MAKATI CITY — Michelin Selected Chef Jorge Mendez introduces his latest culinary concept, UNDŌ, a brand-new pop-up at The Balmori Suites’ Chef’s Table in Rockwell Center. Opening on August 7, 2026, for a limited engagement, UNDŌ (pronounced “oon-doh”) is a Japanese word meaning “movement,” a fitting name for a project that bridges Mōdan's former Cubao restaurant and its new location later this year. While its sister concept MŌDAN is celebrated for precision and theatrics, UNDŌ channels a playful, spontaneous energy where every dish sparks delight and discovery. Unlike Mōdan’s signature tasting-menu format, UNDŌ focuses on à la carte dining, offering diners a more flexible way to experience Chef Mendez’s cooking.
A Michelin-Selected Chef with a Storied Portfolio
Chef Jorge Mendez has built an impressive culinary empire, with his restaurants Mōdan and Some Thai both earning Michelin recognition. Mōdan, which opened in 2022, presents a progressive Japanese degustation menu combining locally sourced ingredients with premium imports from Japan, crafted through what the chef calls “neo-traditional Japanese techniques”. The restaurant was named a Michelin Selected restaurant in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. Chef Mendez has also served as Executive Chef and Creative Director for the beloved Italian restaurant chain Cibo, where he worked alongside the late Margarita Forés. His portfolio also includes Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Some Thai, ramen bar Mugen, and Makanai.
Plan Your Visit
UNDŌ by MŌDAN officially opens on August 7, 2026, at The Balmori Suites’ Chef’s Table in Rockwell Center, Power Plant Mall for a limited time only. The pop-up offers an à la carte menu that provides a flexible and spontaneous dining experience. For inquiries and reservations, contact 0947-152-1377 or email [email protected]. This is a rare opportunity to experience the culinary artistry of a Michelin Selected chef in an intimate, exclusive setting before Mōdan returns to its permanent home later this year.
