EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – From savory skewers to sweet desserts, the Filipino Street Food Fest brought more than just food—it brought a taste of home to the heart of Chattanooga.
Hosted by the Filipino-American Association of Greater Chattanooga, the event invited locals to explore traditional Filipino street food, enjoy live music, and immerse themselves in culture.
“We call this a Filipino Street Food Fest,” said organizer Charity Daan. “So most of the food here that you see is what we sell in the streets in the Philippines.”
Booths lined the area, filled with colorful displays of classic dishes.
The sizzling aromas and cheerful chatter created an atmosphere of warmth and pride. But more than anything, this event was about community.
Ethan Smith, a family member in attendance, shared, “It shows everybody that we’re trying to get out here and represent the Philippines… We love food, so we get to get out here and just bring good vibes and show people love through our food.”
For many attendees, the festival offered a chance to connect with their heritage.
“We have the summer picnic, we have the culture camp, and a Christmas party,” Daan explained. “The culture camp is a three-day affair where we teach our kids Filipino culture, Filipino games—everything Filipino. Most of them are born here, so they hardly know anything about their culture. So they really enjoy it.”
Elvie Smith, another organizer, added historical context: “The Filipino American Association is a nonprofit. In fact, our association really started a long time ago, but it was officially organized in 2011.”
The goal? To keep tradition alive for future generations.
“Our parents and most of our grandparents have been doing it for a while,” said Ethan Smith. “Like my cousin said, we want to pick it up and keep it going.”
Jules Gonzales, another proud family member, agreed. “We just want to, you know, keep on going with this… bigger events, maybe expand the food fest—maybe a bigger venue, like the downtown markets. That’d be pretty cool. But really just bringing community and fellowship—and like he said, food is our love language, so just serving more people.”
While the food brought people in, faith and togetherness were at the heart of it all.
“We’re very big on our faith in God,” said Ethan. “So I just want to tell you—if you come here, God bless you, and just come show us support.”
And in true Filipino fashion, a little humor made its way in too.
“Filipinos are the best. Just putting that out there,” said Jules with a laugh. “I don’t know about you, Ethan, but that’s all I have to say.”
To which Ethan grinned and responded, “No, yo, you see my shirt. I’m already representing. I represent, represent.”
Organizers say they’re already planning for next year’s festivities—bigger, better, and just as full of flavor and love.
