Maria Katrina Paras

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Metro Style Sabai Thai Restaurant BGC

<p>Manila’s dining scene just found its newest obsession. From the team behind <strong>Uma Nota Manila</strong> comes <strong>Sabai</strong>—a modern Thai concept that blends soulful regional flavors with a fresh, sophisticated vibe. Located on the ground floor of <strong>Shangri-La The Fort</strong> in <strong>BGC</strong>, right beside its sister restaurant, Sabai invites you to linger—whether it’s for a long, lazy lunch or a night of cocktails and conversation as the space transforms into a cozy, intimate lounge after dark.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757423683412Metro Style Sabai Thai 1.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Sabai’s atmosphere is enticing and inviting—a space to linger and savor.</span></span></span></div><div><strong>A Space That Breathes</strong></div><p>Designed by <strong>Hong Kong-based LC Studio</strong>, Sabai’s interiors are a study in modern tropicalia. Bathed in natural light by day, the space pairs soft, organic textures with refined details. Think woven accents, warm wood tones, accent floral floor tiles, and graceful curves that create a sense of laid-back comfort. By night, the atmosphere shifts effortlessly: dim lighting, plush seating, and a sultry glow set the stage for cocktails and quiet energy.</p><p>With <strong>124 seats, two main dining areas, and three private rooms, including karaoke-ready spaces that seat six to twenty guests</strong>, Sabai offers the flexibility to match your mood, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757423857296Metro Style Sabai Thai 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Delight is in the details.</span></span></span></div><div><strong>A Culinary Journey Through Southern Thailand</strong></div><p>At the heart of Sabai is <strong>Chef Puwadol Assavadathkamjorn</strong>, a native of Southern Thailand whose culinary pedigree spans <strong>Michelin-starred kitchens like Le Normandie</strong>, Bangkok’s acclaimed <strong>Sühring</strong>, and<strong> Pru Restaurant</strong>, all celebrated in the <strong>World’s 50 Best</strong>. His vision for Sabai is simple yet bold: to introduce Manila diners to the vibrant, often undiscovered flavors of his home region, while elevating them through modern techniques honed across some of the world’s finest restaurants. “We honor tradition but present it in a refined way,” says Chef Puwadol. “It’s Thai food with soul—authentic recipes elevated by techniques I’ve learned from fine dining, but without losing the heart of the cuisine.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Flavors Worth Lingering Over</strong></div><p>Sabai’s menu is a love letter to Thailand’s culinary depth, where every dish is a statement. It begins with the<strong> Pla Kung Pae</strong>, where plump prawns meet Thai herbs and smoky grilled chili paste, striking a bold yet balanced sweet-sour profile that wakes up the senses. The <strong>Kanom Krok Na Hoi </strong>Shell surprises and delights, perfectly seared scallops resting on warm Thai coconut pudding, marrying creaminess and brininess in a single, indulgent bite. For something richer, the <strong>Pla Nuea Yang</strong> stands out with tender Wagyu kissed by the grill, paired with Thai herbs and chili paste for layers of soulful, smoky flavor.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757423940938Metro Style Sabai Thai 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">An interplay of colors, shapes, and textures teases the eyes first—and then rewards the palate with bold, unforgettable flavors.</span></span></span><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757424016741Metro Style Sabai Thai Tom Yum Kung.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Sabai’s Tom Yum Kung is a masterclass in balance.</span></span></span>For those craving comfort, the <strong>Pad Kra Pao Khai</strong> delivers — ground chicken sautéed with holy basil and garlic, an aromatic, savory dish that sings when paired with steaming white Jasmine rice. The <strong>Tom Yum Kung</strong> is a masterclass in balance: prawns, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves swirling in a tangy-spicy broth that’s bright, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Then there’s the <strong>Nhaem Sam Chun Tod</strong>, where crunchy fermented pork delivers a tangy, unexpected punch, perfectly offset by a fiery chili sauce. And my personal favorite, the <strong>Kang Panang Nuea Nong Lai </strong>is a must-try—beef silver shank braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender, in a rich, velvety panang curry that speaks of long, patient cooking. And of course, dessert takes a playful turn with the <strong>Mango Sticky</strong>, a refreshing finale of mango sorbet, chewy sticky rice, and a silky drizzle of coconut sauce—a classic, reimagined.</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Sip, Savor, and Stay Awhile</strong></div><p>Just as thoughtful as the food, Sabai’s drinks list is designed to enrich the dining experience. Highlights include <strong>Sawadee Spicy!</strong>, where tropical heat meets tequila. It’s a concoction of pineapple juice and chili syrup, cooled down with lemon and earthy pineapple skin infusion. There’s also the classic<strong> Amaretto</strong> that’s smooth, layered, and dangerously sippable. For those going alcohol-free, the <strong>Thai milk tea</strong> is perfectly balanced, creamy yet light. At the same time, the <strong>fresh young coconut</strong> offers a naturally cooling and sweet refreshment, perfect for Manila’s warm nights. Whether you’re toasting over cocktails or savoring a slow sip between courses, the bar here is as much a destination as the kitchen.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757424100262Metro Style Sabai Thai 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Amaretto, fresh young coconut, and Sawadee Spicy</span></span></span></div><div><strong>Why Sabai Belongs on Your Radar</strong></div><p>The name <strong>“Sabai”</strong> translates to “relaxed” or “comfortable” in Thai, embodying the restaurant’s philosophy of ease and togetherness. It also echoes the Tagalog word “sabay”— meaning together—capturing the spirit of connection over food, stories, and shared indulgence.</p><p>Following the success of Uma Nota, partners <strong>Alex Offe </strong>and <strong>Michael J. Needham</strong> envisioned Sabai as more than just a Thai restaurant—it’s an experience that invites you to slow down, savor, and stay. Whether you’re here for an intimate dinner, a lively catch-up, or a nightcap in one of the private rooms, Sabai feels designed for discovery, offering something fresh and deeply memorable for Manila’s evolving culinary scene. Come for the food, stay for the vibes—then be back for it all.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>Follow Sabai on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/eat.sabai/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>. For reservations, <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/sabai/reservations/create/search/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">book here</a>.</em></div>

Sabai Is a Hot New Thai Restaurant That Delivers in Both Taste and Vibes

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Sabai Is a Hot New Thai Restaurant That Delivers in Both Taste and Vibes

Danah Gutierrez

Published September 09, 2025 09:00 PM PHT

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Updated September 09, 2025 09:31 PM PHT

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