Romy Dorotan is a Filipino chef who helped introduce Filipino cuisine to New York, best known for the restaurants Cendrillon and Purple Yam in Brooklyn.
Filipino cuisine filtered through French technique and pan-Southeast Asian influences. This profile looks at Romy’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Filipino
- Known for the restaurants Cendrillon and Purple Yam in Brooklyn
- With his wife Amy Besa he opened Cendrillon in SoHo in 1995, running it for about 13 years.
- His cookbook with Besa, Memories of Philippine Kitchens, won the Jane Grigson Award.
- Filipino cuisine filtered through French technique and pan-Southeast Asian influences.
Romy Dorotan key facts
| Name | Romy Dorotan |
| Nationality / origin | Filipino |
| Known for | the restaurants Cendrillon and Purple Yam in Brooklyn |
| Location | New York, USA |
| Style | Filipino cuisine filtered through French technique and pan-Southeast Asian influences. |
Background and career
He honed his craft at Huberts on Park Avenue, coming to cooking from a largely Western background. With his wife Amy Besa he opened Cendrillon in SoHo in 1995, running it for about 13 years.
Recognition and legacy
He opened Purple Yam in Brooklyn in 2009 and a Manila branch in 2014. His cookbook with Besa, Memories of Philippine Kitchens, won the Jane Grigson Award.
Signature style
Filipino cuisine filtered through French technique and pan-Southeast Asian influences. It is an approach that has made Romy a distinctive figure in the food world.
Romy in context
Romy Dorotan is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Amy Besa and Kalel Demetrio.
Follow Romy Dorotan
Romy Dorotan FAQ
Who is Romy Dorotan?
A Filipino chef who helped introduce Filipino cuisine to New York.
Where is Romy based?
New York, USA.
What is Romy known for?
The restaurants Cendrillon and Purple Yam in Brooklyn.
What is a notable fact about Romy?
He honed his craft at Huberts on Park Avenue, coming to cooking from a largely Western background.
What is Romy’s style?
Filipino cuisine filtered through French technique and pan-Southeast Asian influences.
