The culinary world is mourning the loss of Margarita Forés, one of the most celebrated chefs in the Philippines. Forés, 65, was found unresponsive in her Hong Kong hotel room on February 11, 2025. Her passing marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades, bringing Filipino and Italian cuisines to the global stage.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in the food industry, Forés was the driving force behind Cibo, an Italian restaurant chain that introduced authentic Italian flavors to the Philippines. Her work extended beyond restaurants, influencing culinary education, catering, and sustainability efforts in the food industry.
A Culinary Icon’s Journey
Margarita Forés’ culinary journey was deeply personal. Born in the Philippines, she spent her formative years in New York City, where she developed a love for Italian cuisine. Inspired by her exposure to fine dining, she later moved to Italy, where she trained under renowned chefs and immersed herself in the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Returning to the Philippines in 1997, Forés established Cibo, a restaurant that quickly became synonymous with high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine. Over the years, Cibo expanded to over 30 locations nationwide, making Italian food accessible to Filipinos.
Beyond Cibo, Forés built an impressive portfolio of restaurants, catering businesses, and culinary ventures. Some of her notable projects include:
Lusso – A fine dining establishment offering luxurious European-inspired dishes.
Grace Park – A farm-to-table restaurant focused on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
Cibo di M – A high-end catering service known for curating world-class culinary experiences.
Achievements and Global Recognition
Forés’ impact on the culinary world was undeniable. Her dedication to promoting both Italian and Filipino cuisineearned her international acclaim. Some of her most prestigious recognitions include:
Asia’s Best Female Chef (2016) – Awarded by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants committee, recognizing her contributions to the culinary landscape in Asia.
Order of the Star of Italy (2018) – Bestowed by the Italian government, honoring her efforts in strengthening ties between Italy and the Philippines through food and culture.
Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide – Consistently included in the list of top chefs and restaurateurs shaping the Filipino dining scene.
Forés was an advocate for culinary education, mentoring aspiring chefs and working with institutions to improve training programs. Her legacy extends beyond food, influencing a new generation of Filipino culinary artists.
Resilience and Personal Challenges
Forés was a two-time cancer survivor, having overcome thyroid cancer in 2006. She often spoke about how her health battles strengthened her resolve and deepened her appreciation for life and food.
In recent years, she hinted at slowing down professionally, expressing a desire to collaborate with her son, Amado Forés, who has followed in her footsteps as a chef and restaurateur. She remained active in the industry, sharing her knowledge and passion until her untimely passing.
Tributes and Community Response
Following the news of Forés’ passing, chefs, food enthusiasts, and industry leaders took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of her impact:
Amado Forés (her son): “Dear friends and family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time.”
Chef Jordy Navarra: “Margarita was a mentor, a visionary, and a fierce advocate for Filipino food. Her legacy will live on.”
The Italian Embassy in Manila: “We mourn the loss of Margarita Forés, a true ambassador of Italian cuisine in the Philippines.”
The outpouring of love and admiration is a testament to how deeply Forés touched the lives of many, both in the Philippines and around the world.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Forés’ legacy is monumental. Her contributions go beyond restaurants and recipes – she shaped how Filipinos view and experience food. Her dedication to promoting sustainable farming, quality ingredients, and culinary educationensured that her influence would extend for generations to come.
Her restaurants, particularly Cibo, continue to thrive, embodying her philosophy of excellence, authenticity, and innovation. Her students, employees, and fellow chefs will carry forward her lessons, keeping her passion for food alive.
Margarita Forés’ sudden passing leaves a void in the culinary world, but her impact will be felt for years to come. As we celebrate her life and achievements, we remember a woman whose dedication, talent, and resilience transformed the Filipino dining scene.
Her legacy lives on through her restaurants, her mentees, and the countless individuals she inspired. The world may have lost a great chef, but her influence and spirit will continue to shape the food industry for generations.
