Best Burnt Cassava Cheesecake Across the US

Kayu

Washington, DC

“KAYU represents modern Filipino fine dining in Washington DC, led by acclaimed Chef Paolo Dungca who earned a James Beard nomination in 2024. The restaurant name derives from 'kayumanggi'-Filipino for 'brown,' describing the sun-kissed skin of Filipino people-celebrating Filipino heritage through innovative cuisine. After originally opening on H Street NE with upstairs fine dining (Kayu) and downstairs caf (Hiraya), the restaurant relocated to Dupont Circle in August 2025 with a more accessible, streamlined concept focused on la carte dining rather than tasting menus. Chef Dungca, originally from San Fernando (Philippines' culinary capital) and Manila, trained at notable DC establishments including Bad Saint, Kaliwa, and Restaurant Eve before launching his vision for modern Filipino cuisine. His cooking philosophy embraces seasonal produce, vegetarian options, and gluten-free dishes while maintaining Filipino soul, sourcing locally and fusing traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. The bright 40-seat Dupont location features family-style plates designed for multiple weekly visits rather than just special occasions, with signature dishes including the famous cassava cake topped with crab fat, jamn Ibrico, and trout roe; purple ube bao bun sliders with chorizo; and ribeye with burnt coconut sauce infused with lemongrass and galangal-southern Filipino flavors rarely seen in US Filipino restaurants. Other standout offerings include tocino chicken with sweet soy-garlic-annatto-pineapple glaze, sweet corn agnolotti with curry emulsion, and inventive desserts like burnt cassava cheesecake. The beverage program features Filipino-influenced cocktails including pandan negroni and tamarind-jackfruit margarita alongside Filipino beers and curated wines. KAYU represents the new generation of Filipino restaurants elevating the cuisine beyond traditional expectations while maintaining authentic flavors and warm hospitality.”