Though chef Jessie Sincioco first captivated the palates of Philippine sweet tooths in 1983 after winning The Great Maya Cookfest baking competition, the affable culinary personality has certainly proven her chops in realms far beyond pastry. After a stint at Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Sincioco then helmed the famed Le Soufflé restaurant, among other establishments in the early ‘90s, and finally set up her own group, JCS Gastronomie Inc., in 2009.

Now, chef Sincioco runs the eponymous fine dining restaurant Chef Jessie Rockwell Club and Chef Jessie’s Place, which acts as the central hub for her catering events and functions as an events venue. Perhaps best known for her soufflés, signature pasta a la Jessie, and pan-fried goose liver salad, the culinary talent is a proud Bulacan native, hailing from the city of Angat. 

Learn more about chef Jessie Sincioco, and her foodie picks from Bulacan province below:

Where in Bulacan is your family from, and which cities do you normally visit when you’re back?

The Sinciocos are from Barrio Sulucan in Angat, where the famous Angat Dam is located.

What do you consider to be the must-try dish from your region?

Our delicious kakanin: bibingka, biko, suman sa latik, suman sa bigas with minatamis na kundol and my inang Carmen’s sapin-sapin!

What do you consider to be the most underrated dish from your region?

Our kesong puti made from fresh carabao’s milk, it is the best. As a matter of fact, I am using it in our menu at Chef Jessie!

What is the one pasalubong you always bring back with you when you visit?

Aside from the kakanin and the freshly harvested vegetables and fruits, I always make sure I have the espasol of Grace from Angat.

What is one ingredient you long for from your region that you cannot (or cannot easily) find in Manila, if any?

Fresh carabao’s milk.

What are your favourite eateries in that region? Why?

My family’s choices would have to be Cafe Apolonio in Bustos and Pugpog Biker’s Highlands in Angat. Cafe Apolonio serves very good home-cooked food. Pugpog Biker’s Highlands has very good beef estofado, supposedly the family’s heirloom recipe, and the view from the restaurant is breathtaking!