Chef Frances Tariga Brings Tadhana's Celebrated Omakase to Manila
Chef Frances Tariga, the first champion of Morimoto's Sushi Master and a Season 13 competitor on Top Chef, will host a two-month pop-up of her multi-awarded New York restaurant, Tadhana, at Incanta, the Philippines' unique cave-inspired dining destination.
It will be another homecoming for the vivacious chef, who put Filipino cuisine on the global stage when Time Out New York hailed Tadhana as the "Best New Restaurant of 2024." It is also the only Filipino restaurant recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide New York since 2023.
This limited engagement dinner event, happening every Thursday and Friday from May 22 to July 18, will feature a ritual-inspired Filipino-Japanese Omakase aptly dubbed "Ritwal." Diners can expect an immersive experience with a narrative-driven tasting menu, live cultural dance by Hiraya, and chef-to-table storytelling, with Chef Tariga present at each seating.
We sat with Chef Tariga to get the inside scoop on this exciting project.
Why did you choose "Ritwal" as the name for your upcoming pop-up?
Frances Tariga: We called it "Ritwal" because in Filipino culture, a ritwal (ritual) is more than just tradition; it’s an intentional act of gathering, of preparing, of honoring something deeper than the surface. In our case, this pop-up is a culinary ritual. It’s a deliberate return to our roots, a sacred moment to spotlight the union of Japanese technique and Filipino soul. Every course is treated like a ceremonial offering. The name evokes intimacy, mystery, and reverence. It’s not just dinner, it’s a moment of reflection, of reconnection.
Incanta will host the Tadhana NYC pop-up.
What happens to Tadhana while you are in Manila doing Ritwal?
Tariga: While I’m in Manila, Tadhana in New York is taking a moment to reset and evolve. We’re preparing for Tadhana 2.0, our big move to Columbus Circle, New York, NY. It will offer à la carte and speakeasy versions of our contemporary Filipino tasting menu. This pause is intentional. It gives us time to build something stronger, refine the space, and elevate the dining experience. And in a way, Ritwal is part of that evolution. It’s me grounding myself again in the motherland before we relaunch the next chapter of Tadhana back in NYC. It’s all connected.
ALSO READ
This New Filipino Restaurant Doesn’t Serve Sinigang, Kare-Kare or Adobo
Beyond the Plate: Mangan Taku Reintroduces Cordillera's Culinary Roots
Why did you choose Incanta restaurant as the venue for your pop-up?
Tariga: Coming home to Manila felt like the right move. This city raised me. Doing Ritwal here is my way of giving back and rediscovering parts of myself through food. Incanta is the perfect space as it’s a brand rooted in craft, flavor, and local spirit. Our philosophies aligned instantly. The venue has that magic—a mystic cave, a sense of stillness. It feels like a sanctuary, and that’s what Ritwal needed. A sacred space to hold something special.
What can diners expect about Ritwal?
Tariga: It’s intimate. It’s bold. It’s refined. You can expect 12 courses that bring together umami-forward Japanese techniques with the warmth and nostalgia of Filipino flavors. Think Kinilaw reimagined with signature “Bagsik” dashi foam, a grilled wagyu glazed with Pares compound butter, and a sorbet palate cleanser made with calamansi and smoked salt. Each dish will have an element of surprise—but always anchored in memory and meaning. The journey is emotional, artistic, and deeply personal. Diners should be excited because they’re not just eating, they’re participating in something meaningful. There’s a rhythm to the night, a flow, a sense of ceremony. Every guest will leave with more than a full stomach. They’ll leave with a deeper sense of what Filipino food can be when it’s fearless, when it’s in dialogue with the world.
As the interview wraps up, Tariga teases us and says: “And who knows, you might even get a Pabaon at the end of the dinner!”
Due to limited seating, reservations for this event are highly encouraged. The pop-up will be hosted at Incanta, located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, every Thursday and Friday from May 22 to July 18, 2025. The price per guest is P8,500, with an optional P3,500 for beverage pairing. To secure your reservation, visit www.incanta.ph and book under the Tasting Menu section. Booking begins on May 12.
