MAKATI CITY — Nestled in the lively neighborhood of Poblacion, a new culinary destination is giving the traditional Filipino karinderya a fresh and contemporary identity. Rekdi, the three-story restaurant owned by acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti, elevates familiar comfort food through modern cooking techniques, creative cocktails, and a welcoming communal atmosphere. Its name, derived from the reverse spelling of “direk,” reflects the restaurant’s imaginative spirit, a space where beloved Filipino flavors are approached with the same creativity and dedication that Matti brings to filmmaking.
A Multi-Level Space for Casual Gatherings
Created as a venue where people can dine, unwind, and connect, Rekdi takes inspiration from the social dining traditions of Japanese izakayas and French bistros. The three-level establishment offers a distinct experience on each floor, with cocktails served on the ground level and dining spaces located upstairs. The setup encourages guests to customize their meals by pairing dishes with their preferred starches, whether bread, noodles, or rice, staying true to the concept of a modern karinderya. During service, every dish is finished to order over fire and grill, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality.
Signature Dishes That Reimagine Classics
At the heart of Rekdi’s menu is a celebration of Filipino flavors interpreted through contemporary culinary techniques. Among its standout offerings is the Black Sesame Dandan Noodles, a flavorful combination of black sesame paste, vinegar, ginger-scallion oil, and the restaurant’s signature chili crunch. Rather than using conventional pasta, the dish features taochiam noodles inspired by Bacolod’s noodle traditions, creating a unique texture that complements the rich and savory sauce. Rekdi also presents limited-run specialties such as The Black Goat, a char-grilled patty crafted from a blend of goat meat and pork back fat. It is served with mackerel kimchi velouté, mascarpone sumac onion salad, and mulberry jam, showcasing the kitchen’s inventive approach while delivering flavors that remain comforting and familiar.
A Cocktail Program with a Filipino Soul
Enhancing the dining experience is a cocktail menu that creatively reinvents well-loved Filipino party favorites. One of the highlights is the Jack-Coke Boba Gulaman Highball, a nostalgic interpretation of a classic pairing made with Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Coca-Cola syrup, vanilla, and chewy sago and gulaman. This playful beverage embodies Rekdi’s philosophy of honoring local tastes while introducing modern twists. Combined with the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully curated menu, the cocktail program makes Rekdi a popular choice for relaxed dinners, evening drinks, and gatherings with friends.
A Personal Touch from a Passionate Owner
For Erik Matti, Rekdi represents more than just a restaurant, it is a personal passion project. The filmmaker has remained actively involved in its day-to-day operations and has even shared that regularly moving between the restaurant’s three floors became part of his own wellness journey. His hands-on approach brings an added sense of authenticity and hospitality to the experience, making guests feel genuinely welcomed. Through its inventive take on Filipino cuisine, Rekdi is quickly establishing itself as a standout destination in Poblacion, offering a modern interpretation of the classic karinderya while staying rooted in tradition.
