Filipino rising star chef Paolo Dungca expands in D.C.

One of D.C.'s rising star chefs just launched an ambitious new Filipino destination on H Street Northeast: Kayu.

Why it matters: Chef Paolo Dungca, a Bad Saint alum, is turning out some of the most creative Filipino food in D.C. right now at his two-level restaurant.

Catch up quick: Dungca opened popular Filipino café Hiraya on H Street about a year ago, and has been fine-tuning an upscale experience for the second-floor dining room since February.

• Now with new tasting and a la carte menus, plus fresh talents on board — including pastry whizz Pichet Ong and Tiki on 18th barman Jo-Jo Valenzuela — Dungca is ready to launch.

Plus, Dungca tells Axios he's opening a new Union Market stall, Little Hiraya, in November. It'll nod to Hiraya and his former food hall hit Pogiboy , and run breakfast through dinner.

Dig in: Kayu is rooted in Dungca's native Philippines, but you may find other Asian influences or classic French techniques from his Restaurant Eve days. Also: Lots of seafood and vegetables.

• "There's a stigma of Filipino food of being greasy, fatty, meat-driven," Dungca tells Axios. "We wanted to change that narrative of what Filipino food can be."

Guests can opt for several experiences:

• An eight-course tasting menu ($115 per person) at the intimate chef's counter or dining room.
• A four-course ($65) and a la carte dining room menu .
• Ong's three-course dessert tasting with drink pairings at the bar ($48 per person). Expect fun flavors like malted chocolate with jicama and popcorn.

Zoom out: Kayu is among a new wave of hot openings along H Street, including tiny new bar Providencia and Indian street food Tapori (coming soon).

If you go: Kayu , 1250 H St NE.