Tucked beneath the buzzing energy of New York City’s Chinatown, a new dining experience is quietly redefining the fusion food scene. Binondo by Kabisera, opening officially on March 8, 2025, isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a flavorful homage to heritage, resilience, and reinvention.

Walk past the familiar signs on East Broadway and you’ll stumble upon a warm, modern space where soy sauce sizzles beside tinola broth, and where the aroma of garlic beef meets the unmistakable sweetness of leche flan. Inside, you’re not just a diner—you’re a traveler crossing culinary borders.

At the heart of this new hotspot is Chef Augelyn “Augee” Francisco, an Igorot native whose approach to food is deeply rooted in the traditions of Northern Philippines. Known for her earthy, elevated takes on Filipino cuisine, Francisco brings the same soulful energy that made her a standout in past ventures like Gotham NYC and Canal NYC. But this time, she’s all in. “Losing those restaurants gave me the clarity I needed,” she shares. “Binondo is where everything comes full circle.”

That circle includes Chinese flavors, spices, and textures—blended seamlessly into Filipino staples. The soft opening teased just how far this team is willing to go in the name of culinary exploration: Crispy Green Beans dipped in bagoong aioli, Chicken Tinola reimagined with Yu Choy, and Soy Sauce Pan-Fried Noodles that feel both nostalgic and fresh.

Commanding the kitchen alongside Francisco is Executive Chef Elvis “Earl” Robles, a seasoned talent from Kinayao, Philippines, whose culinary path has taken him from small-town kitchens to award-winning establishments in Bahrain. Robles is known for his inventive instincts and an uncanny ability to balance traditional comfort with global technique. “We wanted Binondo to feel like home—if your home had a wok on one burner and a clay pot on the other,” he jokes.

The inspiration behind the restaurant’s name is no accident. Manila’s historic Binondo district—the oldest Chinatown in the world—is where Filipino and Chinese culture have been blending for centuries. Binondo by Kabisera takes that legacy and gives it a new home in New York City, where diaspora, diversity, and delicious food continue to tell stories.

As for drinks? Expect thoughtfully mixed cocktails that play with tropical flavors and familiar textures. And for dessert lovers, the Sticky Rice with coconut cream and the silky Leche Flan are not to be skipped.

More than just a restaurant, Binondo is a statement: that fusion is not confusion—it’s history, evolution, and art, served on a plate.

Whether you’re a longtime lover of Filipino food, a curious palate chasing new experiences, or someone simply looking for warmth in a bowl, Binondo by Kabisera is ready to welcome you—with open arms and an unforgettable menu.