Writing and food truly comes hand in hand especially, if it’s your core truth. For Chef Tatung and his Simpol books, global recognition with such prestige award bodies is simply a wonderful bonus. Moreover, the main goal has always been writing with heart and genuinely representing the Pinoy spirit.
The ‘Oscar’ of Cookbooks
Founded in 1995, the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards celebrate the best food and wine culture from over 200 countries. Often called the “Oscars” of cookbooks, this prestigious competition evaluates thousands of entries every year. Fresh off the high of Lore’s Michelin recognition, Chef Tatung received even more incredible news.
Specifically, two of his books are finalists at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2026 across three major categories: Pinas Simpol for Best Asian Book and Celebrity Chefs (World), and KitchiZen: A Philosophy of Filipino Life for Food Writing.
Personal Goes Global
Beyond the sheer prestige of the event, this recognition holds a profound emotional weight for the author. Reflecting on this milestone, Chef Tatung shared his thoughts:
This recognition feels especially personal. Cooking has been my life’s work, but writing has given me another way to share what the kitchen has taught me.”
He added,
I didn’t write these books with awards in mind. I wrote them hoping someone would cook, remember, reflect, or see our food and culture with a little more pride. To see these stories find their place on the world stage, carrying our flavors, traditions, and values with them, is deeply humbling.”
Ultimately, watching these deep rooted narratives resonate internationally just proves that the authentic Filipino stories truly belong not only in asian, but also the global spotlight.
Inside the Award-Winning Books
Pinas Simpol serves as Chef Tatung’s most ambitious work, blending memory, history, and identity across more than 200 full-color pages.
Meanwhile, KitchiZen: Slow Fire, Steady Heart in a World of Too Much explores a civic kitchen identity rooted in the discipline and proportion of everyday Filipino cooking. Published by Vertikal Kreatives Inc., both books are available at the National Book Store, Fully Booked, and major online platforms.
When you cook with love and write with purpose, the table only gets bigger.
Read more stories on Simpol.ph
The Iconic Remix of Ate Gay’s Life
All is Rice, All is Well with calle51’s Chef Sheena Yuquimpo
neytan’s Bathroom Musings “ikaw lang ang bossing ko” Features ‘Bossing’ of OPM
