Azuthai
Azuthai
Helmed by chefs J. Gamboa and Kanjana Kosidaphan, Azuthai holds a special place in the hearts of Filipino diners craving the flavours of Thailand. Though Thai food is a difficult cuisine to master, Azuthai serves up delicious homestyle iterations of famed favourites. Chef Kankana brings with her a passion for Thai cuisine and culinary deft sharpened in the wide-ranging kitchens from Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok to Emirates Flight Catering. Made with love and care, the menu is sure to bring back the best travel memories from The Land of Smiles.
Tatler Tip: Try an off-menu dish and ask for the soft shell crab in yellow curry or the fried golden tilapia with soybean and fish sauce.
Benjarong
Benjarong
Thai cuisine boasts a harmonious marriage of flavours, textures and aromas that is hard to beat, and Benjarong takes it up a notch with modern cooking techniques. Indeed, chef Watcharaphon Yongbanthom’s prowess in the kitchen serves as the catalyst for the many food discoveries at the restaurant, prepared authentically but with innovative local twists. Opt between their extensive à la carte offerings or the impressive Benjarong Experience tasting menu (which requires advance notice), and let the Benjarong team take care of the rest.
Tatler Tip: Have a drink at their well-appointed bar, boasting 28 seats and an exciting list of cocktails and signature Thai beverages.
See also: Bento, silog, thali? Why Asia loves a good modular meal
Chiang Mai Superstar
Chiang Mai Superstar
After several trips to Chiang Mai, the team decided to bring Northern Thai cuisine home to give Davaoeños a taste of this unique culinary style. Indulge in this food also known as Lanna food, influenced by Yunnanese, Shan and Burmese cuisines and characterised by bold, salty and sour flavours. The casual restaurant is a slightly elevated version of the typical Thai roadside eatery, staying true to its fun, no-frills style with walls adorned in colourful patterns and Thai pop culture figures.
Tatler Tip: For an interactive dining experience, ask them about their do-it-yourself Thai barbecue with a portable butane grill.
Krapow!
Krapow!
This casual Thai concept transports diners to the streets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai by executing stellar street food classics with authentic ingredients and techniques. What started as a cloud kitchen concept in Poblacion, Makati has expanded to three branches with the hopes of bringing them closer to their loyal fan base. Thai street food enthusiasts can now indulge in their favourites while situated in a more elevated and contemporary atmosphere.
Tatler Tip: Follow their socials to be in the loop regarding specials, such as Sunday barbecues and off-menu dishes for their different branches.
Read more: For the love of tinned fish: How the humble sardine went from pantry staple to wellness food
Lime and Basil
Lime and Basil
The husband-and-wife team behind this homey hillside restaurant clearly give much value to the provenance of their produce—in fact, they even grow a herb garden in their backyard to be used in their tasty preparations. At Lime and Basil, settle into the comfortable, inviting ambience, where reliable Thai specialities are served with utmost warmth and hospitality. The lush greenery in Alfonso, Cavit,e makes it a favourite destination restaurant for Thai cuisine, while their passion for authentic Thai flavours truly makes it worth the trip.
Tatler Tip: Try out some of their signature cocktails like the Tagaytay Mai Tai, frozen Lime and Basil daiquiri or Thai lemongrass Margarita.
People’s Palace
People’s Palace
Known for its delicious Thai food, People’s Palace is a reliable, well-loved fixture in Makati’s competitive dining scene that offers exceptional cooking, professional service and a relaxed ambience. Chefs Colin Mackay and Kerwin Go have familiarised themselves with the nuanced complexities of Thai cuisine and share their learnings through every plate. No matter the dish, every creation begins with quality ingredients sourced from either their own local farm, trusted contract growers or speciality Thai importers.
Tatler Tip: Ask for their daily specials highlighting new hero ingredients to enhance your dining experience.
Read more: 6 flavour pairings that work, from chocolate to watermelon
Some Thai
Some Thai
Chef Jorge Mendez is best known for his high-concept cooking, but some of his best work is admittedly when he prepares meals from the heart, like at this casual Thai eatery along Tomas Morato. Some Thai is a loving tribute to his wife and his mother, who both love the complex flavours of this Southeast Asian cuisine. And while the food is familiar and comforting, he is unapologetically non-traditional, so expect innovative twists as only Mendez can masterfully deliver.
Tatler Tip: There could be long times during peak hours, so try to swing by at odd hours to best enjoy a leisurely meal.
