Our Awesome Planet’s Ultimate Taste Test 2022 was nothing short of a blast. Held at Gallery MiraNila, a heritage compound located along Mariposa Street in Quezon City, this year’s UTT brought together 116 judges in a by-invitation-only event to ‘taste test’ the specialties of 22 budding culinary ventures. The judges ranged from chefs and entrepreneurs, food influencers, to media and other professionals from the food and travel industry. Over the years, UTT has remained one of the best platforms for new food ventures to get introduced to a much wider market.

The top 11 winners and their corresponding ratings:

1. Mazapan de Pili Cheesecake and Bleu Cheese Rolls by Chef Rhea of @flourpotmanila with 4.32
2. Best Poke Tacos in Manila by Chef Ina of
@blueapronph 4.10
3. Best Seafood Kare-Kare in Manila from
@ticxs 4.06
4.Best Liqueur Gelato Collaboration by
@karabelladairy 4.05

5. Best Heirloom Smoked Ham in Manila by
@Cocina.Murriel 4.04
6.Best Croissaymada in Manila by Donnatela of
@croissantladyph 4.03
7. Best 80’s Chocolate Cake & Prune Cake by
@cakes.bylouise 3.99

8. Best Fish & Chips in Manila by @cargofishph 3.99
9. Best Angus Litson Baka in Manila by
@mangcesar 3.95
10. Best Pecan Pies in Manila by
@homemaderita.ph 3.92
11. Best Pizza and Chili Honey Sauce by
@amarelacucinapizzaph 3.90

The drinks category also crowned Destileria Limtuaco’s Mint Cacao Chip and Barako Mudslide (3.99) and Vida Philippines’ Zero Calorie, Sugar, Coloring Drink (3.92).

The Philippine Hot Sauce Club brought the heat — literally — with its 10 local artisan brands made from locally grown chili peppers. Tasting and testing different blends of hot sauces, chili flakes and pastes, and different kinds of chili-infused vinegar were definitely a hot highlight at the event.

The venue itself served as the perfect location: intimate with outdoor spaces draped in lush greenery and an indoor space decked with air-conditioning for hotter days.

This holiday season, do consider any of these new amazing local food brands to grace your and your loved ones’ tables.