Drew Barrymore and Filipina chef Pilar Valdes.
Hollywood actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore recently had a delightful encounter with Filipino cuisine, as she and Filipina chef Pilar Valdes cooked up a steaming bowl of arroz caldo on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
A clip shared by Valdes on Instagram captured the special moment as the two prepared the beloved Filipino rice porridge together, much to the excitement of the audience.
A dish close to the heart
As they cooked, Valdes shared the sentimental significance of arroz caldo, explaining how it embodies warmth and togetherness in Filipino culture.
“This dish is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “It’s called arroz caldo, which is essentially a Filipino rice porridge. This is all about home and tradition. Whenever there’s a birth, a celebration, or any gathering, arroz caldo is often on the table. With just a cup of rice, you can feed a battalion of people—that’s the Filipino way.”
Valdes, a senior culinary contributor on the show and co-founder of the private chef and catering company Kickshaw Cookery in New York City, reminisced about her own experiences with the dish. She recalled how her mother used to prepare arroz caldo for her whenever she was feeling unwell, describing it as “a hug in a bowl.” Now, having lived away from home for 24 years, it’s her husband Gabe who lovingly recreates the dish for her when she needs comfort food.
The perfect bowl of arroz caldo
As they garnished their dish, Valdes introduced Barrymore to the traditional toppings that elevate arroz caldo’s flavors—scallions, a hint of fish sauce, fried garlic, a squeeze of citrus, and a perfectly cooked jammy egg.
Barrymore’s reaction to her first taste of arroz caldo was nothing short of enthusiastic.
“How dare you?” she exclaimed in delight. “This is dynamite! It’s so beautiful. I cannot even explain it—you just have to make it yourself. It’s packed with so much flavor. Oh my God, it’s incredible!”
She urged her audience to try cooking the dish at home, emphasizing that its taste was even more remarkable than its appearance.
“You have to taste this to believe it. It looks amazing, but when it’s in your mouth—you’re going to freak out!” she gushed.
Sharing Filipino cuisine with the world
In the caption of her Instagram post, Valdes expressed her excitement about sharing Filipino recipes with a wider audience. She teased that the full segment would be available soon, inviting more people to experience the warmth and comfort of arroz caldo.
Barrymore’s glowing review is a testament to the universal appeal of this humble yet heartwarming dish, further highlighting the richness of Filipino cuisine on an international stage.