When it comes to acting—from drama to comedy, horror, and even action—Judy Ann Santos can effortlessly cook up a performance that leaves audiences satisfied. The same can be said for her time in the kitchen. From simple one-pot dishes to complex recipes and even delicate pastries, the “Espantaho” star knows how to whip up something special.
Her love for cooking is no secret. Through her widely followed YouTube channel, Judy Ann’s Kitchen, she showcases her culinary skills, preparing dishes that range from comforting classics to bold, innovative flavors. Beyond the virtual kitchen, she's also put up her own restaurant business.
Judy Ann traces her love for cooking back to her childhood. She remembers often hitching a ride with the catering service on her way to shooting locations when she started working as an on-cam talent at the age of 8 or 9. She would fall asleep during travel time, only to be gently awakened by the sounds of pots and pans being unloaded from the catering service.
Back then, she was not yet the superstar she would become. As a budding talent, her way of giving back to the catering staff, who generously allowed her to join their service, was by helping them out with meal preparation on set. “Gusto ko ako ‘yung naghahalo,” she fondly recalled. “Tapos na-enjoy ko siya.”
She also loved being the kitchen assistant to her mom and sister. Her mom, in particular, had many specialties that she really grew fond of.
They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And it seems the Kapamilya superstar would agree, as her dishes played a big role in winning over her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, as she would prepare meals for Ryan on set when they were just dating and working on a series together.
Her love for cooking only deepened as their relationship became official, and they started building their family with their daughter, Yohan. So when she decided to go back to school to finish a course that could inspire Yohan and give her a backup plan for the time when she’s no longer in showbiz, Ryan encouraged her to take up a culinary course.
"Doon nagsimula ang lahat. Nagkaroon ako ng confidence to cook. I understood so many things about food, techniques, and other things in the culinary world that made me tell myself, 'It is just right that I listened to my husband.'"
Her signature dishes are 'angrydobo' and 'laing,' which are staples at every reunion with friends—so much so that when she decided to open her own restaurant, she aptly named it "Angrydobo." In a past interview with ABS-CBN, Judy Ann shared that this adobo specialty was originally created after a lover’s quarrel with Ryan when they were still a young couple, hence the playful name.
Cooking for family brings her immense joy. Judy Ann shares that she loves preparing seafood dishes for Yohan, who has a simple palate and enjoys steamed crab or shrimp with lemon-butter sauce. With her youngest, Luna, cooking becomes a bonding moment, as Luna loves helping out whenever she prepares her favorite fresh pasta.
As for her 'young man,' Lucho, she says her son has been exploring his taste buds lately, gravitating toward salad and steak, which are ideal for his athletic lifestyle.
Meanwhile, in the Agoncillo household, Ryan has the simplest preferences, but he serves as Judy Ann’s ultimate taste tester. "Lumaki siya na hindi wide ang range ng pagkain. So 'pag siya ang nilutuan ko at nasarapan siya kasi hindi 'yun ang league ng pagkain niya, ibig sabihin masarap talaga ang gawa ko kasi nagustuhan niya."
For the sake of fun, Judy Ann was asked which celebrity cooks she’d love to collaborate with in the kitchen. She chose American actor and author Stanley Tucci—not a chef, but someone she admires for his extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine and his being a good conversationalist.
She also mentioned food stylist and cookbook author Donna Hay because she loves her simple yet elegant approach to preparing food.
Lastly, she expressed admiration for Thai culinary icon Jai Fai, who, at around 81 years old, still has the energy and passion to cook. Judy Ann would love the opportunity to learn from her inspiring expertise.