Blending global cuisines and thoughtful architecture, World Kitchens redefines the modern food hall experience in Metro Manila.

Inspired by comfort food from around the world, WORLD KITCHENS offers a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination. Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai created this concept to bring global flavors together in one space. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs cooking unique cuisines, the full-table-service restaurant serves a wide range of dishes. It offers international meals at affordable prices and uses AI technology for a seamless, modern ordering experience. World Kitchens redefines dining by creating a global culinary experience all in one table.

There’s something different about World Kitchens in Gateway Mall 2. From the moment you approach the entrance, the luxurious and serene ambiance pulls you in. Gold accents shine outside, leading to an interior inspired by tranquil Zen gardens—cohesive, relaxing, and carefully crafted. The gold transitions into earthy tones of green and brown, revealing a spacious venue filled with rich design elements. Moreover, the space showcases clear architectural identity through meticulous details and cohesive aesthetics.

The venue includes 15 show kitchens that celebrate global cuisines and cultures. Despite this diversity, the overall look stays unified and thoughtfully arranged. World Kitchens breaks away from the usual chaotic food hall setup. It doesn’t overwhelm you with options—it welcomes you in with elegance and calm. Furthermore, the inviting atmosphere enhances the experience without sacrificing flavor, function, or design.

Dickman Tan, a Singapore-based design director and the creative mind behind World Kitchens’ aesthetic direction, said that sparking curiosity was a key consideration in the overall design approach. “We intentionally choose the gold to give it the opulent feel. The goal first is to get attention, for you to see the design inside and hopefully, that will lead you into the space. That’s our intention for the design—it leads you into the space without pulling you in physically.”

Tan holds over two decades of experience in architecture and interior design across Singapore, Dubai, and China. He built his career designing residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces with functionality and style in mind. But his most enduring creative partnership remains with Singaporean food and beverage entrepreneur Andrew Tan Hock Lai. Their collaboration started in 2007 with Singapore’s award-winning Tomo Izakaya and grew through various regional projects. Their teamwork blends vision and execution in every restaurant they build. World Kitchens, meanwhile, marks their first joint venture in the Philippines—bringing their signature synergy to Manila’s dining scene.

“We’ve built a strong creative synergy over the years. Whatever concept he envisions, I am able to bring to life. Together, we’ve worked on numerous projects and developed a wide range of compelling restaurant design concepts,” Tan elaborated.

Designed for Diversity and Comfort

The challenge was clear: how to design a unified space that showcases 15 different culinary
identities without feeling chaotic or disjointed.

Moreover, World Kitchens is organized around its show kitchens, each helmed by chef-led teams representing various culinary traditions. The central dining area was designed to remain somehow neutral in tone, creating a canvas that allows each kitchen to stand out.

“In World Kitchens, as much as we wanted to create a certain look, we had to make sure it was pleasing and captivating enough—but at the same time, quiet enough to let all the 15 show
kitchens stand out. That was the challenge. When you’re designing a typical restaurant, it’s actually quite straightforward. But this wasn’t. This was the biggest challenge, and definitely the biggest difference from anything we’ve done before,” Tan explained.

Originally, the site was intended to be an al fresco garden. Plans evolved, and the vision shifted toward a fully enclosed venue. The result is a climate-controlled dining space that can comfortably accommodate more than 700 guests.

While the design intent was ambitious, customer comfort remained the top priority. From
thoughtful seating layouts to acoustic treatments, every element was crafted not just to impress, but to create a welcoming and enjoyable dining environment.

Function Behind Every Form

World Kitchens’ interior design is rooted in Zen principles. “Everything here was put in for a reason. Nothing’s there just for the sake of pure aesthetic. It’s always aesthetic with function,” Tan explained.

Upon arrival, diners enter a sleek, thoughtfully designed lobby with a sophisticated reception desk that appears to float. Guests browse menus displayed in print and on large LED screens for a convenient preview of the dining experience. Natural palettes, live greenery, and textures like stone and sand work together to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. This design philosophy becomes even more visible through the use of live plants placed intentionally throughout the space. Moreover, curry plants near the restrooms offer a pleasant, minty scent while adding a fresh touch to the environment. These plants help absorb carbon dioxide—showcasing the careful attention behind even the smallest design choices.

Light played a vital role in the overall design of World Kitchens. Because the venue is fully enclosed, the team added strategic pockets of artificial sunlight to mimic natural daylight. These lighting choices energize the dining experience while staying soft enough to maintain a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The warm light creates a cozy mood that invites guests to stay longer and enjoy their meals.

Meanwhile, Tan also prioritized acoustics—often overlooked in busy dining spaces.
He avoided common maintenance-friendly materials that usually echo noise and disrupt conversation. He chose custom acoustic panels that reduce sound while still complementing the venue’s aesthetic appeal.

“A lot of restaurants now give up on acoustics just to make maintenance easier. You get hard floors, no carpets, and the result is a space that gets really loud. But in World Kitchens, we like it to be a celebration of food, a celebration of friends and family while making sure that they can do it in a way where they can hear each other. That’s why we were very particular about the acoustic panels. We made sure they worked, but also that they looked good and added to the overall design,” Tan said.

A Space For Life’s Celebrations

Zones were also created to accommodate different dining preferences—whether casual meals or private functions. Beyond the shared space, World Kitchens offers six VIP areas, each blending form and function with a touch of sophistication.

More than just a place to eat, World Kitchens was designed to be a space for life’s many
moments. Whether it’s a quiet coffee in the afternoon, a casual meet-up with friends, a team meeting over lunch, or a family celebration, the space adapts to different moods and occasions. Its relaxed ambiance, combined with subtle elegance and thoughtful zoning, makes it ideal for both everyday gatherings and special events. It invites you not just to dine, but to stay—to linger over dessert, enjoy a second cup of coffee, or even take in a performance at the central stage.

“There’s really so much you can do with the design we created. It’s built with a lot of flexibility. The sky’s the limit,” Tan said.

A Stage for Culture and Community

World Kitchens also embraces Filipino cultural sensibilities. At the heart of the dining area is a small stage—intentionally placed to host chef demonstrations, cultural events, and live music performances.

“We know that in the Philippines, people love to sing. It’s part of the culture,” Tan says. “So we created the stage with that in mind. It’s not just a place for food—it’s a place for shared experiences.”

World Kitchens embraces a simple yet ambitious vision: serve comfort food from around the world to Filipino diners. It also welcomes people from all cultures by creating an inclusive and inviting dining environment. The diverse culinary lineup, elegant interiors, and thoughtful design reflect its global approach to food and experience.
The space blends international flavors with a warm ambiance that feels both elevated and familiar. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, you can explore, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments at World Kitchens. The setting encourages guests to stay, share stories, and create memories over great food.

“If you look at World Kitchens now, you’ll see very diverse ideas, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, local, even dessert concepts. Each one expresses itself differently. But because of how we planned and managed the space, it all comes together. It doesn’t feel like one concept overpowering the rest. Everything just works in harmony,” Tan concluded.

World Kitchens is located at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2. It is open from 11AM to 3PM and
5:30PM to 10PM every Monday to Thursday, 11AM to 11PM every Friday and Saturday, and
11AM to 10PM every Sunday. Learn more about World Kitchens and all its delightful offerings
by visiting http://www.worldkitchens.com.ph.

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