Kaokee has opened at The Podium, serving Singaporean hawker-style dishes like char kway teow and salted egg crab, quickly becoming a go-to for bold, wok-fired flavors in Ortigas.
Singaporean comfort food has officially landed in Ortigas with the opening of Kaokee at The Podium. Known for its roots in Singapore’s hawker culture, Kaokee brings in dishes that are unapologetically bold—rich, savory, and built around that signature wok hei flavor that defines great street food cooking.
At the center of the menu is the char kway teow, and it’s easily one of the standouts. Flat rice noodles are stir-fried over high heat with a mix of soy sauce, seafood, Chinese sausage, and egg, resulting in a smoky, slightly sweet, and deeply savory plate. The key here is the balance—the noodles don’t feel greasy, but still carry that indulgent, wok-fired richness that makes char kway teow so addictive.
Then there’s the salted egg crab, which leans into a completely different flavor profile but hits just as hard. The sauce is creamy, buttery, and packed with that distinct salted egg flavor—salty, slightly sweet, and umami-heavy all at once. It coats the crab generously, making every bite rich and satisfying without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent and a little messy in the best way possible.
Kaokee’s appeal lies in how it captures the essence of hawker-style dining while placing it in a more comfortable, sit-down setting. The flavors stay true to their roots—big, bold, and straightforward—while the environment makes it more accessible for casual group meals or quick indulgent stops.
With its opening at The Podium, Kaokee adds another strong option to Manila’s growing lineup of regional Asian cuisine. And if you’re deciding what to order first, the answer is simple: start with the char kway teow, then go all in on the salted egg crab.
