Balbalan native delicacies available at ‘Mangan Taku’ Fest in Baguio City on April 23 - 27

Led by Mayor Almar Malannag, the town will once again offer its signature flavors, including the famous finungol, tinolang native chicken, kinumos, inabalan, nilishes, kupi, finaklay, kinalubkob, pinantalok, laet, inatata, pal-umon cake, and Balbalan-brewed coffee.

Balbalan, Kalinga – The savory and mouthwatering cuisine of Balbalan is set to take center stage once again as it returns to the 7th “Mangan Taku” Festival in Baguio City this coming April 23–27 at Burnham Park.

The Mangan Taku Fest is an annual event spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Cordillera, along with the Baguio City government and other partner agencies, which features indigenous dishes and traditional cooking practices across the region.

The activity aims to serve as a platform to highlight the region’s gastronomy, promote sustainable food practices, and deepen the connection between culture and cuisine.

This year, the Municipality of Balbalan proudly represents Kalinga, bringing with it a spread of well-loved and heritage-rich dishes. Led by Mayor Almar Malannag, the town will once again offer its signature flavors, including the famous finungol, tinolang native chicken, kinumos, inabalan, nilishes, kupi, finaklay, kinalubkob, pinantalok, laet, inatata, pal-umon cake, and Balbalan-brewed coffee.

The culinary experience does not end there.

Visitors can expect even more flavors and traditions through additional offerings such as pingyen tart, gayunan wine, basi, Tawang banana chips, vegetable pickles, vinegar, brownies, butterscotch, and chili paste—each reflecting the creativity and heritage of the community.

As Balbalan cuisine reaches beyond the municipality once more, Mayor Malannag invites the public to visit their booth and experience the flavors firsthand. He shared that for those who enjoyed the offerings last year, there is even more to look forward to this time.

With every dish served, Balbalan not only brings food to the table—but also stories, identity, and a taste of Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage.