The Philippine Cookbook (Reynaldo Alejandro)

Perigree Books, New York, 1985. Paperback.

Born in Manila in 1941, Reynaldo Alejandro was an author, dancer, choreographer, librarian, dance director, community historian, chef, and newspaper columnist. He immigrated to the United States in 1969 and over the years authored 40 books focusing on Philippine culture, dance, and food, as well as the experiences of Filipino Americans in New York. 

The Philippine Cookbook is Alejandro’s effort to introduce a broad American audience to the culinary traditions of the Philippines. Chapters for Rice Dishes, Adobos, Beef Dishes and more are accompanied by short essays sharing historical and cultural context and an appendix lists where to source ingredients by state. While far from exhaustive, The Philippine Cookbook is a love letter to the country’s cuisine and a generous invitation into the kitchen.