Ultimate Taste Test 2024 was a remarkable celebration, featuring a curated selection of 19 innovative food startups alongside 10 of the best hot sauce brands in Manila. This 16th annual event was further enriched by the inspiring presence of our friend Spanky, a stroke survivor whose unwavering passion for supporting small and medium businesses continues to make a lasting impact.
The event brought together 250 food critics and judges, with 139 detailed survey ratings submitted. The exceptionally high standards for food and concept evaluation made achieving a 3.8 rating or above a true testament to the participants’ outstanding quality and creativity.
Congratulations to all the winners of Ultimate Taste Test 2024!
1. MIRUKU 4.19 @ujisan.matcha
MIRUKU was created to bring the authentic taste of Hokkaido milk ice cream to the Philippines, catering to the growing preference for desserts with less sweetness. Inspired by Japan’s mastery of balanced flavors, Miruku offers a soft serve experience that highlights the mild, creamy appeal of Hokkaido milk. By sourcing all raw ingredients directly from Japan, we ensure a genuine flavor profile that resonates with a wide audience.
At the heart of Miruku’s identity is its commitment to quality and authenticity. Our Hokkaido milk soft serve is distinguished by its rich yet subtle creaminess, perfectly balanced without being overly sugary. As we introduce Filipinos to this unique treat, our vision is to establish Miruku as the leading Hokkaido milk soft serve brand in the market.
Congratulations Danica Ngo!
Food Critic Comments:
“The BEST Hokkaido milk soft serve I’ve tasted here in Manila“
“The best dessert i have here now. The smoothness and creaminess is superb! I am very pickywhen it comes to ice cream but this one has passed my standards. Keep it up!“
“My favorite of all vendors!!! Enjoyed the soft served soo much!!! Creamy and super sarap!!!”
“It has a good balance of sweet and smooth ice cream. The real soft ice cream and cone isvery good too!”
“Sensational mouth feel but lowkey sweet still loved it i mean its supposed to be sweet“
UJISAN MATCHA
2/F WPF Bldg, White Plains Ave., Quezon City
10AM – 8PM (Mon – Fri) | 8AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun)
IG: @ujisan.matcha
2. MIKE’S DELI 4.19 @mikesdeli.mnl
MIKE’S DELI brings a fresh perspective to Filipino cuisine, reimagining it with global influences and a commitment to quality. Inspired by the founder’s travels and culinary expertise, the menu features creative takes on beloved dishes, such as the Toyomansi Chicken Karaage—a Filipino twist on the Japanese classic that preserves traditional techniques while showcasing local flavors.
Born from a passion for cooking and a desire to create something independently, Mike’s Deli emerged as the founder’s venture after years of experience in the family business. Combining personal culinary experiences with a dedication to delicious, high-quality food, Mike’s Deli has grown into a brand that celebrates innovation while honoring the essence of Filipino cuisine.
Congratulations Mike Reyes!
Salmon Kinilaw sa Gata
A bold twist on tradition, blending the freshness of salmon with the creamy richness of coconut milk.
Toyomansi Karaage
A popular japanese fried chicken inspired by Filipino classic flavor toyomansi.
Food Critic Comments:
“Kinilaw na salmon was amazing! Very refreshing and zesty. Salmon has a good bite to it!!“
“First time to try salmon kinilaw and it’s sooo amazing! Toyomansi karaage was also good,different kind of flavor than the usual karaage“
“Hands down on both! Salmon kinilaw sa gata is so fresh and tasty..no lansa and the gata isnot overpowering. Amen to toyomansi karaage! It got me at first bite and I immediately thoughtof how my kids would love it too!“
“This comment is for the Toyomansi Karaage. Damn! If there is a Filipinized Karaage? This isit! I suggest, just make is smaller pieces instead of parang fillet type kasi para mas matakamkang kainin. Then explore on frying twice para mas crunchy.“
“As a salmon lover, I really enjoyed the salmon kinilaw sa gata. I think it would be great over abowl of hot white rice.”
Mike’s Deli
Filipino food reimaginedMerville, Parañaque
Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
: 0917-5991458 (Viber)
Now on #grabfood 
IG: @mikesdeli.mnl
3. LUKA’S BUTTERSTEAKS 4.15 @lukasbuttersteaks
LUKA’S BUTTERSTEAKS brings a fresh twist to tradition with its aged steak salpicao. While aged ribeye is typically enjoyed with just salt and pepper, Luka’s Buttersteaks takes it further by transforming this premium cut into a bold and flavorful salpicao. Their in-house steak aging process ensures top-tier quality, resulting in a dish that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The business is named after Luka Dončić, a nod to the owner’s admiration for the basketball superstar.
Congrats Carl Michael Ong Quema!
Food Critic Comments:
“Steaks itself were amazing! Salpicao crispy garlic done right. Butter gochujang is also nice butmaybe needs a tiny bit of salt when eaten with rice“
“Flavorful and very tender meat! Was not able to eat it right away but the meat was still sotender and yummy!“
“I love the Salpicao!!! Super tender and masarap i-enjoy as is. For the Steak, improve theconsistency of the Gochujuang Butter but the wellness and flavor is awesome.“
“Quality of ribeye is great and the sauce was good. Salpicao meat was tender but a bit stringy,gravy can be developed to be a bit less generic, more peppery, and flavorful“
“Super mega over delicious! Love the aged salpicao and aged steak in gochujang butter, love the taste of it, classy and superb“
Luka’s Buttersteaks
Specialty Grocery Store
Butter-aged steaks Premium experience Direct supplier
FB: Lukasbuttersteaks
IG: @lukasbuttersteaks
www.lukasbuttersteaks.com
4. MAMONAKU KOHI 3.91 @mamonakukohi
MAMONAKU KOHI is revolutionizing the coffee scene with its innovative, high-quality iced coffee creations offered at an accessible price point. Drawing inspiration from Japanese precision, the brand is celebrated for its signature Chizu foam, which complements premium 100% Arabica coffee. Signature drinks like the Yuzu Espresso Tonic and Dirty Matcha Special deliver bold, unexpected flavor experiences that keep customers coming back for more.
Beyond coffee, MAMONAKU KOHI delights patrons with its popular mochi donuts and donut balls, adding a sweet touch to the experience. This viral hole-in-the-wall concept, with locations in Scout Rallos and San Juan, La Union, provides a welcoming space for introverted baristas and coffee lovers alike, ensuring perfection in every cup with freshly roasted beans, precise techniques, and filtered ice.
Food Critic Comments:
“The iced coffee stays rich and flavorful, even with lots of ice… it doesn’t get watered downeasily. love it!!“
“The oatchija was good. But loved the base iced americano. Good value for money.”
“Caramel cold brew was soooo good! Right balance or caramel and coffee flavor.”
“Love the texture of mochi donuts, good one is strawberry. Though the matcha is not that of apremium taste, it’s more watery than matcha. It’s a good learning that cheese foam can matchwith the matcha.”
“Palaban bilang Best Coffee in Ph“
mamonakukohi
Best Tokyo Specialty Cold CoffeeSan Juan, LU HoleGyud Nyt, Ayala FairviewScout Rallos HoleGyud Food, UP Diliman DLS-CSB
FB: Mamonaku Kohi
IG: @mamonakukohi
5. BAD DAD 3.81 @baddad.ph
BAD DAD PH began the year with a spirit of hope and determination. After spending over five years away from the corporate world managing a previous business, Tim—a former IT professional—faced the challenge of finding his next venture. With doors opening and closing unpredictably, the journey was exhausting. Finally, he and his partner decided to take matters into their own hands, breaking down barriers and creating their own opportunities.
Fueled by a desire to craft something exceptional, Tim turned to smoked meats. After months of learning through YouTube, training with the PitMasters Club, and countless trial-and-error sessions, he spent over a year perfecting his recipes. By January 2024, Tim had finally mastered his ideal smoked beef. What started as sharing his journey with friends and family quickly gained traction, leading to the creation of Bad Dad PH. Today, the brand proudly offers eight badass smoked meat products that showcase Tim’s dedication to quality and innovation.
The Story of Bad Dad’s Gourmet Kini-ing
Tim, our Chief Executive Tagaluto, draws inspiration from his Ilocano and Igorot heritage, having grown up in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, and the Mountain Province. As a child, he observed the elders in his community preparing ETAG (sun-dried meats) and KINI-ING (smoked meats) in their kitchens and backyards. These traditional staples added a distinctive smoky, salty, and savory depth to dishes like sautéed vegetables, Sinigang, and Tinola.
Honoring these time-honored practices, Tim developed Gourmet Kini-ing in a bottle, bringing the rich flavors of the Cordilleras to modern kitchens. This smoked meat delicacy is perfect for adding a savory, smoky kick to pasta, bread, or even a simple bowl of rice. Celebrate the essence of Cordilleran culinary tradition with Bad Dad’s Gourmet Kini-ing—crafted with care for those who appreciate the art of traditional smoking and curing. 
Congrats Tim Ryan Alejo!
Food Critic Comments:
“Chili garlic oil is so damn good! spiciness slowly builds up and actually left my tonguesweating. Kini-ing was also amazing! Everything on point from flavour to texture“
“Kini-ing was something new to the palate and would def recommend to friends and family. Chilioil was super good too!“
“Super good the smoked meat,.you don’t even have to chew it, it just disintegrated, becausethey took time to cook it #lowandslow“
“Their product with itag is really good and it balances the saltiness of itag and sweetness of other flavors that is adaptable for us Manilenos“
“Super sarap! Very promising the Gourmet Kini-ing“
Bad Dad PH
A real good dad and a badass cook!
Smoked meats, chilis, sambal & more 
FB: BadDad Chilis & Smoked Meats
IG: @baddad.ph
6. FLIPSIDE BURGERS 3.79 @flipsideburgersph
Flipside Burgers is redefining the burger scene in the Philippines with its mission to become the premier Oklahoma-style smashed burger concept. Celebrated for its consistently great-tasting, expertly crafted burgers at an affordable price, Flipside has captured the attention of food enthusiasts nationwide. Founded by burger master Chef Ed Bugia, the brand began its journey at Gyud Food in the UP Food Hub, UP Diliman Campus. With the successful launch of its second store at Arcovia, Flipside is poised for ambitious growth and continued success.
The Oklahoma-style burger is a regional classic known for its simplicity and bold flavor. It features a thin, smashed beef patty with caramelized, crispy edges, created by pressing thinly sliced onions directly into the meat as it cooks on a hot griddle. Typically served with minimal toppings like pickles, mustard, and sometimes cheese on a soft bun, this burger emphasizes the savory combination of beef and onions. Its origins during the Great Depression highlight its affordability and comforting appeal, making it a timeless favorite among burger lovers.
Food Critic Comments:
“Great burger! Would prefer more sauce, dill pickles were good as well, altho the batter tastedkind of sweet?“
“Very juicy and great tasting burger! It’s not so oily. The bun too is not dry, it’s tasty in itself.Super love the fried dill pickle on the side!“
“I rarely eat burgers but if it’s from Flipside? OKAY GAME! ‘Coz I do not taste extenders fromthe beef at all. Alam mong legit and di ka tinipid. Malambot yung beef and the buns areheavenly. One of the best burgers in town!“
“Very juicy and great tasting burger! It’s not so oily. The bun too is not dry, it’s tasty in itself.Super love the fried dill pickle on the side!“
“BEST STALL IN THE EVENT. BURGER WAS VERY GOOD. The fried dill pickles paired withthe dip!!“
Flipside Burgers PH
#FlippingGood Smashed Burgers by @chefedward 
GYUD FOOD (QC) ARCOVIA CITY (Pasig)
FB: Flipside Burgers PH
IG: @flipsideburgersph
7. PAN-ONYMOUS 3.79 @panonymous.bgc
At Pan-onymous BGC, we’re driven by a passion for creating freshly baked, Japanese bread and pastries. We’re proud that our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community has made us a local favorite. We bake fresh daily, using only select, high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices. When you walk into our bakery, the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, and you know right away that you’re getting something special.
SAVORY BREAD BOX
Our savory bread box is a collection of our best-selling savory buns. Each bun showcases an authentic Japanese recipe with a touch of our own creativity highlighting the natural flavor of the ingredients. Made with the best ingredients to guarantee the best quality in every bite. Have it any time of the day and it will surely leave you wanting more.
• MATCHA CHOCO CHIP MELONPAN ₱85
Matcha Chocochip Melonpan Is a delightful rithethe classic Japanese Melona sweetness of chocolate, Perfect forth matcha lovers and chocolate enthusiast alket
• ANPAN (RED BEAN) ₱70
Anpan features soft, fluffy bread filled with a smooth, sweet red bean past. A beloved Japanese classic with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• UBE SPANISH BREAD ₱60
The classic Spanish bread reimagined with the subtle flavor of use, blending Filipino tradition and Japanese baking techniques into a soft, milky, and buttery delight.
• SWEET POTATO BUN
Our Sweet Potato Bun is filled with a smooth, milky sweet potato mix, topped with black sesame seeds, that delivers a creamy, naturally sweet flavor.
SWEET BREAD BOX
For the sweet-lovers, our sweet bread box is collection of our best-selling sweet treats. Carefully crafted for a perfectly balanced sweetness that is not overwhelming. Showcasing traditional Japanese treats and unique Filipino flavors that will sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Made with select, high quality ingredients, and with love. *Awww, sweet!*
• CURRY PAN ₱75
Pork Curry Pan is a Japanese bread filled with flavorful pork curry, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection. A satisfying combination of crunchy, fluffy and savory goodness.
• EDAMAME CHEESE SAUSAGE ROLL ₱180
A Pan-onymous X Honest Craft Deli collab! The sausage roll features a flavorful Hungarian sausage wrapped in soft bread, topped with melted cheese and edamame. The combination of savory sausage, cheesy richness, and a hint of freshness makes it a unique and satisfying treat.
• CHICKEN TERIYAKI BUN ₱95
This savory bread is filled with tender chicken teriyaki marinated in a rich, sweet-savory glaze that burst with flavor in every bite. A satisfying treat with a delightful Japanese treat.
Food Critic Comments:
“Savory products were awesome, the proportions were perfect. Sweet was great as well, butpreferred the sausage and curry over the melon pan.”
“It’s a good tea/coffee break option. For the savory, curry pan is a hit and highly recommended.Though I’m a fan of spicy curry, this one isn’t but it’s okay for the general customer. Anpan ismy bet for the sweet bread, very rich taste of the red bean and not too sweet“
“their curry pan is to die for.. that’s the wow factor right there.“
“I like that the pastries were served warm, giving justice to the taste as they are served in itsbest state.The Matcha ChocoChip Melon pan was not too sweet, and not very dense.TheEdamame Sausage Bread had a good combination of flavors.“
“Love the Ube Spanish bread especially the textured and Edamame Cheese Sausage Roll“
PAN-ONYMOUS
Freshly Made Japanese Bread
Retail#3, Arya Plaza, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City
FB: Pan-onymous BGC
IG: @panonymous.bgc
PHILIPPINE HOT SAUCE CLUB
PEPPER NG INA MO 4.07 @peppernginamo
Pepper Ng Ina Mo burst onto the scene in 2020, offering fresh, fiery chilies and seeds, and fueled by love, passion, and determination. With limited resources, we embraced our artistry and overcame countless challenges to create recipes that deliver bold, satisfying flavors. Our award-winning hot sauces and spicy creations are the result of sleepless nights, relentless research, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, captivating taste buds and leaving clients craving more.
Fearlessly taking on big players in the hot sauce industry, we stand out by offering premium flavors that rival even the most expensive competitors—all while maintaining affordability. Each bottle is a tribute to the mothers who introduced us to the exhilarating world of chilies, especially our Mom, whose influence and love for spice inspired this journey.
Yuzu-Mirin Japanese Style BBQ Sauce
One of our best creations. Salty, Sweet, and a bit Tangy. Let’s do it the Japanese way! Medium heat sauce specially made for grilled fish, meat, ramen, and vegetables. Perfect condiment to satisfy Japanese food cravings.
Picante / Sketchy
Picante – made with coriander, juicy tomatoes, and jalapeños, is just what you need! A squeeze of lemon brings it all together! Perfect for spicing up tacos, or grilled meats, or as a bold dip for your chips – this picante is a flavor game-changer!
Sketchy – it’s complex flavor makes this sauce unique.
Vinegary, Savory, Spicy, Sweet, and with the touch of Garlic.
Food Critic Comments:
“Yuzu-Mirin Japanese Style BBQ Sauce is a game changer for someone like me who rarely enjoys spicy sauce“”sketchy had a nice savory flavor. yuzu mirin had unique flavor profile, enjoyed the ginger, but a bit too sweet for my taste“
“I loved the yuzu mirin! Subtle bbq flavor with powerful savory taste and a hint of sweetness“
Pepper Ng Ina Mo
HOT SAUCE and SPICY CREATIONS
FB: Pepper Ng Ina Mo
IG: @peppernginamo
ERICSPICE 3.85 @epicspicemad
EpicspicE introduces its brand with a fitting description from a food magazine: “Curious blends and creative takes on hot sauces and spicy products.” This perfectly captures the essence of what we do—a beautiful chaos of flavors that play on madness and the unusual, yet evoke a familiar, often nostalgic taste that even newcomers can appreciate.
At EpicspicE, our creations are an extension of who we are, staying true to our identity rather than chasing trends or popular demand. The real reward lies in the bond we form with those who connect with and appreciate our products, turning them into loyal advocates who share our passion for going mad with flavor.
Perfect Bleu features white variety super hot peppers aged in Lemon and White Wine Vinegar which are then expertly cooked in a perfect union of Bleu Cheese, Roasted Garlic, Lemon Juice, Anchovies, White Wine, and Dill Weed.
ULTRA – Slow Cooked Chili Garlic Salted Egg – a new breed of chili garlic that is cooked slowly for several hours, mixed with Salted Egg, curry leaves, yellow habanero and brown butter to make an umami filled chili-garlic experience like no other.
Momo Sweet Passion dressing is a mix of caramelized sweet onions, passion fruit and smoked chilis that can be used to dress up most salads and sandwiches.
Food Critic Comments:
“Loved the pop culture inspired labels! Perfect Bleu sauce would go well on a burger“
“Loved the ultra chili garlic salted egg! What a way to elevate your dishes. We actually bought a bottle“
“Super awesome!! Love the 3 food samples, it’s part of my good memory here…love the spice..it’s simply perfect! Especially the chili garlic salted egg and SOP“
EpicspicE Hot Sauce
Awesome hot sauces. Madness inspired micro batch chili products.
FB: EpicspicE
IG: @epicspicemad
DON HULYO 3.83 @donhulyohotsauce
Don Hulyo Hot Sauce, founded in 2018, is a Manila-based small-batch artisanal brand driven by passion, purpose, and deep-rooted traditions. From its modest beginnings in a home kitchen equipped with a vintage Oster blender and a family stockpot, Don Hulyo has evolved into a culinary powerhouse, expertly combining local flavors with international standards. Committed to enhancing dining experiences, the brand’s mission is to unite people through bold, flavorful creations, rekindling the heat, passion, and artistry at the heart of every family meal.
- Don Hulyo Chipotle Queso Blanco
Inspired by an unforgettable adventure through Tijuana’s vibrant flavors and culinary streets. Meet Don Hulyo Chipotle Queso Blanco—a creamy, smoky masterpiece that’s equal parts indulgence and fiesta. This velvety white cheese dip gets a bold upgrade with smoky chipotle peppers and the unmistakable zing of Don Hulyo Hot Sauce, creating a blend that dances between smooth and fiery perfection.
Dunk it, drizzle it, or dive in with a spoon—this queso is your ultimate sidekick for nachos, tacos, fries, or anything craving a flavor explosion. Let every bite take your taste buds on a spicy, cheesy escapade worthy of its Tijuana roots.
Heat Level: From a gentle kick to a smoky embrace—your dip, your call.
Best Served With: Anything that needs a fiesta of flavor.
- SzechJuan Chili-Garlic Crisps
The Fiery Cup Chili Garlic Champion has leveled up, and it’s turning heads with a stunning new look. Introducing the new and improved SzechJuan Chili-Garlic Crisps, where bold flavor meets a fresh, elegantly designed rebrand that reflects the premium quality inside.
Packed in a bigger jar with more infused oil for stir-fries, marinades, or drizzling over your favorite dishes, this reimagined classic doesn’t just deliver on flavor—it elevates your table. The numbing spice of Sichuan peppercorns and the savory crunch of garlic now come in a sleek, polished design that’s as irresistible as the crisp itself.
Bigger size, same unbeatable price, and now with style that matches its substance, SzechJuan proves it’s not just a condiment—it’s a culinary statement.
Bold flavors. Beautifully redefined. One crisp at a time.
Food Critic Comments:
“Szechjuan chili sauce is definitely filipino style. Probs should have a mala effect to call it szechuan.“
“The quezo blanco tasted great served with the nachos. The SzeJuan was a great addition“
“szechjuan chili garlic crisps had the perfect spice level. flavor of szechuan is present but not overwhelming“
Don Hulyo Hot Sauce 
FB: Don Hulyo Hot Sauce
IG: @donhulyohotsauce
FINAL THOUGHTS
Maraming salamat to all our foodie friends, chefs, judges, partners, sponsors, and incredible supporters for making Ultimate Taste Test 2024 a resounding success! A heartfelt thank you to Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf for graciously hosting UTT over the past four years since the pandemic began.
Thank you to SIP, SIP Plus, Yobick, and Vida for keeping us refreshed and hydrated with your amazing beverages throughout the Ultimate Taste Test event over the past four years!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. The post is grammar-checked by AI. Ultimate Taste Test is an event by Our Awesome Planet.
P.S. Maraming Salamat for supporting UTT 2024!
The post And the Winners of Ultimate Taste Test 2024 are…. appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.