Filipino cuisine has been making waves on the international food scene, with unique flavors like ube and calamansi becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Among the myriad of Filipino eateries, only one has achieved the prestigious honor of earning a Michelin star. Kasama, located in Chicago, USA, and owned by chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, stands as the world’s first and only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. It earned this distinction with a uniquely Filipino tasting menu that reimagines classics such as kare-kare and nilaga.

Even if you can’t secure a reservation for their dinner tasting menu, Kasama offers delicious Filipino food throughout the day, along with delectable French-Filipino pastries—if you're willing to brave the nearly two-hour wait. Fortunately, we had the chance to sample some of Kasama’s standout dishes, and they were well worth the wait. So, if you ever find yourself in Chicago craving authentic Filipino cuisine, Kasama is a must-visit.

1. Breakfast Sandwich

Kasama’s breakfast sandwich can be customized, but the ultimate version features longanisa, egg, cheese, and an additional hash brown. Fans of the hit TV series The Bear will recognize this sandwich from the episode where Ayo Edebiri’s character Sydney orders it at Kasama. The combination of soft bread, creamy egg soufflé, melted cheese, sweet and tangy longanisa patty, and crispy hash brown creates a perfect breakfast bite.

2. Mushroom Adobo

Completing Chef Sydney’s order from The Bear, Kasama’s mushroom adobo offers a unique take on traditional Filipino “silog” meals. While you can still enjoy the classic “silogs” with tocino or longanisa sausage, the mushroom adobo is an exciting non-traditional option. Savory soy-braised mushrooms are served with a fried egg and garlic rice, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

3. Pork Belly Adobo

Available only on weekends, this pork belly and garlic rice bowl is perfect for those seeking a more substantial and hearty dish. The bowl is generously filled with marinated pork belly and crispy garlic. The sweet, succulent pork belly adobo, just the right amount of fatty, pairs perfectly with the delicious garlic rice and a side of atchara, making it an ideal brunch choice.

4. Black Truffle Croissant

Many diners flock to Kasama for their exceptional pastries and desserts. Among them, the black truffle croissant stands out and often sells out quickly. This flaky, perfectly baked croissant is stuffed with black truffle and Délice de Bourgogne cheese, drizzled with honey, and topped with black truffle shavings and sugar crystals, making it a meal in itself.

5. Ube and Huckleberry Basque Cake

Kasama offers several desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, including an incredible mango tart with toasted coconut cream. However, the ube and huckleberry basque cake truly showcases Filipino flavors. This buttery French cake is infused with delicious ube pastry cream and huckleberries, and it’s topped with a powdered sugar Philippine flag sun for a delightful and patriotic finish.

Kasama is more than just a Michelin-starred restaurant; it’s a celebration of Filipino cuisine and culture, offering a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable.