As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ends, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight award-winning executive chef, Rhoda Magbitang.
Born in the Philippines, Rhoda Magbitang was raised in Pampanga, widely known as the country’s culinary capital. As a child, Rhoda found deep inspiration in her family’s rich cooking traditions. Those deep-rooted customs led her to begin cooking for herself at an early age. At just 17, she immigrated to the United States and settled in California.
In the U.S., Magbitang found work as a preschool teacher before enrolling in culinary school at California’s Le Cordon Bleu. Working on America’s west coast, she cut her teeth in some of the most reputable kitchens in the entire U.S., including Michelin-starred establishments Mélisse and Bazaar by José Andrés. She also helped other restaurants attain Michelin recognition.
Looking to move out of California, Rhoda parlayed her considerable success and relocated to the middle of the Pacific, to Hawai’i. The move followed previous visits and vacations, while she also helped to revive Canoehouse, one of the island’s premier dining locations.
In Hawai’i, Rhoda accepted a position working with the luxury Auberge Resorts Collection of restaurants. Soon, she was promoted to CanoeHouse’s first-ever female executive chef. There, she’s been lauded for sourcing ingredients from smaller local farms and seasonal availabilities.
Having carved a reputation for her adventurous additions to her traditional Filipino cuisine, Chef Rhoda has developed a reputation for blending classic flavors with modern techniques. Her signature dishes often reflect her roots, featuring bold flavors. This unique style has earned her accolades from both local and international food critics and has made her a sought-after chef for food festivals and culinary events around the world. Her work has earned her numerous awards and television appearances, including her recent participation on Bravo’s popular Top Chef competition.
Outside the kitchen, Chef Rhoda is a passionate advocate for sustainable sourcing and for promoting Filipino food on the global stage. Additionally, she serves as a mentor, inspiring a new generation of chefs through workshops and cooking classes, fostering pride in Filipino cuisine and encouraging innovation.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
- Miyoshi Umeki, trailblazing Japanese American and Academy Award-winning actress
- Kristin Kish, Chef and television personality
- Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic Champion and “father of surfing”
- Ronny Chieng, award-winning comedian, actor, and writer
