Meet the man who helps bring the world’s best dishes to Metro Manila’s newest dining destination
Get ready to embark on a world-class culinary journey as World Kitchens, the newest and most exciting dining destination, opens its doors soon at Araneta City’s Gateway Mall 2.
Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices. Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience.
He is highly regarded for his expertise in crafting menus tailored to the unique themes and requirements of specific events, as well as the refined tastes of prestigious guests. His meticulous attention to detail and culinary artistry have earned him opportunities to curate extraordinary dining experiences for some of the world’s most distinguished figures. Among them are Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, the UK’s Prince Andrew, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and Japan’s Emperor and Empress.
Tan is also renowned for his pioneering efforts in infusing technology into the F&B industry, particularly at Singapore’s Colours by the Bay. He introduced innovative wireless systems with table-side ordering through handheld devices, self-service kiosks for personalized and convenient ordering, and payment solutions for faster and more secure transactions. By integrating technology to customize guest preferences and enhance loyalty programs, he set a new standard for blending innovation with hospitality.
“Keeping with times is not good enough. A restaurant must be well conceptualized and creatively designed with an infusion of arts to engage and to evoke the emotions of the audience,” Tan explained.
On making World Kitchens
His latest endeavor, the 2,544-square-meter World Kitchens, embodies his passion for creating dining experiences that are innovative, inviting, and designed to bring people together. Fifteen show kitchens, each helmed by international chefs, serve a medley of dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of every corner of the world.
“I love to eat, and I know how hard it is sometimes to decide what to order when you’re at a restaurant. That’s how the idea for World Kitchens came to life. Whether you’re traveling, dining with family, or out with friends—everyone has different tastes. You can order from different kitchens and enjoy exactly what you’re craving. It’s all about making dining an experience everyone can enjoy together,” Tan shared.
At World Kitchens, authenticity of taste is important as it is at the heart of every dish. He believes that food should transport diners to the places that inspired it, offering a culinary journey like no other.
“We want to invite everyone to experience World Kitchens, where every dish takes you on a journey. When you eat Japanese food, it’s like dining in Japan. When you try Italian, it’s prepared by an Italian chef just for you. Even our Filipino dishes are made by the best of the best, ensuring every meal feels truly special,” he explained.
True to Tan’s innovative thinking, World Kitchens showcases a seamless fusion of tradition and technology. It introduces a quick and effortless way to order from all of its kitchens with just a few swipes and taps on your phone, ensuring that every dining experience is not only delicious but also delightfully convenient. His vision elevates the dining experience and provides a culinary atmosphere that combines comfort with sophistication.
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