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Jorge Mendez's Fabulously Inauthentic Thai Restaurant

Mōdan's chef makes the move from modern Japanese cuisine to Thai comfort food 

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Ching Dee

<p>Chef <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hosehorhe/" target="_blank">Jorge Mendez</a> (of <a href="https://metro.style/food/restaurants/modan-second-menu-inspired-by-origami/35775" target="_blank">Mōdan</a> fame and so much more) surprised everybody when he—almost out of thin air—launched a new restaurant in Tomas Morato. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone who’s been enamored by his culinary hits like Mōdan and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ohayojapanesecomfortfood/" target="_blank">Ohayo Sushi &amp; Ramen Bar</a>. </p><div><br/></div><p>But <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somethaiph/" target="_blank">Some Thai</a> has been a long time coming. Chef Jorge’s connection with Bangkok is deep and long, starting from his years as a young man when his mother taught English in Thailand. Even when he had a family of his own, he still managed to visit Bangkok a couple of times a year. Throughout his trips, his palate got accustomed to the Thai taste and he found his own timeless favorites. While most people know him for his masterful way of churning modern twists to Japanese classics, it was this love affair with Thai cuisine that gave birth to Some Thai.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4PZWrmLG0y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4PZWrmLG0y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"> <div 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style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"> <div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4PZWrmLG0y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by SOME THAI (@somethaiph)</a></div></div></blockquote> </div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>There’s one thing you need to know before heading to Some Thai, and the clue is right in its name. Chef Jorge wants everyone to know that he’s not serving authentic Thai food at his new restaurant—that’s why it’s called “Some Thai”. Departing from his renowned expertise in modern Japanese cuisine, here is where you can expect his personal take on the Thai dishes he loves, the taste of his memories. It may not be authentic Thai food, but it’s authentic Jorge Mendez. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f116cbcd-4d33-45b7-ba4c-b81a15e6dfcd_00 jorge mendez.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Chef Jorge Mendez at his newly-opened restaurant, Some Thai <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee   </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>So, why embrace the unauthentic? For Chef Jorge Mendez, the answer is simple: because it allows him to push the boundaries of creativity, to explore new horizons, and to share his passion for food the best way he knows how. And at Some Thai, diners are invited to join him on this exhilarating culinary journey—a journey where tradition meets innovation, and authenticity knows no bounds. What sets Some Thai apart is Chef Jorge&#x27;s unapologetic approach to authenticity. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional recipes, he fearlessly explores the boundaries of flavor, experimenting with unexpected ingredients and innovative techniques. The result? A menu that defies expectations, offering a refreshing twist on familiar favorites.</p><div><br/></div><p>Yet amidst all the innovation and experimentation, Chef Jorge remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity—albeit with a modern twist. While Some Thai may push the boundaries of tradition, it never loses sight of the rich culinary heritage that inspires it. Each dish is a loving homage to the flavors of Thailand, reimagined for a contemporary palate.</p><div><br/></div><p>Here are some of the dishes you should definitely try on your visit to Some Thai. </p><div><br/></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7a6c1b74-d75a-482e-a8f3-8199608705d6_2%20landscape.jpeg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a63b80a2-3e1f-4a16-88bc-8a1ab37fc3e2_01%20son%20and%20raw%20egg.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7e20b5e1-b4f1-40d2-879a-f03f08ce3cd4_02%20hamachi%20with%20namjin%20sauce.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1325f39a-14fd-4374-a24c-c68ec0fda681_03%20shrimp%20pad%20thai.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/8d8417ce-5164-45d3-9d4f-6d0847d86529_04%20classic%20tom%20yum.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6a9b4748-1857-4e82-8d81-f7f8c72c9677_05%2048-hour%20beef%20short%20rib%20curry.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/476d41f4-f15d-40ec-b02d-3199ff4dbff0_06%20crab%20omelette.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/199ba0f2-1e20-42e3-a0f1-ff52967827a0_07%20mango%20sticky%20rice.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2e8450bf-fc6f-4d07-a590-668e587c9a2e_08%20roti.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/49765370-73a0-4826-aa6d-d5db812eaa4c_09%20thai%20milk%20tea.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Son &amp; Raw Egg - Chef Jorge’s version gives the famous “Son-In-Law Egg” a Thai twist. On a fluffy bed of crispy fried egg whites sits a raw egg yolk and some aromatics. Their house-made sauce is then poured over everything before being mixed together for a uniquely indulgent salad of sorts. While the presentation is indeed gorgeous, I believe the star of this dish is their house-made sauce containing Thai patis, palm sugar blended with garlic and onion, kaffir, and balsamic vinegar for a richer, deeper flavor. The result is a sweet and tangy sauce that goes beautifully with the creamy yolk. <cite>Ching Dee</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Hamachi in Namjin Sauce - The generous slices of buttery Hamachi (Yellowtail) is highlighted by the punchy Namjin sauce made of Thai patis, lime juice, sugar, chili, and fresh herbs. It’s best enjoyed right away, which won’t be a problem because it won’t last long as soon as it hits the table. <cite>Ching Dee</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Shrimp Pad Thai - Instead of being topped with egg, their Shrimp Pad Thai is encased in delicate scrambled eggs and the toppings are served on the side so you can decide how you want to enjoy your pad thai. The shrimp is huge and flavorful, not too tough. The rice noodles are still chewy and coated in a sweet-savory sauce that reflects Chef Jorge’s preference when it comes to this classic Thai dish. He likes it a bit sweet and balanced by a hint of sourness. <cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Tom Yum - At Some Thai, the iconic Tom Yum comes in two variants: Classic and Premium. The Classic Tom Yum has plump shrimp and a broth that’s so inviting you’ll want to keep sipping it. The broth has a balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors (as it should), which makes Thai cuisine so hearty. The Premium Tom Yum is topped with a myriad of seafood and best enjoyed with five other people.<cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>48-Hour Beef Short Rib Curry - This is one of the best dishes you can have at Some Thai. The beef short rib, which has a good ratio of lean meat to fat, falls apart immediately at the slightest touch. The curry sauce is earthy and warm, not too spicy (spices that is, not heat), and has a subtle sweetness that complements the tender beef. I highly recommend having this with rice, as its richness is best enjoyed with a neutral backdrop. <cite>Ching Dee</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Crab Omelette - This is the softest, fluffiest crab omelette I’ve ever had. Aside from its texture, the flavors are also on-point. The scrambled egg is seasoned perfectly, not too salty, so it goes well with the natural sweetness of the lump crab meat. I’m glad they didn’t mix the crab meat with the egg, so you can taste and enjoy its own flavor. Depending on how much you love crab, you can get this with 30g of lump crab meat, 50g, or 100g. <cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Mango Sticky Rice - No Thai restaurant would be complete without Mango Sticky Rice and here at Some Thai, Chef Jorge made sure the rice is not too soft so it contrasts the mushiness of the ripe mangoes. And as he mentioned, he always makes sure there are multiple textures in his dishes, so the addition of the crispy pinipig on this dessert is genius. <cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Roti - The house-made roti is somewhat dense yet flaky at the same time. Best enjoyed while it’s still warm, this simple treat will take you back to the bustling streets of Bangkok. You can have roti three ways here, but Chef Jorge served it with Red Tea Condensed Milk and Pandan Sauce, which sweetens the roti just right. <cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Thai Milk Tea and Thai Red Iced Tea - If you love Thai tea, you will love their red iced tea and milk tea. The red iced tea does a great job of refreshing your palate after eating savory dishes, while the milk tea is a great option for a lazy afternoon snack. <cite>Ching Dee </cite></p></div></div></div></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/restaurants/cafe-del-sol-boracay-20th-anniversary/37731" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The First-Ever Cafe In Boracay Turns 20!</a></div><div><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/somethaiph/" target="_blank">Some Thai</a> | 195 Tomas Morato, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City (near Sct. Fuentabella) | Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somethaiph/" target="_blank">@SomeThaiPH</a></em></div><div><br/></div><div><em>Photography by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chingsilog/" target="_blank">Ching Dee </a> </em></div><div><br/></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>