Have you ever tasted adobo, the iconic Filipino dish that brings together bold flavors and comfort in every bite? For Adobo Queen, it’s not just a dish—it’s her passion and mission.
Known for her advocacy of Filipino cuisine, Nancy Reyes-Lumen has spent her career elevating adobo as a symbol of culture and unity. From her roots in the Philippines to becoming a recognized culinary figure in the U.S., her journey is a testament to the power of food in connecting generations and communities.
Born into the Reyes family, renowned for the Aristocrat restaurant group, Nancy grew up surrounded by Filipino food culture. Aristocrat has long been a pillar of Filipino dining, known for its legacy and its influence on multiple generations. But it wasn’t until Nancy began traveling to the U.S. for food festivals and conventions that she began to seriously consider how she could expand her influence in the culinary world.
“I didn’t have a hard time moving to the U.S.,” she shares. “I wasn’t self-conscious, especially after being on Philippine TV for more than 25 years. But what I did struggle with was my age. At 73, it was a challenge to prove myself in a new culinary environment.”
Nancy’s resilience became apparent as she started from the bottom in the U.S., working as a janitor, food sampler, and promoter. Through these experiences, she learned the value of hard work, dignity, and respect for every role. Despite facing challenges, including racism, Nancy remained undeterred, relying on her faith, her family’s support, and her dedication to learning.
“My faith in Jesus Christ, the support of my family, and my constant learning through books, Google, and YouTube were my guiding lights,” she recalls.
Today, Nancy continues to promote Filipino food through her cookbooks, and television and podcast appearances.
She is the host of the Commissary Kitchen, a culinary podcast and television series under the Lawin Media Network where she shares her expertise in Filipino cuisine and international dishes. She also serves as a chef instructor for Cozymeal USA, where she teaches cooking classes for adobo, paella, sushi, and other Filipino and Asian dishes.
Her advocacy for Filipino food goes beyond simply cooking—it’s about sharing food literacy and educating others about the rich history and culture behind every dish. In Houston, she plans to host pop-ups to introduce Filipino food to a broader audience, especially targeting other nationalities. Her mission is clear: Filipino cuisine should be celebrated and understood by everyone.
“I will not stop promoting adobo as the national dish of the Filipinos,” Nancy says proudly. “Adobo connects all Filipinos, and it’s a dish that transcends generations.”
Looking ahead, Nancy is focused on inspiring younger generations to take pride in their heritage and pursue food advocacy and entrepreneurship. Her advice to them is simple: “Don’t try to be perfect, and don’t let insecurity hold you back. Learn from your mistakes, research your passion, and share it with the world.”
As an influential figure in the culinary world, Nancy Reyes-Lumen embodies the essence of what it means to be a mover, shaker, and advocate for culture and food literacy. Through her dedication to Filipino cuisine, she continues to break barriers and inspire others to share their stories and passions with the world.
