A Memorable Day at Torgfest/Höstmarknad: A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and Community
On a warm, sun-kissed September 7, the heart of Torslanda came alive with the vibrant energy of Torgfest/Höstmarknad at Torslanda Torg. The fine weather created the perfect backdrop for this lively celebration, where vendors, artisans, and food enthusiasts gathered to showcase their talents, products, and love for culture.
As the square filled with the sights and sounds of balloon figure making, live music, and endless browsing, at one corner—Merkado PH, where the unmistakable aroma of Filipino barbecue drew both Filipinos and curious locals alike. We went all out, bringing a slice of the Philippines to Torslanda with our signature "Ihaw-Ihaw" (barbecue) and other street food favorites like kwek-kwek (quail eggs in batter), fishball, lumpia, and the refreshing, colorful treat of halo-halo, ensaimada, ube cakes and more. It was a feast not only for the stomach but for the soul, with each bite reminding Filipinos of home while introducing non-Filipinos to the richness of Filipino street food culture.
But Merkado PH wasn’t alone in the spotlight. We were in great company, with fellow vendors adding their own culinary magic to the event. Kakanin Meryenda Ni Erlyn delighted visitors with traditional Filipino rice cakes like puto, kutsinta, and pichi-pichi, as well as suman served with a decadent caramel sauce. They also offered hearty servings of sisig with rice—a savory dish that's as satisfying as it is iconic in Filipino cuisine and siomai. Over at Lyn’s Kitchen, they kept the crowd fueled with classic Filipino comfort food like pancit, burgers, and refreshing cold drinks, making sure everyone had something to enjoy throughout the day.
And what’s a Filipino gathering without karaoke? While people savored their meals, Abby, Kuya Walter, Ate Lorraine, and Mommy Lolita took turns belting out tunes, filling the square with music and laughter. Their heartfelt performances kept everyone entertained, from the youngest attendees to curious passersby.
Torgfest/Höstmarknad wasn’t just a day for good food and entertainment; it was a day that brought together people from all walks of life. The event was more than just a market—it was a platform for community building, where local businesses and passionate vendors like Merkado PH who shared their love for Filipino-Asian cuisine. We are incredibly thankful to Torslanda Torg for organizing such a well-received event, which gave us the opportunity to showcase the flavors of the Philippines to a broader audience. It was a joy to see fellow Filipinos relish in familiar tastes and to witness the curiosity and excitement of non-Filipinos experiencing our food for the first time.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the other businesses and companies at the square who have supported and encouraged us from the very beginning. It is through events like this that we can continue to celebrate our cultural heritage, share it with the world, and foster a deeper sense of community.
Looking back, we can confidently say that September 7 was one of the best days we've had at Torslanda Torg. It was a day filled with joy, connection, and delicious food, and we can’t wait to do it all over again.
To everyone who joined us—thank you. And to those who missed out, we’ll see you next time at Merkado PH, where the grill is always hot, the halo-halo is always cold, and the karaoke mic is always ready!
Mabuhay!
Photo credits to Kuya Jay Ortega, Ate Erlyn E. Ocampo