In the Philippines, guests are not just greeted with a warm hello but rather with a question… “Kumain ka na ba (Have you eaten)?” 

It’s a wonderful phrase that can be used in any mood or setting. Think back on those early days of visiting relatives in other places greeting you with open arms and asking that line the moment they let you in. For those trying to woo someone, it’s a sweet way to ask about how the other is doing and to show them you care for their wellbeing. Longtime friends who haven’t met in a while ask it so that they can have a meal together and catch up. Whatever the context, it’s a show of just how heartwarming Filipino hospitality can be.

In line with Filipino hospitality, We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from 36 Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs, presents the extraordinary food culture of the Philippines through stories and recipes from 36 culinary trailblazers. Award-winning chefs, food writers, and social media stars from around the globe share their stories revolving around their experiences with Filipino food culture while sharing just their favorite recipes for classic Philippine dishes like adobo, sinigang, and ginataan.

Its extensive list of contributors includes two-time Michelin star awardee Roger Asakil Joya who shares his recipe for sinigang and Magna Kusina owner Carlo Lamagna who talks about his culinary adventures in the Philippines. Also included is James Beard 2023 Awardee Margarita Manzke, semi-finalists Amormia Orino and Paolo Mendoza with his wife Cheryl Baun, and IACP Food Photography Award finalist Rezel Kealoha, who photographed most of the food featured in the book.

Helming the collection of stories is Jacqueline Chio-Lauri, an award-winning author born and raised in the Philippines before traveling to seven far-flung places, including England, where she now lives. Her first book, The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Around the Globe, containing 30 stories and recipes from Filipino expats, has received awards such as the 2019 Midwest Book Award and first-runner up for the 2019 Eric Hoffer Award. Keep an eye out for her future picture books based on the lives of Filipino food icons Maria Orosa and Ma Mon Luk. www.MyFoodBeginnings.com