If You’re Craving Thai Food, These 4 Manila-Based Restaurants Will Bring You Back To Bangkok
A short trip to Bangkok or Phuket always leaves me with a lingering hankering for legit Thai food, and when I first moved to Manila, I wasn’t sure where to find it. After searching near and far for Thai cuisine that offers a semblance of authenticity, I’ve mapped out a few eateries serving Thai food realness and I’m here to spill the Tom Yum for you.
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People’s Palace
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
You’re going to need to pull out your wallet for this one, but it’s totally worth it. Admittedly, the menu here is more of Thai fusion versus something you’ll find on the streets of Khao San Road, but it’s Thai fusion at its best. They offer red rice as an alternative to white rice, which is always a healthy plus, and the drink menu never disappoints. Not to mention People’s Palace is a hot spot for celebrities, foreigners, and socialites and seems like the place to be seen (but if you see me, I’ll just be stuffing my face).
The Naked Foodie Favorites: Crispy Pork and Sticky Rice, Stir Fried Chicken and Cashew Nuts, Kao Soi Gai, Mango Pavlova. Have a dirty gin martini with extra olives if you’re in the mood to celebrate (or just because it’s Tuesday)!
Just Thai
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, (02) 846-6051
After a facial at Aivee Clinic, I’ll often head over to Just Thai for an al fresco lunch or early dinner. The Thai food is authentic and I can never resist the Fried Spring Rolls and Tom Yum here. For pet lovers, you can bring your dog on a leash and then head to the dog park afterwards at Burgos Circle. The restaurant is quaint, so I recommend eating outdoors if the weather cooperates.
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The Naked Foodie Favorites: Fried Spring Rolls, Tom Yum, Green Chicken Curry (if you ask for Thai spicy, get ready to feel the burn). For a bevy, I always get San Mig Light on ice with 3 lime wedges.
Nara Thai
3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, (02) 246-9069
I can never resist a Crate & Barrel sale at SM Megamall, and afterwards, I always head to Nara Thai. Not only is this restaurant an authentic Thai franchise transplant that started in Bangkok, but the ambiance inside the restaurant is a great escape from the bustling mall activity happening outside.
READ: Nara Thai Cuisine Earns A ‘Thai Select’ Seal Of Approval For Its Truly Authentic Thai Food
The Naked Foodie Favorites: Crispy Fried Shrimp Cakes, Massaman Curry, Sticky Mango Rice. For beverages, the Thai Iced Tea is always a treat!
READ: Where To Go, Stay, And Eat During A Two-Night Stay In Bangkok, Thailand
Simply Thai
G/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Makati City, (02) 729-0860
A trip to Greenbelt isn’t complete without stopping by Simply Thai for no-fuss Thai food that always meets expectations. The ambiance is romantic at night and the interiors, tastefully designed by Ivy Almario, sets the tone for an ideal date night.
The Naked Foodie Favorites: Pandanus Chicken, Tom Yum Kung, Thai Chicken Basil (Thai Spicy). To drink, I trust their taste in choosing a house white wine which compliments spicy food well.
Photos form @narathaiph, Just Thai, and People's Palace.
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