United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson hosted on May 15 the launch of the “U.S. Poultry Adobo Collection” cookbook authored by “Adoboqueen” Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen to celebrate one of the Philippines’ most iconic dishes and showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of U.S. poultry products.
“The ‘U.S. Poultry Adobo Collection’ is a symbol of the close bond between the United States and the Philippines and our shared love for food as friends, partners, allies, and foodies,” Ambassador Carlson said during the cookbook launch attended by chefs and representatives from the local retail, food service, and food processing sectors.
“I thank Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen for contributing her expertise and passion for adobo to bring authenticity and creativity to this collection,” she added.
With the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), and the United Soybean Board, the cookbook features more than 20 adobo and sauce recipes crafted by Chef Reyes-Lumen. These recipes pay homage to traditional Filipino regional cooking styles while incorporating modern twists using U.S. chicken, duck, and turkey products that are available in the Philippines.
Limited copies will be available to restaurateurs, importers, and other industry representatives during U.S. poultry product promotion events. Select recipes from the cookbook, such as U.S. Chicken Adobo Pastil and U.S. Chicken Adobo sa Kamatis, will be posted on USAPEEC’s Facebook page.
“Adobo isn’t about right or wrong – it’s about heart, patience, and flavor. Use your hands, trust your taste, and let time do its work,” Chef Reyes-Lumen said.
“With premium quality U.S. poultry, your adobo can be rich, meaty, and proudly yours. Own your recipe, cook it slow, and let the love simmer through,” she added.
Among Chef Reyes-Lumen’s creations is the U.S. Chicken BBQ-Adobo with Adobo Glaze which pairs traditional Filipino flavors with the premium quality of U.S. poultry.
The Philippines is the seventh largest market for U.S. poultry products in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. U.S. poultry exports to the Philippines have more than tripled over the past ten years, reaching nearly PHP10.6 billion (USD190 million) in 2024. This increase is attributed to growth in the Philippines’ retail, foodservice, and food processing sectors, and strong demand driven by a young and rapidly growing population.
