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Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival at Ayala Malls Centrio. Jeeves de Veyra

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Jeeves De Veyra

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778835750884cover.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival at Ayala Malls Centrio. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>CAGAYAN DE ORO — Ayala Malls Centrio ushered in summer in Cagayan de Oro City with the 2026 edition of the award‑winning Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival, drawing crowds of eager foodies to the mall.</p><p>Now on its 12th year, Big Bite again proved its pull as foodies from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas packed the mall to sample offerings from 88 curated food entrepreneurs with the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival&#x27;s Gourmet Market contributing 14 premium food sellers on the other side of the mall.</p><p>Over time, the festival has established itself as a reliable barometer of emerging food trends in Northern Mindanao — and this year was no exception.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883859700301 - matcha.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Matcha Corner. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>One trend stood out immediately: matcha. Once represented by just a booth or two in the past couple of years, the Japanese green tea has clearly arrived. Matcha-based drinks and desserts were everywhere, with sellers offering everything from ceremonial-grade brews to matcha desserts.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883862520402 - casa chalupa.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Casa Chulapa. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Mexican flavors also expanded beyond the familiar. Casa Chulapa drew steady lines for its namesake chulapas — tacos with savory fried shells filled with spicy carnitas among other fillings, offering a fresh take that goes beyond the usual burritos and tacos.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883865086503 - HELLO ELOTE - elote wit5h doritos.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Hello Elote. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>At Hello Elote, buttered corn cobs dusted with crushed Doritos proved to be a simple but addictive crowd favorite, turning a classic street snack into a playful festival hit.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883867802304 - SENDNOODS.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Sendnoods. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Chinese specialties rounded out the international mix. Despite limited booth space and heavy foot traffic, the team behind Sendnoods folded and steamed xiao long bao to order. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883870284505 - TUA HOK - mala dry noodles - tao hok.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Tua Hok. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Nearby, Tua Hok attracted spice seekers with mala soup and dry noodles known for their signature tongue‑numbing heat.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883873608406 - smoke rings booth.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883875020507 - smoke rings meats.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Smoke Rings. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Big Bite has been known for bringing hidden foodie gems into the spotlight. This year, that distinction belonged to Smoke Rings, a smokehouse based in the highlands of Claveria east of Cagayan de Oro. Encouraged by guests, owners April and Paul Monsanto took a chance on applying. and quickly found themselves overwhelmed in the best way.</p><p>Their smoked beef and pulled Angus brisket sold so fast that supplies ran out within three days, forcing the team to make repeat restocking trips back to Claveria.</p><p>Beyond the weekend buzz, Big Bite also serves as a launchpad for entrepreneurs ready to take the next step. Ayala Malls Centrio uses the festival as a testing ground for brands that may be ready to become permanent mall locators.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883877822608 - Sourdough By Psy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Sourdough by Psy. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>That path is already paying off for Sourdough by Psy. After debuting at Big Bite last year, founder Psy Cua now operates a stall on the mall’s second‑floor bridgeway. What began during the pandemic has grown into a thriving business known for focaccia and pastries made with all‑natural ingredients and wild honey.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883880492509 - messy kitchen - booth.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883881952610 - messy kitchen - croissant oft sorve.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Messy Kitchen. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>For frequent festival goers, Messy Kitchen has long been a familiar sight, often with a line for its coffee, tin cakes, and cookies. It turns out that owners Camille and Martin Cabrera were simply waiting for the right location. They now occupy a prime space on the ground floor right beside a high traffic entrance.</p><p>But even if they already have a space, they return as Big Bite participants to test out new products. This year, those experiments came in the form of sundaes and soft‑serve ice cream.</p><p>Big Bite organizers award standout participants each year.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883884646411 - CHLOE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Chloe Bakery. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Both Food Discovery Awards went to repeat participants. Chloe Bakery took the Sweet Food Discovery Award for its interactive Cake Cup Bar, where guests build their own cupcakes by choosing a base, frosting, and toppings. The limited‑edition Pistachio Berry Bomb proved to be a most popular combination.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883896860412 - Kofta Balls.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Khana Sutra. <em>Jeeves de Veyra </em></span></span></span></div><p>Khana Sutra&#x27;s adherence to authentic Indian spice levels was rewarded with the Best Savory Food Discovery award. The takoyaki‑inspired Kofta Balls with spicy masala topped with crunchy chaat and yogurt sauce brought on the heat.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883900838513 - pagmaya - chocolates.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Pagmaya. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Local chocolatier Pagmaya claimed the coveted Golden Spoon Award, given to the participant with the highest sales. Its Dubai Chocolate Cookie drew a constant stream of festival goers to the booth.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177883903790412 - Miss Caramel.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Miss Caramel. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Meanwhile, Miss Caramel earned Best Booth honors for its playful Cake ATM concept, where guests order and pay through an app before their cake is dispensed via a slot on the side of the booth.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWaYoizjThv/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A10659634.399999857%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The last award recognizes marketing savvy, particularly on social media. This year, Prime Burger set the standard by consistently integrating both Big Bite and Ayala Malls Centrio into its online posts — earning the nod for digital promotion and showing future participants how strategic visibility can benefit both brand and venue.</p><p>With its mix of established favorites and rising food entrepreneurs, Big Bite 2026 leaves festival goers excited for what’s next — setting the table for an even bigger return next year at Ayala Malls Centrio.</p>

<p>Cagayan de Oro’s Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival returned for its 2026 edition at Ayala Malls Centrio, drawing crowds eager to sample global flavors, rising food trends, and standout local entrepreneurs.</p>

Cagayan de Oro’s Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival returned for its 2026 edition at Ayala Malls Centrio, drawing crowds eager to sample global flavors, rising food trends, and standout local entrepreneurs.

From matcha to smoked brisket, Big Bite highlights CDO’s evolving food scene

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From matcha to smoked brisket, Big Bite highlights CDO’s evolving food scene

Jeeves De Veyra

Published May 16, 2026 11:00 AM PHT

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Updated May 16, 2026 11:12 AM PHT

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Big Bite 2026

Ayala Malls Centrio

Cagayan de Oro

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