(MVA) — Three international teams take to the main stage this Saturday, May 10, in the Inas’ Kitchen International Food Challenge at the 26th Annual Taste of The Marianas International Food Festival in Garapan, Saipan. Starting at 7 p.m., two-person teams from South Korea, Japan, and The Marianas will face off against a collective 18 lbs. of burger and six pounds of fries in a race to finish first.
Professional food fighter Sang Hyuk Kwon of South Korea will defend his title with a teammate. Sang, also known as Sanghaegi (상해기), is a top mukbang creator with 1.59 million YouTube subscribers (@sanghyuk1109).
“I return as the reigning champion of last year’s Taste of the Marianas Food Fighter competition,” said Sang. “I have a deep love for meat dishes, fried foods, and noodles — and showcasing them with passion has been my specialty. As last year’s champion, I’m excited to return and give my all once again this year. I look forward to achieving another great result!
Sang’s teammate will be Hyunhwa Kim, a self-proclaimed dessert-loving mukbang creator with over 550,000 YouTube subscribers (@cossert) whose nickname is “Cossert” — a word she created by combining “choco” and “dessert.”
Sachiyo Masubuchi of Japan, a former champion of several “Taste” food challenges with nearly 380,000 YouTube subscribers (@爆食ますぶちさちよ), will also return to the main stage this week a bid to win back the title. She will be joined by fellow food fighter Max Suzuki, who has 730,000 YouTube subscribers (maxsuzukitv).
The teams will face off against the top two finishers in last week’s Subway Sandwich Challenge, Jeremiah Rother and Eubo “Bob” Liu at the festival. Rother polished off an 18-inch sub in less than 20 minutes, the fastest among 12 competitors. The duo was joined by Simon Necesito in 3rd place in the winner’s circle.
“For this year’s Inas’ Kitchen International Food Challenge, I’m expecting an unforgettable showdown of speed, stamina, and serious appetites,” said MVA Marketing Manager Thomas Kim. “We’re excited to welcome top-tier professional eaters from Japan and Korea to face off in a thrilling team eating match against our own Team Marianas. It’s more than a competition — it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and fierce regional pride. May the hungriest team win!”
Taste of The Marianas is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority is open every Saturday night from 5 to 10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on the final night) during May Marianas Tourism Month at American Memorial Park.
The festival is a gourmet delight, offering some of the destination’s best cuisine and featuring affordable dishes from local hotels and restaurants, live entertainment, eating and cooking contests, arts and crafts sales, and more. Entry is free.
The entertainment lineup for this Saturday is scheduled to include Glushko’s Academy of Performing Arts (5 p.m.), Inas’ Kitchen International Food Challenge (7 p.m.), Saipan MagaHaga Lady Eagles of The Fraternal Order of Eagles (8 p.m.), Talofa Dancers (8:30 p.m.), and Freddy Saints (9 p.m.).
All food, drink and art vendors accept only debit/credit cards and Taste tokens. Cash is not accepted. Taste tokens will be sold at the festival token booth and may also be purchased in advance at the MVA office on Beach Road, I Liyan, Saipan during regular working hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding weekends and public holidays.
This year’s festival eateries will include Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Herman’s Modern Bakery, V-Lyn’s BBQ, Benki, Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant, 123 Foods, CK Smokehouse & Salad, T Bar, The Hut, Kanto 10, Yaya’s Baked Goods, Loco & Taco, Lanlan Tea House, Fork & Spoon, Matty’s BBQ, Tupu Cane Juice, Oh My Grill, 38 Mitsubachi, Surf Club Saipan, Great Harvest, Saipan World Resort, Dea Jang Kum, Chow Time, and Pho Tam. Drink vendors will be WSTCO, Marpac/Unified Sports Organization, and Napu Brewing.
Festival Platinum Sponsors are IT&E and Dave Electronic Center. Gold Sponsor is American Memorial Park. Silver Sponsors are Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands, Northern Marianas Technical Institute, Century Insurance, Subway, Foremost, Coca-Cola, Inas’ Kitchen, Jose & Ruri Ayuyu Foundation, EST Rental and M&C LLC General Construction. Additional sponsor is Marianas Variety.
For more information, visit www.mymarianas,com, @VisitTheMarianas on Facebook, or @TheMarianas on Instagram.
Eubo “Bob” Liu takes on an 18-inch sub in the Subway Sandwich Challenge at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. Liu went on to finish 2nd in the competition behind Jeremiah Rother.
Jeremiah Rother, center front, finished an 18-inch sub in less than 20 minutes to take 1st place in the Subway Sandwich Challenge at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. Also pictured are 2nd place finisher Eubo “Bob” Liu, third left; 3rd place finisher Simon Necesito, fourth right; and representatives of the Marianas Visitors Authority and event sponsor Subway/Coca-Cola/Foremost.
Mitsubachi Pancakes serves sweet and savory crepes at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan serves hot pizza at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featuring food, drinks, arts & crafts, and live entertainment will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Dinner options at 123 Foods are a sampling of dozens of options available at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featuring food, drinks, arts & crafts, and live entertainment will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Festivalgoers receive free samples of “tamales” at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The pounded taro treats were shared by Dolores Lizama, Alice Ogo, and Leonor Ayuyu of the Rota Mayor’s Office.
Live entertainment highlights the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Flores Sinser performs at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featuring food, drinks, arts & crafts, and live entertainment will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Saipan Awaodori performs at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featuring food, drinks, arts & crafts, and live entertainment will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
Local artisans and craftspeople sell their products at the 26th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival on May 3, 2025, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority featuring food, drinks, arts & crafts, and live entertainment will be held every Saturday evening in May at American Memorial Park, Garapan.
