Posted by ReyFort Media
What could be among the oldest cookbooks in Philippine history is now available for Filipinos, including cooking enthusiasts and professionals, to view and explore.
A Reddit user on March 17 raised awareness about the digitization of “Kusinang Tagalog,” a cookbook by P. Sayo Balo ni Soriano published in 1916 during the American occupation of the Philippines.
The cookbook is also known as “Kusinang Tagalog: Ang aklat na ito ay naglalaman ng mga sarisari at maraming kiyas ng lutuin sa lalong madaling paraan at mapakatipid na paggugugol.”
“I am so happy that Kusinang Tagalog (1916) of P. Sayo Balo ni Soriano has finally been digitized and shared [with] the public,” the Redditor wrote in the “r/FilipinoHistory” community.
They also shared a link to the digital version of the vintage cookbook, which features recipes for dishes like “Sopa Italiana,” “Paella Valenciana,” “Vaca Mechada,” “Empanada de Carne,” “Croquetas,” “Sinigang de Vaca,” “Calamares en Adobo,” “Chicharos,” “Flan de Leche,” “Pastel Caliente” and “Pudding de Chocolate.”
Another Redditor also raised awareness about the vintage cookbook in July 2025.
“Indeed, it caught my attention as it is most likely the oldest Filipino cookbook written in Tagalog (unless the first edition of ‘Aklat ng Pagluluto’ from 1916 (contrary to the 1919 claim, which is the second edition) is the actual first one, which is found in the Ortigas Foundational Library in Greenhills),” the Reddit user said.
“I know this compilation will be helpful to future researchers, as well as enthusiasts in the culinary sense, to further understand the Philippine food scene and determine what has changed and remained over the years,” the Redditor added.
“This will help discover what is missing and lost in our culinary memories, which can hopefully understand what needs to be more focused on,” the Reddit user said.
The cookbook is claimed to be the “first or second cookbook in the Tagalog language.”
It also includes guides on what cooks should remember when preparing fresh ingredients, such as beef offal, poultry offal, fish and vegetables.
The cookbook likewise outlines methods for preserving meats, soups, milk, oil, and fresh fruits. (J. Malasig/Interskyon)
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