Celebrating Filipina Culinary Excellence
In honor of Women’s Month, PULSE highlights five remarkable Filipina chefs who are making waves in the food industry—both locally and internationally. These women aren’t just elevating Filipino cuisine; they’re showcasing the incredible talent and skill of Filipinos in the kitchen.
Here are five Pinay chefs you should definitely know:
1. Johanne Siy
Named Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2023, Dagupan-born Johanne Siy is a trailblazer in the culinary world. She became the first Filipina to receive this honor since the late Margarita Fores. While you’ll need to fly to Singapore to experience her award-winning dishes, a meal at Lolla—where she serves modern Mediterranean cuisine—is well worth the trip.
2. Miko Calo
Hailing from Mindanao, Miko Calo has built an impressive name in the industry. She’s the creative force behind Taqueria FRANCO and Medium Well Done and was formerly the executive chef of the critically acclaimed Metronome. Philippine Tatler named her Chef of the Year in 2022, solidifying her status as one of the country’s top culinary figures.
3. Jessie Sincioco
A veteran in the industry, Chef Jessie Sincioco has been serving exquisite dishes for decades. Her reputation as one of the most sought-after fine dining and catering chefs in the Philippines was further cemented in 2015 when she was chosen to prepare Pope Francis’ meals during his visit to the country.
4. Quenee Vilar
Chef Quenee Vilar, alongside her partner Nicco Santos, has built a strong following in the culinary scene. Formerly of Café Aurora, the duo recently opened Celera, a highly anticipated casual fine dining restaurant that brings Asian flavors to life through beautifully crafted dishes.
5. Tina Legarda
The mastermind behind Bamba Bistro in Parañaque, Chef Tina Legarda continues to delight food lovers with her latest venture, Kumba. With a menu inspired by her life experiences and the flavors she grew up with, she aims to serve simple yet deeply satisfying food. She has also collaborated with Philippine Airlines to elevate their in-flight dining experience.
A Taste of Filipina Excellence
These five chefs have made a lasting impact on the Philippine food scene, proving that the country’s culinary talent is world-class. With each dish they create, they help push Filipino cuisine onto the global stage. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to experience their exceptional cooking—and be sure to send your compliments to the chef!