7000 Islands

Book excerpt: A beautiful, comprehensive, and evocative cookbook on a relatively undiscovered cuisine. Despite the Philippines' location right in the middle of Southeast Asia, most people know very little about the country and even less about the cuisine. For Filipinos, food is more than a pleasurable pursuit; it is the cultural language. It can be seen through the prism of its unique and colorful history, with influences from Malaysia, Spain, China, Mexico, and the US adding to the cuisine's rich texture. Divided into thirteen chapters—Dipping sauces; Breakfast; Soups; Everyday food; Seafood; Party food; Barbecue food; Rice and noodles; Vegetables and salads; Bar and finger food; Snacks; Desserts; and Drinks—7000 Islands is a beautifully illustrated guide to Filipino food and an insight into the culture and history of the Philippines.