William Drew, Group Editor of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said, “Toyo Eatery embodies the spirit of the Miele One To Watch Award. With a menu celebrating local culture and traditional dishes, chef-owner Jordy Navarra is a young talent who is advancing the cuisine with creative flair and a progressive approach, but also with precision and attention to detail.”
Toyo Eatery, which Narvarra opened with his wife May in 2016, champions Filipino cuisine with its modern interpretations of traditional flavours and cooking methods. It is also a celebration of local culture, with furniture, dinnerware and accessories crafted by local artists and designers.
“From the start, our mission at Toyo Eatery has been to reassess, rediscover, and find a deeper understanding of Filipino culture through food,” explains Navarra. “As Toyo Eatery approaches its second anniversary, this award is a gift we never saw coming. Being granted the Miele One To Watch Award by such a respected authority is an amazing honour. We are thankful to those who appreciate and acknowledge what we do.”
Diners at Toyo can choose between a three or 11-course set menu, as well as à la carte options, sampling signature dishes that each tell a unique story. One such dish, a salad aptly named ‘Garden Vegetables,’ uses all 18 ingredients mentioned in a traditional folk song. Navarra is no stranger to the culinary scene, who developed his technical skills at Heston Blumenthal’s renowned restaurant The Fat Duck in the UK and Bo Innovation in Hong Kong.
“Toyo Eatery impresses us by taking inspiration from everyday local ingredients and recipes and bringing them to the level of culinary excellence with passion, expertise and a progressive approach,” says Mario Miranda, Regional Managing Director Asia at Miele. “This same attitude involving constant improvement and innovation are part of Miele’s ‘Immer Besser’ brand philosophy. We are honoured to present this year’s Miele One To Watch Award to Jordy Navarra and the team of Toyo Eatery.”
