We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Patrick Dimapilis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan Patrick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a chef, owning and building a restaurant has always been one of my biggest dreams. Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always wanted to create dishes that are unique and memorable. For me, food is more than just something to eat—it’s a way of bringing people together, creating connections, and making lasting memories.

That dream inspired me to start Habanero Kitchen Bar. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy great food, celebrate special moments, and feel at home. Seeing guests gather around a table and share the dishes we’ve created is the most rewarding part of what I do, and it’s what continues to motivate me every day.

Chef preparing dishes with roasted meat and vegetables on a red-tiled counter in a kitchen.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Habanero Kitchen Bar is a Filipino fusion restaurant built around bold, exciting flavors. Our signature ingredient is the habanero chili pepper, which we incorporate not only into our dishes but also into our handcrafted drinks, creating a dining experience that’s uniquely ours.

We opened our very first branch in Cubao Expo, and this year we’re proud to celebrate our 11th anniversary. When we first started, Habanero was more of a bar than a restaurant. We opened in the late afternoon, from 5:00 PM until 1:00 AM, focusing on creative cocktails, great food, and a lively atmosphere.

Then the pandemic changed everything.

Like many businesses, we faced uncertainty and countless challenges. We had to adapt quickly to new health protocols and changing customer needs. Thankfully, we were one of the few restaurants that remained open for takeout. It wasn’t easy, but instead of giving up, we reinvented ourselves.

During that time, we transformed Habanero from a late-night bar into a full-service restaurant serving lunch through dinner, with operating hours until 10:00 PM. Looking back, that transition became one of the silver linings of the pandemic. It allowed us to reach more guests and grow into the restaurant we are today.

On our 9th year, we proudly opened our second branch along Roces Avenue in Quezon City. While both branches serve the same Habanero favorites, each has its own unique atmosphere and character. That’s why we always encourage guests to visit both and experience the different vibes each location has to offer.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have survived—and even grown—during one of the most difficult periods for the restaurant industry. None of it would have been possible without our loyal customers, who continued to support us, and most especially our dedicated team. We are deeply grateful to our employees who stood by us, took risks alongside us, and believed in our vision during those uncertain times. Their commitment and resilience helped Habanero not only survive but truly thrive.

A large pile of orange habanero peppers with green stems, shiny and fresh.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, definitely! There are so many great places to visit, but one of my favorites is Cubao Expo, where our first Habanero Kitchen Bar branch is located.

Cubao Expo has a charm and character that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s full of unique restaurants, specialty bars, vintage and antique shops, local boutiques, and even museums. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys exploring interesting places, there’s something for everyone.

It’s the perfect destination to spend time with family and friends. You can enjoy great food, discover hidden gems, shop for one-of-a-kind finds, and just soak in the creative and laid-back atmosphere. It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience, and that’s one of the reasons we chose to be part of the Cubao Expo community.

Bowl of dessert topped with colorful edible flowers and shredded toppings, served on a dark surface.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother was the one who introduced me to cooking and sparked my passion for food. She taught me how to cook, and when I was young, she would take me to different restaurants to experience a variety of cuisines. Those early experiences shaped my appreciation for food, flavors, and hospitality, and they played a huge role in inspiring me to become a chef.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my wife, Pia. She’s been with me since day one. We shared the same dream of owning a restaurant, and together, we turned that dream into reality. When we first started Habanero Kitchen Bar, we were both very hands-on—we did whatever it took to make it work. This restaurant isn’t just a business to us; it’s our baby. Every milestone we’ve achieved has been the result of our hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in our vision.

Instagram: Habanero Kitchen Bar

Facebook: Habanero Kitchen Bsr

Person wearing a cap and apron, mixing ingredients in a bowl in a kitchen, surrounded by utensils and containers.

Three bottles with orange liquid on a round gold stand, label features a cartoon character and text, background is beige.

Image Credits
Photo by the owner

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