The people behind the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) took to Facebook to air their disappointment over the cancellation of the event again this year. WSFC cited the turn of events as “very disturbing and disappointing”.
The rest of WSFC’s post on its Facebook page reads as follows:
“The World Street Food Congress 2019 Philippines, all set and officially approved recently, is again cancelled by  TPB (Tourism Promotions Board) and DOT (Department of Tourism), like they did in 2018. No reason nor rhyme was given and this, was after six months of legwork the WSFC did in curating and accommodating the TPB abd DOT ideals for the event.
We have located and invited chefs, cooks, street food professionals and vendors for 14 countries. International speakers including top players and names in the game. Street food vendors with Michelin Stars and World Street Food Award winners have been lined up for it. Media , who had always been following and refreshingly keen to report about the event and the host ,had already been invited and looking forward.
We worked with 7 culinary colleges in Philippines and 200 students for the event. We curated a special showcase to feature these students and their local food skills to be showcased in Singapore, among others.
This in unbecoming of the TPB and DOT, but we doubt this is personal as we have a good working relationship with the ground team. We apologise to the scores of local and international food fans, sponsors, partners and entrepreneurs who have already placed their interest in this year’s event in BGC. But fret not, we still believe this event is good for the Philippines and we will press on to deliver it, albeit, we have to go back to drawing table. Which was also why we even suggested to the Street Food Show team on Netflix that Philippines be featured. It created alot of international noise despite all the protests about origins and recommendations. Food noise is good noise.”
WSFC also thanked the people for their support during WSFC 2016Â held at Mall of Asia in Pasay City and WSFC 2017 at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
WSFC was started in Singapore in 2013. It is the brainchild of heritage and street food maven KF Seetoh of Makansutra “to capitalise on all the relevant aspects and opportunities of heritage street food culture around the world”. It hopes to preserve food heritage and celebrate the culture; professionalize street food culture; and explore new possibilities.
The presence of the late international food & travel celebrity Anthony Bourdain was one of the highlights of WSFC 2017
Have you attended WSFC before? What do you miss about it most?
