Craving a global food adventure? Head over to World Kitchens, the newest dining destination at Araneta City’s Gateway Mall 2. With 15 open kitchens run by talented chefs from around the world, it’s the perfect spot to explore diverse cuisines—all under one roof in the heart of the city.
World Kitchens isn’t just another restaurant; from the name itself, it’s a global dining adventure. The concept, brought to life by Singapore’s food and beverage expert Andre Tan Hock Lai, brings together a collection of cuisines from all over the world, each prepared by top chefs specializing in their craft. From Cantonese classics to Italian pizza, World Kitchens makes it possible to enjoy a world tour of flavors in one place.
A passion for food and innovation
Andre Tan Hock Lai has been in the food business for over 40 years and developed 65 concepts worldwide.
In an interview, Hock Lai explained how he saw World Kitchens as an opportunity to create something new for the Philippine dining scene.
“I think it’s all about the passion for food. Mr. [George] Araneta called me up and said, ‘We want you to come here and look at our space.’ To see whether I can create a concept and this Aranata City is known for always being the first. So I said, ‘Okay, I will come. I will create one of a kind and first of its kind’,” he recalled.
What makes World Kitchens truly unique is its ownership model. Unlike other international food halls owned by a single entity, this one is operated by 15 world-class chefs, each running their own show kitchens independently.
“That means every restaurant is independently operated by a chef,” he told Manila Standard Cravings.
A seamless dining experience with AI integration
World Kitchens also sets itself apart by embracing modern technology. The venue integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its ordering system to streamline customer experience.
While some initially resisted the idea, Andre believes that embracing innovation is key to staying ahead.
“The world has become smaller. You go to China, and you can’t use cash anymore. So the thing is, either you back up and change, or you’ll be left behind,” he explained.
A handpicked lineup of world-class chefs
In terms of choosing the chefs who would be included in the concept, the curation of chefs was no accident. With Hock Lai’s vast experience and membership in one of the world’s top dining societies across 60 countries, he personally selected the best talents for World Kitchens.
“We are very particular about what we eat. We must make sure it’s good because we only have one stomach,” the food guru added.
Known for his mastery of Cantonese cuisine, Chef Fung Chi Keung brings his award-winning skills from Singapore’s Kai Garden to World Kitchens.
Chef Jessie Sincioco isn’t just a culinary genius; she’s also known for preparing meals for Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to the Philippines. Chef Jessie’s dishes, like Baked Chilean Sea Bass in Miso and Award-Winning Sisig, combine international culinary techniques with a deep appreciation for Filipino flavors.
For lovers of Japanese food, Chef Masaki Watanabe, known as “Tuna King,” brings his expertise in grilling eel to life with dishes like Unagi Hitsumabushi, offering a perfect balance of smoky, savory flavors.
Also run by Chef Watanabe, Kuro Maguro focuses on bluefin tuna, one of Japan’s most prized seafood delicacies.
Chef Steve Ma brings his Hong Kong roots to life with dishes that blend tradition and modern techniques at HK Ma’s Bistro.
Known for its comforting bowls of ramen, The You No Men offers classic options like Maze Soba and rich, flavorful ramen bowls.
Step into a Spanish-inspired kitchen with Chef Gale Tan Sun’s open-pit roasting at Asador de Manila.
Italian cuisine gets a fresh twist with Chef Dario Bonaccorso’s creations. Whether you’re craving a classic Pizza Bomba or a stuffed Calzone, Chef Dario’s authentic Italian dishes will leave you dreaming of Italy.
For a premium Japanese dining experience, Shinshima has it all. Chef Hoshiba Fumihiko specializes in teppanyaki, using top-notch ingredients like Japanese A5 Wagyu to create unforgettable meals right before your eyes.
Experience the bold, vibrant flavors of India with Chef Rajan Veeranan’s signature dishes at Prana. Each dish is a flavorful adventure into the heart of Indian cuisine, prepared with spices that will leave you craving more.
Want to unwind with a drink? Santai Singapore, led by Gen-Z bar owner Aaron Shen, offers expertly crafted cocktails—perfect for those who love a good drink with their meal.
Sticky Sweet reimagines traditional Asian sweets, offering everything from Japanese Mochi to Petit Four. Perfect for anyone looking to finish their meal with a little indulgence.
From premium sushi to comforting ramen bowls, from Italian classics to Spanish roasts, the diversity in offerings makes every visit to World Kitchens a culinary adventure.
“Food is very subjective. But the most important thing is that these are all coming from top restaurants, top chefs,” Hock Lai said.
Exclusively in the Philippines
While World Kitchens features flavors from across the globe, Hock Lai confirmed that this concept is designed specifically for the Philippines.
“This is exclusively in the Philippines,” he stated, reinforcing that the project was specifically tailored for Filipino food lovers.
(Located on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2, World Kitchens is open daily and ready to serve. For more information or to check out the full menu, visit worldkitchens.com.ph.)