Maybe you've just moved out on your own for the first time, or you're in the diaspora far from any Filipino restaurants. Whatever your situation is, you're finding that as much as you love Filipino food, you don't actually know how to make it. What's a Pinoy missing their lola's home cooking supposed to do? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether you're a cooking novice or an expert chef who just never learned much about Filipino cuisine, these cookbooks will have your kitchen smelling like home in no time.
Let's Cook With Nora by Nora Daza
This time-honored classic has been gracing Filipino bookshelves for decades. You might have seen your mom or even your lola with a copy of this cookbook, and for good reason. "Let's Cook With Nora" has recipes for Filipino favorites like siomai and empanada and international dishes such as pizza and deviled eggs. If you can't get your hand on Nora Daza's original cookbook from the 1960s, her daughter, Nina Daza-Puyat, has updated this treasure trove of recipes for the 21st century with a digital edition available for Kindle. Whichever version you turn to will be sure to fill your belly with delicious recipes.
The Adobo Book: Traditional and Jazzed-Up Recipes by Reynaldo Gamboa Alejandro, Nancy Regyes-Lumen
Do you love adobo? Like really love adobo? Then "The Adobo Book" might be for you. There are so many variations of the iconic Filipino adobo out there, and this Manila Critics Circle National Book Award winner delves into them.
The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple by Roline Casper
If you're not a natural in the kitchen but still want to make some drool-worthy Filipino dishes, check out "The Easy Filipino Cookbook." This cookbook takes a few dozen of the most popular Filipino dishes and makes them easy for beginner chefs. This is also a good introduction to Filipino food if you have a child looking to learn some Filipino recipes or a non-Filipino partner who wants to make your favorite dishes.
Ay Sus!: Whole Food Plant-Based Global Filipino Cuisine by Cleodia Martinez
Many people think that lechon-loving Pinoys are too meat-oriented in our food, making plant-based versions of our favorite dishes next to impossible to create. "Ay Sus!" challenges that misconception, providing plenty of plant-based recipes for vegans, vegetarians, and those who simply want to incorporate less meat and more veggies in their diets.
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook: Classic and Modern Filipino Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker by Tisha Gonda Domingo, Jorell Domingo, Jeannie E Celestial, Art Swenson, Romeo Roque-Nido, Jaymar Cabebe
If you want to make Filipino food but can't seem to find the time, an Instant Pot might be about to become your new best friend. The recipes in this cookbook are adapted for the device, making it a useful resource for those new to cooking Filipino food as well as those who aren't sure how to adapt their favorite recipes for the modern kitchen appliance.
How to Cook Philippine Desserts: Cakes & Snacks by Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino
Got a sweet tooth? Get ready to revisit some of your favorite Pinoy desserts with "How to Cook Philippine Desserts: Cakes & Snacks." These recipes will make you the hit of your next party — if you can bring yourself to share the yummy treats you make, that is.