Filipino Roots. New York Soul. Made with Love
Our Story
Founded in 2016 by Chef Janice βJaeβ de Castro, Keyks is a celebration of family, culture, creativity, and the flavors that tell our stories.
Growing up as a first-generation Filipino American in a U.S. Navy family, Chef Jae spent her childhood in the American South, surrounded by the traditions of her Filipino heritage and the warmth and comfort of Southern food.
Her earliest culinary influences came from two remarkable women β her mother, Myrna, and her grandmother β who instilled in her a love for food, family, and the importance of preserving culture through cooking.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Jae made her way to New York City, where she attended The City College of New York and eventually raised her three children there.
Over three decades of living in NYC, she embraced the cityβs incredible diversity, discovering new cuisines, cultures, ingredients, and culinary traditions that would further shape her creativity in the kitchen.
Filipino traditions, Southern comfort, and New York Cityβs melting pot of flavors became the foundation of her culinary identity.
A Lifetime of Flavors, One Creative Kitchen
For Chef Jae, food has always been more than nourishment. Itβs a connection to family, a reminder of home, and a way to celebrate the experiences that shape us.
The flavors she grew up with, the meals shared around her familyβs table, the Southern influences of her childhood, and the countless culinary discoveries made while living and raising her children in New York all find their way into her creations.
That philosophy became the heart of Keyks.
From Filipino-inspired desserts to creative savory dishes, Keyks brings together familiar flavors in unexpected ways β honoring tradition while embracing curiosity, nostalgia, and a little culinary adventure.
Kukis by Keyks β Not Your Everyday Cookie πͺ
Our signature Kukis by Keyks are a delicious reflection of that journey.
Imagine the indulgence of a Levain-inspired cookie meeting the character of a classic Zabarβs biscotti, infused with flavors inspired by Filipino heritage, Southern influences, childhood memories, travels, and the cultural diversity of New York City.
From Ube White Chocolate Chip and Pandan Butterscotch to Ube Black Sesame, Banana Chocolate Chip, and other unexpected combinations, each Kuki has a story to tell.
A little nostalgic. A little unexpected. Unmistakably Keyks.
More Than Just Desserts
Keyks is also a full-service catering company, bringing Chef Jaeβs creative approach to food to everything from intimate gatherings and family celebrations to corporate events, festivals, and large-scale experiences.
Whether sweet or savory, every menu is thoughtfully created to bring people together through memorable flavors and shared experiences.
From Our Family to Yours π
As a mother of three, Chef Jae understands that some of lifeβs most meaningful moments happen around food.
The recipes, traditions, and memories passed down through generations continue to inspire everything Keyks creates today.
What began as a love for baking and cooking has grown into a culinary brand built around the belief that food should tell a story, spark a memory, and bring a little joy to someoneβs day.
Thank you for allowing us to share a piece of our story with you.
With love,
Chef Jae de Castro
Founder & Head Chef, Keyks