Nestled in Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati, Kong (or Kong Manila) brings a lively, bold approach to Asian-inspired dining. Known for its philosophy of “Wok, Coals, and Biggie Smalls,” the restaurant trades traditional white tablecloths for a high-energy dining room complete with open-fire cooking and hip-hop beats.
What began as a cozy, 8-seater noodle bar in Salcedo Village has evolved into a sleek, expansive new space. Now fully air-conditioned and expertly ventilated, the restaurant features an intimate central bar layout centered around an impressive open kitchen.
At the helm is Executive Chef & Co-Owner Gerard “Gezza” d’Ombrille, an Australian chef whose culinary journey across Southeast Asia—including stops at luxury resorts like Aman Kila in Bali—shines through every dish. Alongside co-owner Tommy Woudwyk and Head Chef John Baquir, Chef Gerard crafts a “no-rules” modern Australian-Asian menu that pairs technique with big, unapologetic flavors.
Lunch vs. Dinner: Midday dining centers on hearty, fast-casual wok-fried noodles and satisfying crowd-pleasers built for a quick break. By evening, the energy shifts—the dinner menu takes full advantage of the open coals, spotlighting aged meats, smoky skewers, and bold live-fire cooking.
The Culinary Highlights
Every single dish served was an absolute triumph—bold, texturally balanced, and bursting with flavor:
Starters & Bites
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Crispy Wings (6 pcs) ₱480 | Crispy, golden chicken wings tossed in a rich, savory soy-sake reduction, served alongside a house-made spicy mayo for an extra kick.
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Mah Kwan Tempura Tofu ₱380 | Light-as-air, tempura-style crispy tofu seasoned with northern Thai Mah Kwan pepper, delivering a unique citrusy aroma and a delightfully subtle numbing sensation.
Mains & Wok Specialties
- Spicy Chicken & Pineapple Burger ₱520 | A juicy, heavily spiced chicken patty drenched in fiery Sriracha, balanced perfectly with a char-grilled pineapple slice for that ultimate sweet-and-spicy punch.
- House-Rolled Rice Noodles with Beef Brisket ₱550 | Chewy, scratch-made rolled rice noodles wok-tossed in a deep, sweet soy sauce, crowned with melt-in-your-mouth pulled beef brisket.
- Crispy Pork Belly with Black Caramel & Fried Rice ₱680 | Crispy-yet-tender pork belly glazed in a glossy, rich black caramel, served over savory wok-fried rice and brightened with fresh Thai basil, cilantro, and red chili.
- Shan Tung Chicken (Half) ₱650 | Dry-aged, roasted, and flash-fried to perfection, dressed in Kong’s signature sharp, zingy garlic-vinegar sauce that hits all the right savory notes.
Dessert
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Josper-Roasted Banana ₱360 | Warm banana roasted over coals in the signature Josper oven, paired with a rich, velvety chocolate ganache and a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
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Verdict: From the sleek red entrance arch to the warm hospitality and fiery kitchen counter, Kong at Ayala Triangle Gardens delivers an unforgettable dining experience.