El Raval, Siti
Born and raised in the Philippines, Chef Laila Bazahm grew up in a kitchen where everyone would hang out in the kitchen, share stories, and cook large quantities of food in case neighbors and friends stopped by.
A cum laude economics graduate who began her career in finance, she left the corporate world to chase her true calling—cooking.
In San Sebastián, Spain, her raw passion earned her a spot at the legendary Mugaritz, sparking a decade-long journey through some of the world’s most influential kitchens, including Saint Pierre, L’Atelier Joël Robuchon, and the Basque Culinary Center.
Laila went on to open Hawker 45 in Barcelona, reimagining the bold, soulful street foods of Asia with refined technique and creative flair. Her dishes carry the spirit of travel, memory, and improvisation—each one a playful homage to the flavors that shaped her.
After launching Hawker Beach Club Ibiza and Hawker Street Food Bar Houston, she moved to Austin, where her restaurants El Raval and Siti celebrates immigrant stories and global street food culture through her distinctive, deeply personal lens.
Laila’s Recipes
