Two years after becoming the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, Kasama further elevates its reputation through the exceptional work of husband-and-wife chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon.
Food has always been the heart of every Filipino gathering. Filipino sociologists often say that no Filipino dish is ever made with ingredients meant for just one person. It is always cooked for a group. It is always meant to be shared. And it is shared not only because it is our collective way of life but also because Filipinos have a unique way of preparing food that is flavorful, comforting, and deeply emotional. A single bite can bring back the warmth of home, no matter where in the world you find yourself.
This is the very experience that Kasama in Chicago has become known for. Run by husband-and-wife chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, the restaurant became the first Filipino establishment to earn a Michelin star. And today, it has reached an even more remarkable milestone by earning two Michelin stars, further solidifying its status as a global culinary standout.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Filipino Restaurant Kasama in Chicago
Simple yet carefully conceived—this is how the Michelin Guide describes the restaurant created by Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Their partnership brings together heritage, technique, and imagination. They honor Filipino traditions while reintroducing classic dishes through refined, modern expressions, with the adobo of mussels and wild mushrooms serving as its testament. The flavors strike that familiar mix of tangy, sweet, and savory that every Filipino knows, yet the execution gives the dish an elevated new personality.
Since receiving its first star in 2023, Kasama has steadily moved toward international acclaim. The second star places it among Chicago’s most elite restaurants, making it ‘a destination worth a detour.’ For diners curious about Filipino flavors, and for Filipinos longing for a taste of home, Kasama offers something new while keeping the soul of the cuisine intact.
To note, in 2023, Flores and Kwon won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region after being finalists for Best New Restaurant a year earlier. At the La Liste 2025 Awards held in Paris, they were also named among the most promising chefs under the Talent of the Year category, while Kasama also ranked No. 5 on Food & Wine magazine’s Top 20 Restaurants in the United States in 2024.
As the Michelin Guide puts it: “Drawing its name, fittingly, from the Tagalog word for ‘together,’ Kasama unites the culinary talents of husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Flores’s background provides inspiration for this modern interpretation of Filipino cuisine, while Kwon’s pastry training elevates the sweet side of things.”
Kasama: A Taste of Home, Shared with the World
Aside from the reinvented adobo that has now captured the interest of global diners, another standout is their modern take on mais con yelo. The dish, described in the guide with admiration, features sweet corn semifreddo and milk granita. It is refreshing, nostalgic, and almost dreamlike. Anyone who grew up in the Philippines knows the feeling it brings. For a moment, you are taken back to humid summer afternoons when a cold treat could calm your body, your mind, and even your mood.
During the Michelin ceremony, Kwon shared a sentiment that beautifully reflects Filipino values. She explained that every decision they make is meant to protect their team and ensure their job security. Success, for them, is not simply about fame or global recognition. It is about creating a community where everyone is cared for and where everyone has a place at the table. This Filipino spirit greatly mirrors how food is viewed in Filipino culture, not only meant to nourish individuals but also families and entire communities.
As Kasama continues to bring Filipino flavors to a wider audience, one cannot help but wonder what dishes Flores and Kwon will elevate next. Whether it is a humble merienda favorite or a beloved holiday staple, there is no doubt that whatever they choose, it will carry the warmth, generosity, and shared joy that define Filipino cuisine—one that is literally worth the detour.
Cover image credit: Kasama Restaurant
