At Kain Tayo in St. Louis, Missouri, you can eat to your heart’s content
Missouri’s taste buds are in for a treat as “Kain Tayo” unveils authentic Filipino cuisine | Photo from @kaintayofilipinocuisine/Instagram
If you’re a Filipino American embarking on a culinary adventure or simply just want a taste of home, Filipino restaurant Kain Tayo will transport you back to the vibrant streets of the Philippines.
Whenever you’re on this side of Midtown in St. Louis, Missouri, this Filipino food spot promises an irresistible charm that will make you want to stop by. Named after the quintessential Filipino phrase meaning “let’s eat,” Kain Tayo is an invitation not just to eat but to enjoy the flavors of the Philippines.
Aside from the delectable Filipino food they offer, there’s also a captivating story behind its inception. An unlikely cook-off in Trenton and an event in Lebanon, Illinois gave birth to the idea of creating this Pinoy food haven.
After these sold-out events, Kain Tayo founders Sally and Randy Arcega decided to open a permanent spot on 2700 Locust Street.
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Opening last February, Kain Tayo promises a symphony of Filipino flavors orchestrated by layers of inspiration—from a memorable carinderia back in the Philippines to the influential passion for cooking that Sally’s father handed down.
Kain Tayo is a fusion of traditions and dreams
Chef and co-owner Sally, with her husband Randy, made their dreams come true starting from their life in Trenton, Illinois. Randy’s journey from the Philippines to certain corners of the United States then built the backdrop of this enticing narrative.
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His reconnection with Sally, his childhood neighbor, rekindled their love story. Together, they started their path on a culinary journey, leaving their day jobs behind in 2019 to transform a previous Subway storefront into the Filipino food haven now known as Kain Tayo.
At Kain Tayo, you can expect all the fiesta favorites alongside beloved everyday fare. Of course, lumpia—the golden, deep-fried spring roll filled with garlicky ground pork and minced veggies—is on the menu.
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Their pièce de résistance, lechon kawali, will have you asking for second servings of rice. At Kain Tayo, these savory pork belly cubes are first boiled in herbs and spices, then fried to golden perfection; insert Mang Tomas please.
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Sizzling sisig can’t be left out—a dynamic mix of chopped pork, chicken thigh, diced red onion, and zesty calamansi, this pulutan favorite is perfectly balanced with the creamy touch of an over-easy egg on top.
Of course, a Filipino menu is incomplete without adobo, the famous dish that even famous influencers have tried to whip up. Sally’s signature chicken adobo boasts a tender chicken slow-cooked in garlic-enriched vinegar and soy sauce. Teir squid adobo is also perfect for those pescatarians out there.
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Kain Tayo also offers the ultimate Filipino dessert: halo-halo, along with homemade Filipino-flavored ice cream.
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Modern ambiance and timeless Filipino flavors combined
As you step inside Kain Tayo’s new location, modern aesthetics awaits. Its floor-to-ceiling glass front doors and beige walls with neutral-colored artworks make the place more inviting. With 20 tables, the whole family can enjoy a Pinoy feast.
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The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and operate from Wednesday to Saturday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
With this new addition to the growing list of Filipino restaurants in the US, we can’t help but be proud of these Filipino trailblazers.
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