Ever tried cracking the code of Filipino cuisine?
Got tangled in recipes, confused by exotic ingredients?
You’re not alone.
Guess what?
Here’s the antidote!
A curated collection of Filipino cookbooks.
Not just recipes, but stories, culture, memories… all simmered together.
Now, ain’t that a tasty treat?
Top 12 Filipino Cookbooks
Here is the list of Filipino Cookbooks
- I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook by Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad – Best Overall
- The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook by Tisha Gonda Domingo, Jeannie E Celestial, and Romeo Roque-Nido – Editor’s Choice
- Quintessential Filipino Cooking: 75 Authentic and Classic Recipes of the Philippines by Liza Agbanlog – Best Authentic Recipes
- The New Filipino Kitchen by Jaqueline Chio-Lauri – Best Contemporary Take
- Pulutan!Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers, and Street Eats by Marvin Gapultos – Best for Appetizers
- The Filipino Cookbook: 85 Homestyle Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends by Miki Garcia – Best Homestyle Recipes
- The Philippine Cookbook by Reynaldo Alejandro – Best Comprehensive Guide
- 7000 Islands: Cherished Recipes and Stories from the Philippines by Yasmin Newman – Best Cultural Insight
- Filipinx: Heritage Recipes From The Diaspora by Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan – Best Fusion Recipes
- The Adobo Road Cookbook by Marvin Gapultos – Best for Modern Twists
- Ay Sus: Whole Food Plant-Based Global Filipino Cuisine by Cleodia Martinez – Best Plant-Based Option
- The Filipino-American Kitchen by Jennifer Aranas – Best for Filipino-American Fusion
I Am a Filipino by Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad
It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a manifesto.
A journey through puckeringly sour adobos, tender meats, and national favorites like kare kare and kinilaw.
The book paints a vivid picture of the Philippines’ culinary landscape, influenced by the Spaniards, Americans, and many others.
Yet, it remains authentically Filipino.
The riotous colors of the photographs invite you to a kamayan feast, where the table is laden with delights.
It’s a sensory experience, echoing the myriad of flavors I’ve encountered in my global gastronomic adventures.
Dive into this book, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich history and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine.
A deserving title for the “Best Overall” award.
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook by Tisha Gonda Domingo
Tisha, Jeannie, and Romeo have masterfully captured the essence of the Philippines, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
The dishes? Authentic.
The methods? Innovative.
And the experience? Simply delightful.
As an Expert Food Critic, I’ve tasted global cuisines, but this cookbook?
It’s a gem. A must-have for anyone craving a taste of Filipino warmth and hospitality.
And the best part? It’s all achievable with the magic of the Instant Pot. Chef’s kiss.
Quintessential Filipino Cooking by Liza Agbanlog
Liza Agbanlog’s cookbook is a delightful gateway into this world.
With 75 recipes, it’s a treasure trove for anyone eager to dive into authentic Filipino dishes.
From lumpia to adobo, the recipes are straightforward, making them accessible for all.
Yet, they retain the heart and soul of traditional Filipino cooking.
Some readers have found the dishes a tad simple, but isn’t simplicity often the essence of authenticity?
The book’s visuals might not do justice to the rich flavors, but hey, don’t we eat with our taste buds?
So, if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, this might just be your next kitchen companion.
And remember, it’s not just a cookbook; it’s a journey.
A journey into the heart of the Philippines, one dish at a time.
The New Filipino Kitchen by Jaqueline Chio-Lauri
It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a tapestry of stories and recipes that showcase the evolution of Filipino cuisine.
The tales are heartfelt, offering a window into the soul of Filipino culture.
The recipes? Authentic, yet with a contemporary twist.
They’re a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Filipino spirit.
The dishes are a symphony of flavors, each bite telling a story.
It’s a must-have for anyone passionate about exploring diverse food cultures.
And for me? It’s the ‘Best Contemporary Take’ on Filipino cuisine.
Pulutan Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers by Marvin Gapultos
Marvin Gapultos, a culinary maestro from Los Angeles, serves up a tantalizing array of Filipino bar bites in this cookbook.
Gapultos doesn’t just stop at recipes; he elevates the experience with craft beer pairings.
This isn’t just a cookbook. It’s a journey into the heart of Filipino drinking culture.
From family gatherings with grilled meats to beachside chats with freshly cut fruits, Gapultos captures the essence of ‘Pulutan’.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this book promises a delightful culinary adventure.
And… if you’re thirsty for more, there’s always a beer pairing waiting for you.
The Filipino Cookbook by Miki Garcia
It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a journey through the Philippines.
From the vegetable dishes of the Tagalog Peninsula to the vibrant curries of Mindanao, every recipe tells a story.
The step-by-step instructions? A breeze.
And the best part? You don’t need a passport to taste these authentic dishes.
Whether you’re Filipino-American or just a curious foodie, this book is a must-have.
It’s like having a Filipino grandma guiding you in the kitchen.
And trust me, that’s the best kind of guidance.
The Philippine Cookbook by Reynaldo Alejandro
It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a journey through the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage.
Imagine savoring adobo—a rich marinated stew of chicken or pork, tantalizingly flavored with vinegar and soy.
This book is a testament to the country’s extraordinary classic cuisine, adapted seamlessly for U.S. kitchens.
It’s no wonder it’s been dubbed the “Best Comprehensive Guide.” For anyone eager to dive into authentic Filipino flavors, this is your passport.
And… if you’re ever in the mood to whip up a Filipino feast, you know where to look.
7000 Islands Stories from the Philippines by Yasmin Newman
Yasmin captures the essence of Filipino cuisine, blending authentic recipes with heartfelt stories.
The book’s title hints at the vastness of the archipelago, and the content does justice to its diverse food culture.
The award of “Best Cultural Insight” is well-deserved.
The recipes?
A delightful mix of traditional and contemporary.
And the stories?
They transport you straight to the heart of the Philippines.
It’s educational, engaging, and oh-so-delicious.
If you’re passionate about exploring diverse food cultures, this is a must-have for your collection.
Filipinx The Diaspora by Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan
It’s a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of Filipino cuisine while adding a modern twist.
The recipes are a testament to the diaspora’s resilience and creativity.
Awarding it “Best Fusion Recipes” feels just right.
The dishes, with their intricate layers of taste and texture, are a sensory delight.
It’s like taking a gastronomic journey through the Philippines, with each page offering a new adventure.
The Adobo Road Cookbook by Marvin Gapultos
The book boasts 100 recipes, from basics to main dishes.
The visuals? Stunning.
Gapultos captures the essence of each dish with vibrant photos.
Intriguing recipes like slow-braised pork belly and pineapple adobo, and sweet corn and coconut panna cotta beckon.
While the book’s layout is user-friendly, it might’ve benefited from dietary coding.
Gapultos isn’t just a blogger-turned-chef; he’s a culinary pioneer, championing Filipino flavors.
For those eager to explore Filipino cuisine, this book’s a gem.
Ay Sus Plant-Based Filipino Cuisine by Cleodia Martinez
Cleodia Martinez brilliantly bridges authentic Filipino tastes with the benefits of whole food, plant-based nutrition.
The innovative spin on traditional recipes, making them suitable even for vegans.
And it’s not just about recipes.
Martinez sprinkles in tidbits on building healthy habits and setting up a plant-based kitchen.
A delightful blend of nostalgia and nutrition, this cookbook is a testament to the adaptability and global appeal of Filipino cuisine.
A deserving winner of the “Best Plant-Based Option” award.
The Filipino-American Kitchen by Jennifer Aranas
It’s a delightful fusion of traditional Filipino recipes with a modern twist.
With over 100 recipes, this cookbook is a treasure for both novices and Filipino-Americans eager to rediscover their culinary roots.
The book doesn’t just offer recipes; it’s a comprehensive guide, complete with a culinary history of the Philippines, a list of essential ingredients, and a handy guide to navigate Asian grocery stores.
The best part? It’s not just about cooking; it’s about understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of Filipino cuisine.
For anyone keen on diving into Filipino cooking, this book is a must-have.
Final Say So!
Embarking on a culinary journey through the Philippines has never been this accessible.
With these curated Filipino cookbooks, you’re not just flipping through recipes; you’re diving deep into stories, culture, and memories.
From traditional dishes to modern twists, from plant-based options to fusion delights, there’s a Filipino flavor for every palate.
So, why wait?
Grab a cookbook, roll up your sleeves, and let the Filipino feast begin!
