderated by film director and ZEEN Editor-in-Chief Real S. Florido featuring globally recognized chef Miggy Moreno. The discussion focused on preserving the authenticity of regional Filipino cuisine while introducing it to wider audiences. Moreno encouraged young Filipinos to rediscover local dishes rooted in culture and heritage, emphasizing that authentic regional flavors deserve to be celebrated on the same level as global food trends.
The festival’s biggest moment came with the presentation of the inaugural ZEEN & Tasted Pin Saved Awards, recognizing restaurants and food brands that have become today’s most recommended, bookmarked, and shared dining experiences among young Filipinos, which includes Nadine Lustre’s Dehusk, Ryan Bang’s Paldo and Liz Uy’s Mood food.
2026 ZEEN & Tasted Pin Saved Awardees
Palm Grill – Regional Cuisine for The Youth
The Lounge Cafe by The Granary – Top Destination Cafe for The Youth
Paldo Restaurant – Top Korean Food Place for The Youth
Limbaga 77 – Top Family Dining for The Youth
Rekdi – Top Urban Casual Dining for The Youth
Mood Food – Top Wellness Food Brand for The Youth
Luxe Beauty & Wellness – Top Innovative Food Brand
Rebel Bakehouse – Editor’s Pick
159 Deli – Top Deli and Sandwiches
Mabuhay Craft Coffee – Top Concept Cafe
Manarola BGC – Top Italian Dining Spot
Scratch – Top Brunch Place for The Youth
McDonald’s – Favorite Gen Zeen Munchies
Go-To-Matcha – Top Matcha Place
Dehusk – Top Sustainable Food Brand for The Youth
Presenting the awards, ZEEN Editor-in-Chief Real S. Florido underscored the significance of food discovery in shaping today’s culture.
“At ZEEN, we believe that every generation shapes culture through the stories it tells and the discoveries it shares. The Pin Saved Award celebrates food brands and experiences that go beyond trends—places that people keep coming back to, recommend to friends, and genuinely remember. When something is worth saving, it’s worth sharing, and that’s how culture continues to grow.”
Keeping the energy high throughout the afternoon, DJ JJ Jimenez transformed the venue into a lively food rave as guests continued discovering new brands, enjoying live entertainment, and connecting with fellow food enthusiasts.
Despite the evening rain, the crowd remained strong for one of the day’s most anticipated sessions featuring It’s Showtime host and restaurateur Ryan Bang, who shared how he successfully rode the Korean food wave by introducing authentic Korean flavors to the Philippines through Paldo Restaurant. 
Receiving the Top Korean Food Place for The Youth recognition, Bang expressed his gratitude to both the organizers and his supporters.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ZEEN dahil first time naming magkaroon ng award. Maraming salamat din sa Madlang People sa inyong suporta. Punta kayo sa Paldo, mag-hi ako sa inyo… pero huwag kayong mag-expect ng discount!” Bang joked, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience.
The festival also drew crowds during entrepreneur Anna Magkawas’ presentation of Cognac Zero Shiratake Rice, joined by TikTok personality Mommy Rizza Dizon and rising culinary creator Chef Cara Florido, who shared insights on healthier food choices, food innovation, and creating meals that fit today’s lifestyle. Renowned wellness and lifestyle personality Cat Arambulo along with comedian and wellness enthusiast Tuesday Vargas shared some nifty advice to young women on the smart choices they can make in taking care of their health.
Throughout the 2-day event, festival-goers explored a carefully curated marketplace featuring some of the country’s exciting emerging food concepts and homegrown brands. Participating merchants included Kangkong King, Matcha With Pat, Dahon, Nueve Cafe, Maji Matcha, Corrsy’s Kitchen, Vendough MNL, Anik Anik by Chai, K Studio, The Lounge Cafe, Solasta, Fresh Deli, Brewd Camp Cafe, Squishaholic, Rice & Wrap, and Coffee Cat, offering everything from specialty coffee and matcha creations to artisanal pastries, comfort food, and lifestyle products.
With a successful inaugural edition, the ZEEN & Tasted Food Festival established itself as a new platform celebrating the restaurants, entrepreneurs, chefs, creators, and food brands shaping today’s dining culture. By combining meaningful conversations, immersive experiences, and recognition for culinary excellence, the festival reinforces ZEEN’s commitment to championing the stories and flavors that define a generation.
