Chef de Cuisine Gaël Kubler has taken the reins at The Peninsula Manila’s iconic restaurant, Old Manila, infusing it with his culinary expertise and flair. Kubler is a culinary maestro who understands the magic of French cuisine, elevating it to a standard by which many other cuisines are measured.
Kubler’s journey to becoming a distinguished chef is a tale of passion and fate. Growing up in Alsace, a region bordering Germany and Switzerland, his culinary odyssey began in his grandmother’s kitchen. While his childhood dreams initially revolved around sports, especially aspiring to be a rugby player, he developed a bond with his grandmother over cooking, particularly the unforgettable brioche they created together. It was a promise to his beloved grandmother that ignited his desire to become a chef.
To hone his skills, Kubler embarked on a formal culinary education at the Lycée Hôtelier Alexandre Dumas in Strasbourg, where he underwent three years of rigorous training, combining technical expertise, general studies, and hands-on apprenticeships. At the age of 19, he delved into the professional culinary world, starting as a commis under the tutelage of three-star Michelin chef Marc Haeberlin at L’Auberge de I’ll in Illhaeusern, Alsace. It was here that he imbibed invaluable lessons in teamwork, respect for ingredients, and the importance of simplicity, flavor, and honesty in cuisine.
Kubler’s quest for culinary excellence led him to work at notable establishments such as Le Petit Nice in Marseille and L’Assiette Champenoise in Reims. Yet, his appetite for international experience and language proficiency drove him to England in 2015. There, he served as the head of the meat and banqueting kitchen at The Ritz Restaurant, The Ritz London, under the guidance of three-star chef Michael Nizzero. This experience reinforced his belief in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a well-balanced palate to create exquisite modern French dishes.
In 2018, the call of exploration came again, and Kubler found himself in New Zealand as the sous chef at Ki Māha restaurant, which achieved the “Best Opening in New Zealand” award that year.
Now, five years later, Chef Gaël Kubler has assumed the prestigious role of Chef de Cuisine at Old Manila, The Peninsula Manila’s signature restaurant. In this new role, he brings an international perspective to the kitchen, fusing traditional French techniques with global influences. His menu reflects his commitment to simplicity, honesty, and respect for the ingredients, sourcing locally from Tagaytay and Batangas while importing the finest beef from Australia and Wagyu from Japan.
Chef Kubler’s journey is a testament to his dedication and the transformational power of food, where the simplest dishes prepared with love and care can create culinary experiences that endure. His vision for Old Manila is clear: to preserve the tradition of his grandmother’s cooking, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and honesty in the kitchen.
Old Manila, a restaurant bathed in Art Deco-inspired design and adorned with the captivating photographs of Francisco Guerrero, is the ideal canvas for Chef Kubler’s culinary artistry. It boasts a Wine Spectator Award in 2023, celebrating its outstanding wine selection. With the capacity to host 80 guests and a private dining room accommodating 24, Old Manila continues to be a pinnacle of fine dining in Manila, serving lunch on weekdays and dinner from Monday to Saturday.
