“The acclaimed Secret Kitchens of Samar Book Series has been recognized as one of the Best of the Best Books of the World in the past 30 years of the Gourmand Awards during the Saudi Feast Food Festival last November 27, 2025, reaffirming its place among the finest culinary publications globally. This distinction marks the second global recognition for Secret Kitchens of Samar this year.
This honor comes shortly after its major victory last June, when the five-volume series won Best Book Series in the World and Best Regional Book in the World at the 30th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards during the Cascais World Food Summit in Portugal.
More than a book, Secret Kitchens of Samar has become a powerful tool for heritage tours, cultural education, and for nurturing Samarnon pride in local culinary traditions.
As the Gourmand Awards celebrates its 30th year, it will gather all past winners of the Best Book Series of the World and honor the best among them, placing Samar once again on the global stage of culinary excellence.”