MANILA, PHILIPPINES – It might’ve been a rainy Saturday night, but that didn’t stop Jade’s Temple Brewery from welcoming guests into their first-ever home: the Kauri Taproom. Located in the heart of San Juan City, the restaurant officially opened its doors to the public on July 05, 2025, treating guests to proudly local craft beers, curated cocktails with unique twists, and scrumptious food offerings with a touch of Filipino heritage.
Kauri is more than just a restaurant, it’s a place for shared experiences and meaningful connections
The term “kauri” is rich with symbolism — inspired by the kauri tree, one of the oldest and most resilient trees in the world. When integrated with the brand, “kauri” represents craftsmanship, longevity, and deep-rooted tradition.
In Tagalog, the word “ka-uri” emphasizes the essence of community and belonging — the heart of Kauri Taproom’s mission. Guests don’t just come to dine and drink; they come for shared experiences and meaningful connections.
“Here at Kauri Taproom, we celebrate flavor, culture and connection, each Craft Beer tells a story, some bold, some subtle, some experimental, but all brewed with purpose, from our flagship flavorful lagers to our seasonal fusion brews, (poured in a toast to craftsmanship and curiosity,” said Jade’s Temple Brewery Founder Dea Suyosa, as she welcomed guests.
Speaking about the new space, Dea added, “we’ve worked hard to create a space where people can unwind, discover something new, and feel a genuine sense of belongingness, a place where great conversation speaks for you.”
Craft Beers inspired by bold Filipino flavors
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to free-flowing draft beers and inventive cocktail creations that may have sounded unconventional at first glance, but ultimately delivered well-balanced, palate-pleasing results.
The carefully crafted brews showcased Jade’s Temple Brewery’s unique distinct flair for flavor, with standouts like Mango Lager, Tsokolate Stout, Gumamela Dalandan Saison, Sampaguita Orange Ale, Black Forest Lager, and Baguio Strawberry Lager. Each sip brought a distinct character, proving that local ingredients can be reimagined with boldness and finesse.
The cocktail menu was curated by Errol Barbosa and Louie Frigilliano — previously affiliated with Raffles Hotel Singapore — was an impressive display of boundary-pushing mixology.
The drinks explored unexpected territory, with highlights like the Buko Pandan Cocktail, Atsara Highball, Inasal Old Fashioned, and the Kauri Margarita, which surprised many with its subtle hints of patis (fish sauce) and chili.
These cocktails weren’t just beverages; they were creative expressions that challenged expectations while remaining approachable and enjoyable — a true testament to both technical skill and a deep understanding of Filipino flavors.
Take a trip to Flavortown with Kauri Taproom’s unique food offerings
A Filipino celebration isn’t complete without good food — and at Kauri Taproom, it wasn’t just any food. These weren’t your typical booze pairings or pulutan; they were dishes thoughtfully crafted and conceptualized by Chef Trish Ignacio and Chef King Estolano, proving once again that the creativity of Filipinos knows no boundaries.
While many are familiar with restaurant staples like burgers, pasta, and barbecue, Kauri Taproom kicked things up a notch with comfort food infused with distinctly Filipino twists. Among the standout dishes served that night were the Bagnet Buro, a delicious play on textures featuring soft mustard leaf, mushy and pungent buro, and crispy pork bagnet; the Chori Burger, a sweet-savory upgrade from the classic burger; and the Inasal and Tocino Skewers, perfectly paired with their house-made spiced vinegar.
Other crowd favorites included the Adobong Pusit Aburi, a clever Japanese-Filipino fusion that brought flair to the beloved Filipino squid dish, and the Laingetti, their take on pesto pasta — replacing basil with taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and parmesan with crushed chicharon for a rich, umami-packed finish.
Each dish was curated to match Kauri Taproom’s drinks
Chef Trish shared the inspiration behind the Kauri Taproom menu, telling the crowd, “When we started reading up this menu, we asked, ‘What if comfort food took a vacation to the Philippines and never looked back?’”
From there, bold and unexpected flavor combinations began to take shape — sometimes clashing, often marrying beautifully — but always working in harmony. She also emphasized that each dish was carefully crafted to complement the drink offerings, making every bite and sip part of a complete, well-balanced experience.
“Each dish is created to match the boldest of Kauri’s craft beers and cocktails, because great food deserves a great drink or two. So here’s comfort food with a passport to bold flavors and the joy of sharing a good meal,” Chef Trish added.
Capping off the night, the founding team behind Kauri Taproom — Dea Suyosa, Founder & Woman Brewer of Jade’s Temple Brewery, Kris Bernal, Andrew Ng, Marvin Sioco, Bryan Yu, and Jade’s Temple Group of Restaurants Inc. Managing Partner Justin Filamor — raised a ceremonial partners’ toast to mark a bold new beginning.
Whether you’re simply looking for a cozy place to unwind or eager to explore a new wave of Filipino flavors, Kauri Taproom welcomes you with open doors and open taps. Kauri Taproom is located at 220-B Wilson Street, West Greenhills, San Juan. They are open daily from 6:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, you may visit their Instagram account.
