A Feast of Flavors Awaits at SM City Zamboanga

 Zamboanga, la mesa ya listo! 

The table is set for something special as a feast of firsts arrives at SM City Zamboanga. Known for its rich Chavacano heritage and a culture where meals are meant to be shared, the city’s love for good food takes center stage with a lineup of dining spots making their first-ever arrival in Zamboanga, bringing exciting new flavors to the peninsula.

At your most loved SM, every visit is made to be savored. True to its reputation as the mall of firsts, SM City Zamboanga continues to grow as the city’s premier lifestyle destination, setting the stage for new culinary discoveries and creating a place where every craving, every gathering, and every bite is all for you.

Opening Bites: A Taste Of What’s To Come

The start of a feast sets the tone, and these specialty cafés set the stage for the spread with something quick, calming, and refreshing before you dive into the rest of the flavors waiting at the table.

• The Matcha Tokyo 

As an opening note to the city’s evolving palate, The Matcha Tokyo at the third level introduces authentic Japanese matcha, bringing ceremonial-grade blends and mindful cafe rituals that hint at a more refined, global taste experience ahead.

• Nanyang 

Offering a glimpse into richer regional flavors, Nanyang located at the lower ground level brings the comforting classics of Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine with its kaya toasts and kopi, marking the beginning of a broader Southeast Asian dining presence in the city.

The First Plate: For Your Starters

Once the table begins to fill, the starters follow close behind. These dishes bring the first bold bites of the feast, warming up the appetite before your main spread arrives.

• Tonala 

Kicking off the spread with vibrant Mexican flavors, Tonala located at the third level brings bold, spice-forward dishes. It introduces a lively cuisine that adds depth and variety to the city’s ever-growing food scene.

• Bambas by Chef Mick 

Bringing a bold fusion of Asian flavors, Bambas by Chef Mick located at the Second Level, Food Court–introduces thoughtfully crafted dishes shaped by global influences. With its creative approach and distinct flavor profile, it offers a refined and memorable start that hints at the evolving dining scene taking shape in the city.

• Brique Modern Kitchen 

Blending contemporary techniques with familiar favorites, Brique Modern Kitchen located at the upper ground level delivers versatile, modern dishes that bridge comfort and sophistication, setting the stage for the city’s new dynamic culinary landscape. 

The Main Spread: Serving Your Mains

The feast is now in full swing as the main spread arrives with big plates and even bigger flavors. Bringing globally loved comfort dishes, these spots serve hearty mains made to be shared and enjoyed together.

• Botejyu 

Serving up authentic Japanese comfort food, Botejyu located at the lower ground level brings its Osaka roots to the city with its signature okonomiyaki, ramen, and donburi that introduce a deeper, more traditional take on Japanese cuisine to Zamboanga.

• Ettas Cucina + Bar

Bringing a more refined yet social dining experience to the city, Ettas Cucina + Bar located at the upper ground level serves up Italian-inspired dishes alongside its curated bar offering that creates a space for elevated mains and good company to come together.

• Palm Grill by Chef Miggy 

Rooted in family recipes and Southern Mindanao heritage, soon-to-open Palm Grill located at the third level brings deeply authentic flavors shaped by the homecooked dishes of Chef Miggy’s upbringing. Led by the first Mindanaoan chef to earn Michelin recognition, it offers a meaningful and elevated take on regional cuisine, bringing Zamboanga’s rich culinary identity to the forefront of the table.

Sweet Endings: A Room For More

No feast is complete without something sweet, and at SM City Zamboanga , even the final course is just the beginning. Soon-to-open dining spots will bring even more to the table, from Maurizious Gelato’s rich, handcrafted flavors to new experiences like Yappari Steak and Tong Yang, bringing even more dishes to enjoy together.

Let your next great bite be the perfect excuse to call people up and gather, only here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls. Where every feast is All For You.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

Vinta Market sets sail at newly opened SM City Zamboanga, championing local MSMEs

  As SM City Zamboanga opened its doors on March 20, the vibrant spirit of local entrepreneurship and culture took center stage with the unveiling of Vinta Market, a colorful marketplace dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Launched in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9 and the SM for MSMEs program, the Vinta Market brings together 20 local MSMEs, showcasing proudly regional products ranging from handcrafted items and artisanal goods to local delicacies, fashion pieces, and unique souvenirs.

SM Supermalls executives  and DTI Region 9 officials lead the ceremonial opening of the Vinta Market at SM City Zamboanga, celebrating a new platform for local MSMEs. (L-R: DTI Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director, Ma. Rovie Manzanares; DTI Zamboanga City Office Provincial Director, Grace Aduca; SM Supermalls AVP for SM Communities Program, Royston Cabunag; DTI Regional Director Al-Zamir Lipae; SM Supermalls SAVP for SM Communities Marketing, Pats Dy;  DTI Assistant Regional Director, Maridel Dengal;  and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin)

Inspired by the iconic vinta, the traditional sailboat known for its vibrant sails and deep cultural roots in Mindanao, the Vinta Market reflects the same spirit of color, movement, and community. The marketplace brings together passionate entrepreneurs and skilled artisans, offering mallgoers a lively and meaningful shopping experience rooted in local culture.

 

More than just a retail destination, the Vinta Market serves as a growth platform for MSMEs—and for many entrepreneurs, this opportunity translates into real business expansion and sustained livelihood.

“We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga… because of that, I have a growing market and a lot of suki na at SM,” shared Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents from Pagadian, highlighting how increased visibility at SM has helped strengthen her customer base.

For heritage artisans, the impact goes beyond business—it’s about preserving culture and passing traditions to future generations. “Maraming salamat sa mga opportunity na mga ganito na pwede kaming magbenta para makahanap lalo ng market… kayo na ‘yung kasangga namin sa pag-promote ng aming weave,” said Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, underscoring the importance of platforms like SM in sustaining local craftsmanship

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Through capacity-building programs and expanded market access, MSMEs are also able to scale their operations and reach wider audiences.

“With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot… we’re proud to say that we supply all over the Philippines—and with SM Supermalls, our products can reach around the country and are now in the mainstream market,” shared Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products, reflecting the broader growth opportunities enabled through the partnership.

Featured MSMEs proudly showcase their locally made products at the Vinta Market, highlighting the passion and dedication behind every creation.

During the launch event, SM Supermalls executives, DTI officials, and partner stakeholders joined entrepreneurs and guests in celebrating the opening of the marketplace—highlighting a shared commitment to empower local businesses and provide them with greater market opportunities.

Visitors explored booths filled with proudly local products—each representing stories of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. The marketplace quickly became a vibrant hub where mallgoers discovered unique regional goods while supporting local livelihoods.

Intricately crafted local products showcase the artistry and cultural heritage of Mindanao’s talented artisans.

The launch of Vinta Market stands as one of the highlights of the opening of SM City Zamboanga, the city’s newest lifestyle destination bringing together shopping, dining, entertainment, and community experiences closer to Zamboangueños.

Locally made delicacies from MSMEs offer shoppers a taste of Zamboanga’s rich culinary heritage at the Vinta Market.

Through initiatives like the Vinta Market, SM Supermalls continues to champion Filipino entrepreneurship, providing MSMEs with accessible platforms to grow their businesses while celebrating the rich culture and creativity of local communities.

As shoppers explore the colorful stalls and meet the passionate makers behind the products, the Vinta Market stands as a vibrant symbol of Zamboanga’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit—where tradition, creativity, and opportunity sail forward together.