October 11, Nikko Cagalanan, Kultura

NIKKO CAGALANAN | CO-OWNER / EXECUTIVE CHEF

Born and raised in the Philippines, Nikko's earliest memories are infused with the aromas and flavors of his grandmother's traditional Filipino

cooking and frequent trips to the market, igniting within him a passion for culinary artistry.

In 2011, Nikko embarked on a new chapter in his life, immigrating to the United States as a dedicated nurse. Once in the states, Nikko quickly

realized the lack of Filipino cuisine in the area which fueled the reemergence of his memories of the authentic flavors. This passion led him to

transition from nursing to the realm of professional cooking in 2014, where he honed his skills in kitchens across Boston until relocating to Myrtle

Beach, SC a few years later.

It was during the 2018 Charleston Wine + Food Festival that Nikko's culinary journey took a transformative turn and was introduced to

transformative talent in the south. Under the mentorship of acclaimed Chef Vinson Petrillo at Zero George, Nikko's talent blossomed, paving the

way for the inception of Mansueta’ Filipino Foods, a pop-up paying homage to his grandmother and Filipino flavors.

With the resounding success of Mansueta’s, Nikko continued to captivate palates across the nation through pop-ups and chef collaborations. In

2022, his dedication and innovation were recognized as he was crowned the Best Filipino Food in South Carolina by Food & Wine magazine and

claimed the prestigious title of Chopped Champion on the Food Network.

Several years later, Nikko partnered with Paula Kramer, co-founder of Baguette Magic, a popular bakery in James Island, to open a new concept.

The duo shared a common vision for their restaurant—a culinary haven for traditional Filipino food intertwined with celebrating other ethnic chefs

and their cultures. In 2023, Kultura opened its doors and has since garnered acclaim as one of Eater’s “Best New Restaurants in America” and

captivating diners with its fusion of tradition and innovation. In 2024, Nikko was named a finalist for the Emerging Chef category at the James

Beard Foundation Awards.

Beyond the realm of cooking, Nikko's journey intertwines with personal milestones, as he and Paula, his partner in both life and culinary

endeavors, are poised to embark on a new chapter together with a wedding slated for the fall of 2024. The pair plan to journey back to the

Philippines for their honeymoon.