Bold Southeast Asian Flavors In A Cinematic Setting

Makati City’s Salcedo Village has long been a hotspot  for foodie adventures, but the arrival of Papillon is turning heads and exciting taste buds in an entirely new way. But what do you get when you combine two pilyo chefs and a passion for good food? You’ll get Papillon — the newest culinary concept from RJ Ramos and Alphonse ‘Fonso’ Sotero.

While the two are no strangers to bold and robust flavors (they also came up with Lampara, a “Neo-Filipino” restaurant in Poblacion), chefs RJ and Fonso treat Papillon as an ode to the rich, diverse flavors of Southeast Asia, all while paying homage to classic dishes with a modern twist. 

Stepping inside Papillon will instantly give you that whimsical, romantic, almost ‘triad-esque’ Wong Kar Wai vibe, which they perfectly describe as “Southeast Asian Den”. The space exudes a moody, cinematic atmosphere — think dim lighting, plush velvet seating, and an ambiance that whispers of elegance and intimacy. A brooding European feel with Asian touches, like the ceramic decor, the parasols, the native weavings, and the wooden balcony posts.

Ask the two chefs how they came up with the name “Papillon” for a Southeast Asian restaurant and you’ll understand why we call them pilyo (playful, bordering on naughty). It’s a play on “papi ‘yon!”, which is, loosely, Filipino slang referring to a hot guy one sees in passing. And yes, it's one of those culture-bound witticisms you'll have to ask a Filipino to explain, if you're a foreigner. 

The masterminds behind Papillon have brought together an exceptional team. RJ Ramos and Alphonse Sotero’s shared vision is to recreate Southeast Asian dishes as faithfully as possible, taking diners on a journey through the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the bustling markets of Hanoi, and the coastal towns of Malaysia — all within this bustling foodie center of Makati. 

Papillon is the two chefs’ first collaboration with Jen Yrasuegui, known for her work with Lunes and La Vie En Rose, and Rob Martin and Steven Ticzon of Project Vino (where both RJ and Fonso also crafted the food part of the menu). With these five working together, one can expect inventive flavors and pairings with options ranging from explosive flavors of familiar Asian dishes to expertly mixed cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavors.

Papillon’s short and well-curated menu is a celebration of Southeast Asian cuisine brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The dishes are vibrant, bold, and as authentic as possible — inspired by both chefs’ travels across Asia, a dedication to authenticity, and that perfect balance of playfulness and daring to breathe new life on beloved classics.

Check out our recommendations in the gallery below.

Their lunch selections at Papillon are also worth a midday trip especially if you work around the area; I’m curious about the Bun Thit Nuong Nem (a popular Vietnamese dish often served by street vendors). And while their cocktails certainly deserve a second (or third, fourth, etc.) visit, I’m personally looking forward to coming back for their future afternoon tea offers — a unique tea experience they’re currently brewing in partnership with a local tea maker. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or catching up with friends and family, Papillon offers the perfect setting. The restaurant's intimate ambiance is ideal for meaningful conversations and leisurely dining, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Papillon  |  129 G/F Frabelle Corporate Plaza, Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City  |  0905-445-7242  |  Instagram: @papillon.salcedo  |  Monday to Sunday, 11am ‘til closing