Tradicionale Brings Filipino-Spanish Heritage to Chelsea

By Lisa Loverro

In a city where culinary boundaries are constantly being redefined, Chelsea’s newest standout, Tradicionale, offers something both deeply personal and refreshingly original. Located at 156 Ninth Avenue, the restaurant is the latest venture from the team behind the beloved Filipino eatery Tradisyon, bringing together the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines and Spain in a vibrant, contemporary setting.

At the helm is Chef Anton Dayrit, whose menu reflects centuries of cultural exchange between Spain and the Philippines while honoring the flavors and memories of his upbringing. The result is a dining experience that feels both comfortable and unexpected, where traditional recipes are elevated through refined technique and thoughtful presentation.

The meal begins with an enticing selection of tapas designed for sharing. Highlights include the Kinilaw, a Filipino-style ceviche featuring steelhead trout, coconut milk, and tropical fruit, and the Baby Octopus Adobo, cooked in its own ink for a rich, deeply savory flavor. The Spicy Prawns Alavar showcase the kitchen’s skillful use of coconut milk, crab fat, curry, and chili, creating a dish that balances sweetness, spice, and complexity.

For larger plates, Tradicionale continues to impress. The Kare Kare Short Rib offers tender braised beef in a velvety peanut sauce accompanied by bok choy, long beans, and eggplant. The Lamb Kaldereta, slow-cooked in a tomato and pepper stew with olives and aromatics, pays homage to a beloved Filipino comfort dish, while the Seafood Sinigang delivers bright, tangy notes from tamarind broth filled with shrimp, mussels, and monkfish.

The beverage program is equally distinctive. Developed with inspiration from Filipino ingredients, the cocktail menu features creative offerings such as pandan-coconut martinis and tamarind-infused cocktails that complement the bold flavors emerging from the kitchen.

Warm lighting, contemporary design, and a lively atmosphere make Tradicionale an ideal destination for everything from date nights to group dinners. Yet what truly sets the restaurant apart is its ability to tell a story through food; a story of history, migration, and cultural connection.

In a dining landscape crowded with trends, Tradicionale succeeds by focusing on authenticity, heritage, and exceptional flavor. The result is one of New York’s most exciting new restaurants and a compelling celebration of Filipino-Spanish cuisine.