Jul 6, 2023

Why we’re fascinated: Because Balingit first made a splash in the thick of pandemic, when the Filipino American culinary guru started selling pasalubong (“souvenir” in Tagolog) treat boxes bursting with delicious desserts around town and donating proceeds to those affected by Covid. Today, the gastro genius inspires thousands of followers on her unique Instagram account and through her excellent cookbook, “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed.”

 — Anna Rahmanan