Margarita Forés given Icon Award (2025)

On March 25, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants posthumously gave the late Margarita Forés the Icon Award, honoring her extraordinary contributions to the culinary world and lasting legacy in promoting Filipino and Italian cuisine on the global stage.

The Icon Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the culinary world, earning global recognition and using their platform to drive change. Voted for by the 350 members of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, this accolade celebrates those whose positive influence extends far beyond the hospitality industry.

Margarita transformed from one of Asia’s most highly acclaimed chefs into a tireless advocate for Philippine cuisine and culinary diplomacy. Her influence extended beyond her award-winning restaurants—she was a global ambassador, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the Philippines and Filipino cuisine to the world.

Throughout her career, she championed excellence through her catering company, Margarita Signature Caterer, and renowned restaurants, including Cibo, Lusso by Margarita Forés, Grace Park Dining, Museya Kafé, and The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria.

Her passion extended to gastronomy as a force for tourism and economic growth. She worked closely with the Philippine Departments of Agriculture and Tourism, helping promote the Slow Food Movement and sustainability efforts. She also served as a United Nations Tourism ambassador for gastronomy. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and received the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia in 2018.

In an industry long dominated by men, she actively advocated for gender equality, understanding that one woman’s success paves the way for others. Her mentorship shaped and inspired many of the Philippines’ finest chefs, ensuring that the next generation would carry forward her mission of celebrating Filipino heritage through food.

She passed away on Feb. 11 at the age of 65.

Her son, Amado Forés, accepted the Icon Award on her behalf and delivered a heartfelt speech during Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in Seoul.

“Thank you so much for honoring my mom with this award and beautiful tribute. She truly cherished these gatherings—sharing meals, celebrating your successes, and being surrounded by those who shared her passion.

“My best memories are from traveling with her, visiting your wonderful restaurants, and delivering those jars of Philippine crab fat talangka that she loved sharing with all of you. Expressing love through small gestures, cooking together, or simply showing up for one another brought her so much joy, and I’ve come to realize that the true power of 50 Best lies in its ability to inspire, bridge cultures, and create lifelong friendships.

“My mom always said her life’s purpose was simple: to make the world more beautiful and delicious for others, and I’m grateful to 50 Best for giving her a larger platform to do that.”

Margarita Forés’ passion and generosity defined her. Her legacy—the flavors she loved, the standards she set, and the lives she touched—will endure because Margarita never just cooked, she transformed.