The Voice4Chefs Podcast

Author: ChefMichael

The **Voice4Chefs Podcast**, hosted by Michael Dugan comes out of the kitchen and into the studio. Our Mission to amplify the voices of culinary professionals around the world by sharing their stories, passions, and journey empowering connection, leadership, and creativity through the art of podcasting.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en-us

Genres: Arts, Food, Personal Journals, Society & Culture

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

EP95: Chef Check-in Culinary Journeys in the Philippines with Chef Isi Laureano
Episode 95
Sunday, 8 February, 2026

Send us a textChef Checkin Celebrating Filipino Cuisine with Chef Isi Laureano:Offering insights into Filipino hospitality, culinary heritage, and the value of pursuing one’s passion, this conversational check-in interview features Chef Isi Laureano, reflecting on her journey as a chef and entrepreneur in the Philippines. Isi shares experiences from the pandemic, describing how lockdowns impacted her private chef career and led to a shift toward home-based cooking and food delivery.The conversation highlights the evolution of Isi’s business ventures, including the creation of Chili Asylum, a brand focused on spicy products sourced from Filipino farmers, and her long-standing involvement with Traveling Spoon, where she hosts intimate Filipino cooking classes and food tours. Isi emphasizes the importance of family traditions, regional Filipino cuisine, and the adaptability required to thrive in changing circumstances.Exploring the diversity of Filipino food, the role of local ingredients and cooking methods, and the cultural significance of rice cakes (kakanin) as a national culinary symbol, Isi discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, collaborating with other chefs, and maintaining work-life balance. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth, advice for navigating career stress, and ways to connect with Isi online.00:00 Introduction to Chef Isi Laureano01:34 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Pandemic05:49 The Birth of Chili Asylum08:12 From Spices to Chili Products13:12 The Evolution of Haynayan Ketchups15:59 Traveling Spoon and Culinary Tours20:03 Malabon Food Tour and Local Heritage26:42 Finding Passion in the Kitchen27:11 Dreams of a Filipino Deli27:56 Recognition and Local Bookings29:40 Challenges of a Demanding Client32:31 Rediscovering Joy in Cooking36:30 A Memorable Trip to Washington40:48 The Philippines' National Dish Debate43:42 Regional Cooking Styles in the Philippines48:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellConnect with Chef Isi:https://eatmattersph.wixsite.com/eatmattershttps://www.instagram.com/eatmattersph/https://www.linkedin.com/in/isilaureano/Recent artice about Chef Isi:https://sawasdee.thaiairways.com/cooking-with-the-quiet-ambassador-of-filipino-cuisine/Original episode:https://www.voice4chefs.com/cooking-through-the-philippines-with-isi-laureano-of-eat-matters/Season2 Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.IG: themindfulwok Support the showYour support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_USShare your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/Volunteer contact ChefMichael@voice4chefs.comConnect with our Culinary Stories:https://linktr.ee/voice4chef