The scent of garlic, stewing pork, and simmering fish filled the air as the Carinderia War 2025 took center stage on April 27 at the Ormoc City Stage. In celebration of Filipino Food Month, six local eateries battled with ladles and flavors, each showcasing their take on five classic dishes deeply loved in the region.
The event drew food lovers, curious onlookers, and culinary enthusiasts. In a city known for its humble but flavorful carinderias, the competition was both a tribute and a test.
Dada’s Food Haus wins hearts with Pork Humba
Among the crowd favorites, Dada’s Food Haus stood out with their Pork Humba, a rich and tender stew that judges described as deep, balanced, and emotionally familiar. The slow-cooked pork, braised in soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatics, captured the essence of Visayan soul food.
The judges praised its flavor as having both nostalgia and technique. The dish, often seen in everyday carinderia settings, was elevated with thoughtful cooking and generous layers of seasoning.
Teacher’s Pet Food House dominates the kitchen battlefield
While humba went to Dada’s, the most decorated carinderia of the event was Teacher’s Pet Food House, earning three wins: Best Pochero, Chicken Rhapsody, and Utan Bisaya.
Their pochero, a tomato-based stew with corn, banana, and beef cuts, earned high marks for its comforting broth and well-balanced vegetables. The Chicken Rhapsody, a more modern take on Filipino-style chicken with cream and spices, won over the judges with its tenderness and subtle heat.
But it was the Utan Bisaya that sealed their dominance. This humble vegetable soup—featuring okra, squash, string beans, and malunggay—was called both authentic and heartwarming by those who tasted it. It proved that even the simplest dishes, when done with care, can shine.
Diane’s Mini Kitchen surprises with Pinog-unan Isda
Another memorable win came from Diane’s Mini Kitchen, who bested competitors in the Pinog-unan Isda category. Their version of the vinegary fish stew stood out for its perfect acidity and firm, flavorful fish.
All six contenders—Alice Eatery, Atong Kan-anan, Dada’s Food House, Diane’s Mini Kitchen, Teacher’s Pet Food House, and Rosemary Grill—brought a distinct flair to the competition, showing just how rich and varied Ormoc’s carinderia culture remains.
This year’s Carinderia War was more than a cook-off. It was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and identity—one simmering pot at a time.
