Kasama**

April 3rd, 2026

Chicago, IL

Kasama is, in our memory, the first true hybrid restaurant we’ve experienced, shifting from a casual Filipino café by day to an intimate tasting menu by night. Two distinct formats, but there’s a consistency in execution and vision that ties it all together seamlessly.

Being the world’s first Filipino Michelin-starred restaurant is a significant milestone, but what stands out more is how naturally it all comes together. The space is small, warm, and genuinely homey. Nothing feels overdone, which allows the focus to stay exactly where it should, on the food and the experience.

Behind it is husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, whose partnership is evident in the balance of the menu. There’s a quiet confidence in what they’re doing, and it comes through in every detail.

As a family, we didn’t come in with a deep knowledge of Filipino cuisine, which made this an especially meaningful and educational experience for us. It’s always something we value, being able to explore a cuisine in a setting that feels both approachable and thoughtful.

The menu delivered across the board. The inihaw and inasal were both incredibly flavorful, showcasing a depth and balance that felt true to the cuisine while still refined.

One of the standout bites, though, was the black truffle croissant. Rich, layered, and deeply aromatic, it’s the kind of dish that stays with you and a reminder of how well Kasama moves between casual and elevated.