Here are some memorable quotes about Filipino food—celebrated for capturing its essence, emotion, and cultural depth—from both iconic figures and cherished authors. Enjoy this flavorful journey through words, whether the creators are alive today or have passed on:
Memorable Quotes by Notable Figures
Doreen Fernandez (Filipino writer and culinary historian, 1934–2002):
“Filipino cuisine is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the Filipino people. It’s about making the most of what’s available and turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.”
Another gem from her: “Filipino cuisine is the best-kept secret of Asia.”
Great Pinoy EatsBiyo POSClaude Tayag (Filipino chef, artist, and writer):
“Each dish in Filipino cuisine is a love letter to our land, our people, and our shared heritage.”
Great Pinoy EatsJessica Soho (renowned Filipino journalist and TV host):
“Filipino food is bold, colorful, and complex, just like the Filipino spirit. It’s a culinary journey that captivates the senses.”
Great Pinoy EatsMarvin Gapultos (author and food influencer):
“To understand the Filipino soul, one must taste the flavors of our cuisine—a blend of passion, tradition, and hospitality.”
Great Pinoy EatsMargarita Fores (award-winning Filipino chef):
“Filipino food is like a warm embrace, comforting and familiar yet endlessly surprising with its depth of flavor.”
Great Pinoy EatsAnthony Bourdain (celebrated chef and global culinary storyteller):
“Filipino food is different. It’s unique and entirely its own thing.”
Biyo POSApril Bloomfield (top U.S. restaurateur and chef):
Predicted that Filipino cuisine would become “the next big thing,” praising its balance of flavors during a San Pellegrino event.
TIMECarlo Lamagna (chef behind Portland’s Magna Kusina):
Celebrates Filipino food through “precise and bold” dishes—honoring rich, sour notes of sinigang and pungent bagoong—and forging a space that feels like "a dinner party at home.”
Food & WinePlayful Lines from Chef Boy Logro (Filipino TV chef):
Known affectionately for the exclamations “Ping, ping, ping!” and “Yum, yum, yum!”
Wikipedia
Filipino Proverbs & Sayings That Reflect Culinary Wisdom
These timeless proverbs may not be from specific celebrities, but they embody the philosophy of Filipino cooking and life:
“Kapag may tinanim, may aanihin.”
“If you plant something, you will harvest something.”
Chef Earl Briones“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”
“He who does not look back to where he came from will never reach his destination.”
Chef Earl Briones“Bilog ang mundo, parang kawali.”
“The world is round, like a pan.”
Chef Earl Briones“Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.”
“The fruit does not fall far from the tree.”
Chef Earl Briones“Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.”
“If you persevere, you will have stew.”
Chef Earl Briones“Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, masahol pa sa malansang isda.”
Literally: “He who does not love his own language is worse than a smelly fish.” A witty reminder of the importance of heritage and identity.
Chef Earl Briones
From “Arsenic and Adobo” (Mia P. Manansala)
Capturing deep emotion and identity through food:
“I’ve never met people so enthusiastic about their food before.”
Goodreads“In typical Filipino fashion, my aunt expressed her love not through words of encouragement or affectionate embraces, but through food. Food was how she communicated. Food was how she found her place in the world.”
Goodreads
Summary: Your Flavors, Your Stories
Whether through the inspiring words of culinary enthusiasts like Doreen Fernandez or the practical—and deeply emotional—wisdom of Filipino proverbs, these quotes beautifully illustrate how Filipino food is interwoven with identity, heritage, creativity, and community. From the poetic to the playful, each line offers a taste of what makes our cuisine so uniquely resonant.
Here's my previous posting why Filipino Food is not as Popular as other Asian Foods.
https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/04/why-filipino-food-is-not-as-popular-as.html