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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Mabuhay means “welcome” in Tagalog, one of the many languages in the Philippines. It can be synonymous with aloha in Hawaii. I being a presence of home.
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs introduced me to various services from Sunday Brunches, steakhouses, brasseries, and larger scale events such as weddings.
Uchiko/Uchi in Austin helped me find my way through Asian Fusion. My time as a sushi chef there is a great segue to personal cheffing as it taught me how to read a room, and how to serve my client better.
Overview
Hired 44 times
Serves Austin, TX
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
Services offered
Event type
Meal
Breakfast or brunch
Lunch
Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres
Dinner
Drinks and dessert
Dessert
Non-alcoholic drinks
Coffee or tea
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
31 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Simone S.
Apr 19, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Chef Dan to prepare a dinner for one of the nights on our bachelorette trip in Austin for a dear friend. He was quick in responding and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. The food was absolutely delicious and the service made us all feel pampered. Dan even brought a special gift for the bride-to-be which was very sweet and above and beyond what was expected. I would highly recommend booking Mabuhay Austin for your private event!!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Elvalisa M.
Jul 17, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I could not recommend more enough. This is one of the best chefs we have ever had. He was fun, respectful, and got things done quick!!! Please book him immediately, if you don’t you will regret it!!
Details: My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Nivi S.
2 days ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Used Chef Dan and the team of Mabuhay Austin for a private dinner for 20 people. The proposed menu was fantastic, and Chef Dan was more than willing to accommodate any requests in a timely manner during planning for the months beforehand, from vegetarian and vegan options, location, and even time shift only 2 days before the event. Despite how amazing the planning was, it was blown away by the food and execution. His team set up immediately, worked diligently during the hours they say they would, and cooked the best food of our weekend trip (Suerte was close, but this was better). Some of the most flavorful food we had, combining Asian flavors with American Tex mex. The brisket queso, duck Massagen curry, and I’ve tres leches were the standouts. Multiple people over the trip said unprompted that it was a step above anything they expected or had. As a token of kindness, Chef Dan and his team even left a present for the man of the weekend. While we were celebrating a bachelor party, I would highly highly recommend Chef Dan and Mabuhay Austin for any special meal you may be planning
Details: Special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) • 21 - 35 guests • Dinner • I'm flexible • American - casual • American - formal • Italian • Southern • Mexican / Latin American • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian or vegan • Nut allergies • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Personal Chef
Misty K.
Jan 24, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dan came in prepared and ready to show off his culinary skills. His menu was next level on taste and presentation. He left my kitchen sparkling clean too! Will definitely have him back!
Details: Brunch / dinner party • 6 - 10 guests • Dinner • Standard (basic ingredients) • Dessert • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Meal prepared onsite • Only once • My home, venue, etc.
Personal Chef
Cat T.
Apr 13, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a great time learning at our home with Dan! Not only did we learn some great new recipes with fresh ingredients we also learned techniques to use in the kitchen. Who knew sweating vegetables or chopping could be easier than just reading a how to from a recipe? We will definitely ask Dan back for more lessons soon!
Details: 2 people • Healthy • Mediterranean • American • Japanese • Southeast Asian • French • Mexican / Latin • Knife skills • Soups and sauces • Roasting and braising • Basic cooking skills • Adult (over 18) • Intermediate • My home, venue, etc.
Private Cooking Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Daniel Castro
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The prices that I work at varies based on my client’s needs.
When we agree on a price, it would cover food, labor (both cooking and shopping), as well as my travel expenses.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with new customers, I always ask them about their backgrounds. This helps me understand what kind of food I should be making for them as hearing their stories often times leave clues on what their food preferences are due to pre-existing conditions (diabetics, for example) .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, New York
(2009-2013)
The Broadmoor
(2013-2016)
- Experienced rotations in outlets such as banquet catering, pastry and baking production, steakhouse, bistro, pub, sports bar, fine dining, and butchery.
Uchiko
(2016-2020)
