Jacqueline Chio-Lauri

Born in the Philippines, Jacqueline Chio-Lauri had lived in seven countries around the globe before she settled in the United Kingdom. Some of her most delicious childhood memories are of walking home from the city panaderia (bakery) at the crack of dawn—munching warm, freshly baked pandesal bread while her lola (grandma) regaled her with fascinating stories. Jacqueline has worn several hats through the years. She is an anthologist, author, and editor, as well as a former science scholar, restaurateur, teacher, sales and marketing consultant, and copywriter.

Above all, she is a mum.

Passionate about seeing more books from diverse creators, Jacqueline writes so that all children can read about main characters who are both like and unlike themselves. Her first book is the highly acclaimed The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from around the Globe. Her second is the award-winning We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from 36 Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs. In 2024, she debuted as a children's picture book author with the publication of Mami King: How Ma Mon Luk Found Love, Riches, and a Perfect Bowl of Soup.

Her work also appears in prominent anthologies and compilations, such as Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Inner Strength and Tales of Our Lives: Fork in the Road, as well as on Huffington Post, Epicurious, and Foodism.You can connect with Jacqueline on Facebook and Instagram @myfoodbeginnings and on Twitter/X @myfoodbeginning.