WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just over a week after closing the doors of his celebrated Filipino restaurant Hiraya, Chef Paolo Dungca is ready to open a bold new chapter: Kayu, a progressive Filipino restaurant set to debut soon on 1633 17th Street NW.

Hiraya served its final dinner on Saturday, June 29, marking the end of its run on H Street NE. For Chef Paolo, the transition wasn’t just about location—it was about creative freedom and staying true to his vision.

Founded in late 2023, Hiraya had always been a sense of home for the Filipino community. For the local community, Hiraya brought them a sense of exoticism – the passion from a tropical island, along with diversity and culture. Despite the closing of Hiraya, according to Chef Paolo, there is some good news for the city: Kayu’s next chapter will begin on 17th Street near Dupont Circle, this summer.

“We’re just really fortunate to have found a space where we can keep doing what we love—sharing our rich and diverse culture through food,” Chef Paolo said in a recent interview with The FilAm News. “We’re not done telling our story.”

The move came after a split in direction between the original Hiraya partners. While others wanted to pivot toward a fast-casual burger concept, Chef Paolo stayed focused on crafting an experience rooted in Filipino heritage, storytelling, and innovation.

“I didn’t want to open just another burger spot,” he said. “There’s so much depth to Filipino food, and I believe in pushing that forward—progressively, but with deep respect for where it all comes from.”

The opportunity to open Kayu came after a chance encounter with the building’s landlords—guests who had dined at Hiraya and loved the concept. When a space opened up on 17th Street, they reached out to Chef Paolo.

“They thought it would be a great addition to the neighborhood, and everything just aligned,” he said.

The neighborhood itself already feels like home. During a Pride pop-up earlier this year, Chef Paolo and his team saw first-hand how welcoming and energized the community was.

“The response during the pop-up was amazing,” he said. “We’re excited to be part of that energy and to meet new and familiar faces.”

While an official opening date has yet to be announced, Kayu is already gaining buzz as one of the most anticipated Filipino food spots in the District. It promises to offer modern interpretations of traditional dishes, presented with the heart, creativity, and cultural pride that Chef Paolo has become known for.

At its core, Kayu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a reflection of a growing movement to elevate Filipino cuisine and identity on a national stage.

“What I’m most excited for is continuing to do what we love—sharing our culture, connecting with the community, and telling our story through food,” Chef Paolo said. “To get a second chance like this—it’s a blessing.”

Stay tuned for updates on Kayu’s grand opening, and follow along as Chef Paolo Dungca continues to carve out space for Filipino flavors in the heart of the nation’s capital.