KAEN Manila in Makati: Premium Open-Flame Dining
KAEN Manila, located at 6109 Albert Street in Poblacion, Makati, is a premium open-flame à la carte restaurant owned and operated by actor, restaurateur, and entrepreneur Marvin Agustin. The restaurant specializes in dishes cooked over wood, charcoal, and open flames, highlighting locally sourced Philippine produce, fresh seafood, and premium meats from around the world.
IMAGE from KAEN Manila’s Instagram account
The name KAEN draws inspiration from the Filipino word kain, meaning to eat, and the Japanese word kaen, meaning flame. These two meanings reflect the restaurant’s focus on communal dining and open-fire cooking, where carefully sourced ingredients are prepared over wood and charcoal to bring out their natural flavors.
Unlike restaurants that focus on tasting menus, KAEN offers an à la carte dining experience, allowing guests to choose from dishes designed for sharing. Its menu showcases seasonal vegetables, fruits, and seafood sourced from across the Philippines, alongside premium meats from Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Among its featured dishes is the the Tuna Tiradito, prepared using tuna sourced from General Santos City, widely recognized as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The dish highlights the quality of locally sourced seafood through a preparation that allows the ingredient to take center stage.
IMAGE from KAEN Manila’s Instagram account
Another distinctive offering is the Black Angus Steak Tartare in Lumpia Shell, made with Australian beef tenderloin and served in a crisp lumpia shell. The dish brings together premium imported beef and a familiar Filipino-inspired presentation, reflecting KAEN’s approach to combining quality ingredients with thoughtful preparation.
IMAGE from KAEN Manila’s Instagram account
Beyond its menu, KAEN Manila places importance on the people and communities responsible for producing its ingredients.
Marvin Agustin has traveled across the Philippines to connect with farmers, fishermen, growers, and local producers, building relationships with communities committed to quality and sustainability. Through these partnerships, the restaurant aims to showcase Philippine agricultural and seafood products while recognizing the work involved in bringing them from their source to the dining table.
Aside from KAEN Manila, Marvin Agustin is also behind several restaurant concepts, including COCHI, recognized with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, Mr. Monk Dimsum & Roast, Fook Hing Fun Noodles & Dim Sum House, and Minna Japanese Restaurant.
For reservations, guests may send a message to 0945-438-5444. The restaurant accepts messages only and strictly does not accommodate calls.
With its emphasis on open-flame cooking, carefully sourced ingredients, and dishes designed for sharing, KAEN Manila in Poblacion offers a dining experience centered on the flavors of fire and the stories behind every ingredient.
