Hello and welcome! I’m Nora Reyes — the writer and formally trained chef behind Recipes by Nora.
I live in Nutley, New Jersey with my husband and our four kids. I share Filipino recipes that are simple and made for real life — the kind of food that brings us back to home and good memories.
With years of experience in food and hospitality, I’ve learned that cooking is really about sharing — the flavors, stories, and moments that bring people together. Every recipe here is something I’ve cooked, tested, and truly loved in my own kitchen.
My goal is to help you reconnect with the Filipino dishes you grew up with and rediscover those almost-forgotten favorites that deserve a place at your table again. You’ll also find a few recipes that blend Filipino flavors with other cuisines — dishes inspired by both my roots and the places life has taken me.
I hope the recipes here bring back good memories, spark new ones, and inspire you to try something different. Enjoy exploring — and happy cooking!
A little about me
I grew up in a Filipino-Chinese family in Naga City, a charming town in southern Luzon. By age seven, I was already cooking adobo and tagging along to the market — learning to haggle (nicely!) for the best ingredients.
Cooking runs in my family. My grandparents owned a butchery, and my parents ran a small café and catering business. Food was always part of our family story — it’s how we celebrated, comforted, and connected.
My love for food led me to study culinary arts and business in Manila, where I trained in restaurants and hotels. Later, I worked in New York City as a training director for a restaurant group, a consultant, and eventually a private chef. Each role has given me a unique perspective on food and the industry.
How Recipes by Nora began
I started blogging back in 2013, when I was experimenting with fondant cakes and desserts. Over time, I found myself coming back to the dishes I grew up with — the flavors that felt like home.
That’s how Recipes by Nora was born: from a love of Filipino food and wanting to keep our food traditions alive, wherever we are in the world.
Now, I share both classic and modern Filipino recipes — easy, flavorful, and made for real life. My hope is that when you cook something from my blog, it brings you comfort and connection too.
The man behind the camera
My husband, Mark, may be a nurse by profession, but he’s also the one behind the camera and the tech side of things. He takes the photos and videos that make the recipes come alive. Through his encouragement, I was inspired to begin sharing my recipes online.
What is Filipino food?
Filipino food is all about flavor and comfort — it’s the kind of cooking that brings people together around the table. Over time, our cuisine has become this amazing mix of influences — Spanish, American, Chinese, and even Japanese — yet it still holds on to what makes it truly Filipino.
At its core, it’s all about balance: a little sweet, a little salty, a little sour — sometimes all in one spoonful. Where I grew up, we cook with a lot of coconut milk and chilies, so our dishes are creamy, rich, and a little spicy.
Filipino food tells our story — our history, our mix of cultures, and the way we make something beautiful out of simple ingredients. If you’re curious to learn more, you can check out my post A Beginner's Guide to Filipino Food.
What You’ll Find on Recipes by Nora
Tried-and-True Recipes - These are dishes I actually make for my family—Filipino favorites, simple everyday meals, and comforting classics that I cook again and again. They’re the kind of recipes that stay on rotation because everyone loves them.
Approachable and Easy to Follow – I keep things simple, with clear, step-by-step instructions and practical tips so anyone can make them. Most recipes include step-by-step photos and videos, making it easier to see how each part comes together—whether you’re new to cooking, short on time, or just want a reliable meal that feels homemade.
Everyday Ingredients – I use ingredients that are easy to find and available in most grocery stores here in the U.S., with practical substitutions when needed. You won’t need anything fancy—just simple, real food that comes together naturally.
Filipino and Beyond – Most of my recipes are inspired by the Filipino flavors I grew up with, along with other dishes I’ve come to love from different cuisines.
How authentic are your recipes?
Just like any cuisine, authenticity is subjective. My recipes reflect my background, my ever-evolving taste, and the availability of ingredients around me.
My formal training in culinary arts, internships at restaurants, and trial and error allowed me to grow and be the cook I am today. As with anything else, learning never stops.
How can I contact you?
I'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to send me a message by email at re***********@***il.com. I read all of them and do my best to respond as soon as I can. I truly appreciate you taking the time to write. 💛
Media mentions:
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2024/01/recipes-by-nora-food-blog-by-nora-reyes/
Disclaimer:
Everything here comes from my own cooking experience, research, and personal taste. I share ideas and inspiration—not professional advice. I do my best to keep the details accurate, but results can vary from one kitchen to another.
Please use your best judgment and enjoy everything in moderation. If you have any health concerns or dietary needs, check with a medical professional.
