Cover Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery
Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery
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Filipino chef Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery, ranked No. 24 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, shares his love of Manila, a city filled with historic charm and diverse dining options
Jordy Navarra, the visionary chef-owner of Toyo Eatery in Manila, Philippines, has become one of the key champions of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. With his deep respect for Filipino ingredients and traditions, Navarra reimagines local flavours in modern and thoughtful ways.
His restaurant, Toyo Eatery, which ranks No. 24 on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 20204, reflects his dedication to showcasing the complexity and richness of Filipino cuisine, earning recognition both locally and internationally. The chef’s approach blends innovation with a deep sense of place, positioning him as a driving force in elevating Manila’s standing in the global gastronomic landscape.
But when he’s not behind the kitchen, Navarra enjoys exploring his home city’s gems with his wife, May—from the world’s oldest Chinatown to the historic landmark of Intramuros steeped in culture and heritage.
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Kinilaw na tanigue at Toyo Eatery
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The best thing about living in Manila is …
having family and friends nearby.
The first thing I do when I arrive in Manila is …
run home to my dogs and order Filipino food. Usually, it’s silog (garlic fried rice and egg) or barbecue.
The best thing about Manila’s dining scene is …
that it’s growing in all sorts of directions because Filipinos love to eat. Local chefs not only look into regional tastes, but also welcome global flavours in their cooking.
Above Manam's sisig
Manam's sisig
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My favourite restaurants in Manila are …
Inatô and Grace Park Dining for their modern Filipino cuisine, and Aling Bebeng’s BBQ for its array of barbecued dishes.
The quintessential local dishes visitors should try are …
Pinoy barbecue from Aling Bebeng’s BBQ, sisig (a pork dish) from Manam, inasal (grilled chicken) from JT’s Manukan Grille and pinakbet (a vegetable dish) from Inatô.
The best way to explore Manila is …
with no expectations. There are many ways the city can surprise you.
My favourite way to spend a day in Manila is …
with my wife May and our dogs, walking around Ayala Triangle Gardens. Sometimes, we spend a day at the museum or at Luneta Park. I’ve been frequenting the National Museum of Anthropology lately, and it still feels like there’s so much there that I need to learn from and absorb.
One thing that visitors should know about Manila is …
it’s an old city with a lot of character.
First‑time visitors to Manila should …
be open to trying things they normally wouldn’t, and look beyond just adobo and balut.
The must‑go tourist attractions are …
Intramuros, for its historical significance; Poblacion, a hip neighbourhood in Makati City, to experience the vibrant local nightlife; and the Binondo district, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for various delicious bites.
The best time to visit Manila is …
from December through February. These months are nice to visit the city because the nights are cooler. The summer months (March to May) might be too hot if you’re staying in the city, but you can always escape the heat and head to the beaches.
Credits
Images: Toyo Eatery, Manam, Grace Park Dining
Topics
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
