Tucked inside Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao is a food hall that quietly breaks away from the norm. World Kitchens might not shout for attention with neon signs or hype-heavy promotions, but those who’ve stepped inside know—it’s something special.
Here, it’s not just about what’s trendy or Instagrammable. It’s about flavor. Technique. A little surprise in every bite. Developed by Singapore-based F&B visionary Andrew Tan Hock Lai, World Kitchens brings together some of Asia’s most respected chefs, each bringing their own brand of culinary storytelling to Manila.
The lineup reads like a mini culinary passport. From modern Filipino cuisine by Chef Jessie Sincioco, to refined Cantonese by Chef Fung Chi Keung, to Japanese unagi specialists under Chef Masaki Watanabe, each stall brings something unique to the table—literally. This isn’t your typical fast-casual food court. It’s more curated than chaotic, with each concept offering depth and detail.
And because it operates under a unified QR ordering system, you can easily mix and match across multiple concepts. Fancy some sushi alongside your Singapore laksa? Or maybe a Cantonese roast followed by a Filipino dessert? You can build your own tasting menu without ever leaving your seat.
The interiors are surprisingly sleek. World Kitchens seats more than 700 diners across thoughtfully designed zones: plush booths, communal tables, and tucked-away corners perfect for working, chatting, or just hanging out. Private dining rooms are also available, ideal for group celebrations or low-key meetings with great food on the side.
Of course, there’s a bar. Lepak serves regional cocktails, mocktails, beers, and wines in a setup that’s casually sophisticated. If you’re aiming for a laid-back evening or simply want something refreshing to pair with your satay or tapas, Lepak is the perfect stop.
On the sweeter end, Sticky Sweet offers desserts from different stalls in one go—so you don’t have to make the difficult decision of picking just one. Bibingka cheesecake next to matcha tiramisu? Yes, please.
It’s the vibe that really seals the experience. There’s movement and energy, sure—but never the kind that feels rushed. Kitchens are partially open, letting diners peek into the action. The space is polished but not intimidating. Contemporary but not cold. And while it houses a global selection, it still feels rooted in the comfort of being in Metro Manila.
What World Kitchens offers is casual excellence—an invitation to try, to linger, to come back for something new. It’s a rare combination: accessible but elevated, diverse but cohesive. And it’s already becoming the go-to for those in the know.
And if you’re wondering what to eat first, here’s a taste of the lineup: Hawker Lane serves Singaporean staples like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and satay skewers; Kushikatsu Daruma brings Osaka-style deep-fried skewers; Eat Fresh specializes in Hong Kong street food favorites; Chef Jessie’s Modern Filipino offers kare-kare, sizzling bulalo steak, and lighter takes on Pinoy classics; Sushi Express delivers quick, high-quality Japanese bites; Masaki focuses on grilled eel and donburi bowls; Wok This Way offers wok-fried Asian noodles and rice dishes; and Lepak Bar ties it all together with drinks that match every plate. For dessert? Make your way to Sticky Sweet, where you can mix and match cakes, pastries, and other regional treats in one sweet stop.
Whether you’re just passing through Cubao or planning your next food trip, consider this your cue. There’s a new reason to explore Gateway Mall 2, and it just might become your favorite culinary detour.
Photo credit: World Kitchens Facebook page
