The Best Filipino Cookbooks for Simple and Easy Cooking

Filipino food is rich in flavors, history, and culture. It is a mix of different influences, from Spanish to Chinese, but it always has that unique Filipino taste that brings comfort and joy. If you love eating Filipino food like me, then you know that nothing beats a home-cooked Filipino meal. Whether it’s adobo, sinigang, pancit, or lechon, Filipino dishes always bring people together.

If you want to learn how to cook Filipino food, there are many great cookbooks that can help. Some cookbooks are very detailed and require a lot of ingredients and techniques. But if you want something simple and easy to follow, here are some Filipino cookbooks that I recommend. These books are perfect for beginners and those who just want to enjoy cooking without too much hassle.

1. "The Adobo Road Cookbook" by Marvin Gapultos

This cookbook is great for anyone who wants to start cooking Filipino food. Marvin Gapultos, the author, makes it easy to follow with step-by-step instructions. The book includes traditional Filipino recipes as well as modern twists on classic dishes. Some of the best recipes in this book include adobo, lumpia, and sinigang. The pictures are beautiful, and the instructions are clear, making it a good choice for beginners.

2. "Filipino Cookbook: 85 Homestyle Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends" by Miki Garcia

This cookbook is filled with simple and easy-to-follow Filipino recipes. It has 85 different dishes, from soups and noodles to rice meals and desserts. The best thing about this book is that the ingredients are easy to find. If you want a homestyle Filipino cookbook that feels like you are cooking with your mom or grandma, this is a great choice.

3. "I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook" by Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad

If you want to learn not just about Filipino food but also about its history and culture, this book is perfect. It has traditional and modern Filipino recipes, including dishes like kare-kare, lechon kawali, and halo-halo. The book is a little more detailed, but the instructions are still easy to follow. The photos are also beautiful, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

4. "Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine" by Glenda R. Barretto, Conrad Calalang, and Others

This cookbook is considered one of the best Filipino cookbooks of all time. It is written by top Filipino chefs and covers all the classic dishes of the Philippines. The book is very detailed and explains not just how to cook but also the techniques used in Filipino cuisine. If you want to master Filipino cooking, this is a great book to have.

5. "Let's Cook with Nora" by Nora Daza

This is a classic Filipino cookbook that has been around for many years. Nora Daza is one of the most famous chefs in the Philippines, and her cookbook is loved by many Filipino families. The recipes in this book are simple and easy to follow, making it great for beginners. If you want to learn how to cook Filipino food the way your grandparents did, this is a must-have.

6. "Food of the Philippines" by Reynaldo Alejandro

This book is perfect for those who love authentic Filipino flavors. It has a mix of simple and advanced recipes, making it great for both beginners and experienced cooks. The book also includes information about Filipino food history, traditions, and dining culture. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to prepare delicious Filipino dishes at home.

7. "Philippine Cookery: From Heart to Platter" by Tatung Sarthou

Chef Tatung Sarthou is a well-known Filipino chef, and this book is all about making Filipino cooking simple and easy. The recipes are explained in a way that even someone with little experience in the kitchen can follow. It also has useful cooking tips and tricks that help make the dishes taste better.

8. "Milkier Pigs & Violet Gold: Philippine Food Stories" by Claude Tayag

This book is not just a cookbook but also a collection of food stories. Claude Tayag, a famous Filipino chef and writer, shares his experiences and love for Filipino cuisine. It has recipes that are simple to follow, as well as interesting stories about food culture in the Philippines.

9. "Pulutan! Filipino Bar Bites, Appetizers and Street Eats" by Marvin Gapultos

If you love Filipino street food and party dishes, this book is for you. It focuses on "pulutan," which are small dishes often eaten with drinks. The recipes include crispy pata, sisig, and inihaw (grilled dishes). The instructions are easy to follow, making it perfect for those who want to try cooking Filipino street food at home.

10. "400 Years of Philippine Tastes & Traditions" by Virgilio S. Almario

This book is a deep dive into the history and flavors of Filipino food. It includes traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. The book is simple enough for beginners but also detailed enough for those who want to learn more about the origins of Filipino dishes.

Why Filipino Food is Special

Filipino food is more than just meals—it is a way of bringing family and friends together. Whether it's a birthday, a fiesta, or just a simple Sunday lunch, Filipino gatherings are always filled with delicious food. The taste of Filipino dishes is a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy, making it exciting and comforting at the same time.

Cooking Filipino food at home is a great way to connect with Filipino culture. With the right cookbook, you can easily learn how to make your favorite dishes. Whether you are Filipino or just love Filipino food, these cookbooks will help you enjoy cooking and eating traditional meals in your own kitchen.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for an easy-to-follow Filipino cookbook, any of the books mentioned above will be a great choice. They have simple instructions, delicious recipes, and helpful cooking tips. Cooking Filipino food does not have to be complicated. With the right guide, you can make homestyle Filipino dishes that taste just like what you would find in the Philippines.

I love Filipino food because it reminds me of home and happy moments with family and friends. When we gather around the table, we share more than just food—we share love, laughter, and memories. I hope these cookbooks help you experience the same joy of cooking and enjoying Filipino cuisine.