Hiraya chef Paolo Dungca expands with new upscale Filipino spot, Union Market stall
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Modern Filipino dishes at Kayu. Photo: Courtesy of Kayu
One of D.C.'s rising star chefs just launched an ambitious new Filipino destination on H Street Northeast: Kayu.
Why it matters: Chef Paolo Dungca, a Bad Saint alum, is turning out some of the most creative Filipino food in D.C. right now at his two-level restaurant.
Catch up quick: Dungca opened popular Filipino café Hiraya on H Street about a year ago, and has been fine-tuning an upscale experience for the second-floor dining room since February.
- Now with new tasting and a la carte menus, plus fresh talents on board — including pastry whizz Pichet Ong and Tiki on 18th barman Jo-Jo Valenzuela — Dungca is ready to launch.
Plus, Dungca tells Axios he's opening a new Union Market stall, Little Hiraya, in November. It'll nod to Hiraya and his former food hall hit Pogiboy, and run breakfast through dinner.
Dig in: Kayu is rooted in Dungca's native Philippines, but you may find other Asian influences or classic French techniques from his Restaurant Eve days. Also: Lots of seafood and vegetables.
- "There's a stigma of Filipino food of being greasy, fatty, meat-driven," Dungca tells Axios. "We wanted to change that narrative of what Filipino food can be."
Guests can opt for several experiences:
- An eight-course tasting menu ($115 per person) at the intimate chef's counter or dining room.
- A four-course ($65) and a la carte dining room menu.
- Ong's three-course dessert tasting with drink pairings at the bar ($48 per person). Expect fun flavors like malted chocolate with jicama and popcorn.
Zoom out: Kayu is among a new wave of hot openings along H Street, including tiny new bar Providencia and Indian street food Tapori (coming soon).
If you go: Kayu, 1250 H St NE.