One of the cuisines that I have been missing since the start of the pandemic is Thai food, largely because there are not too many Thai restaurants in my neck of the woods, and a lot of them took a pause in operations during the lockdown.
I do carry some fondness for Thai BBQ Original Restaurant, though, as I was able to meet up over a tasty meal with my friend visiting from Singapore at its Glorietta Branch.
It’s Ayala Vertis North branch was also the setting of one of my last happy lunches with my co-workers, where we took the opportunity to have a break from our usual work and catch up over good food.
This restaurant chain originated in Los Angeles in the late 70s, offering the best flavors of Thailand. It set up shop here in the country in 2016, aiming to reignite the Pinoy’s taste for Thai cuisine.
In recognition for its dedication to serving authentic Thai dishes, it has been awarded with THAI Select, a awarded by Department of International Trade Promotion which certifies not only the food, but also the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Thai food surely made for a welcome break from the normal packed lunches or fast food that I usually have when in the office.
During our pre-pandemic forays into Ayala Vertis North, my officemates and I had one of our happy lunches here where wesaid “Sawadeeka!” to some of the resto’s signature dishes.
Tom Yum Goong.
Traditional sour and spicy soup flavored with herbs and spices with some shrimp added in.
Pad Thai.
Rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, a scrambled egg, and vegetables are stir-fried in a wok and tossed in Pad Thai sauce, which gives its signature tangy salty flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Thai Original BBQ Pork Belly.
Specially marinated tender pork belly, baked and grilled in a special Thai BBQ sauce.
Thai BBQ Spare Ribs.
Generouse cuts of falling-off-the bone tender marinated pork ribs grilled and served with sweet and spicy Thai BBQ sauce.
Crispy Oyster Cake.
Oyster cakes battered and pan-firend then served on a hot plate with chili sauce.
Massaman Curry.
A fusion of Thai and Indian culinary influences which make use of red curry paste, dry whole spices and peanuts.
It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I’ve also been missing the friends I shared this delicious meal with.
The good news is that Thai BBQ Original Restaurant has reopened several branches for dine-in, takeout and delivery to sate the Thai food cravings of its Pinoy fans.
- Makati: G/F Glorietta 4, Main Driveway (next to Ascott Hotel), Makati City (Wed to Sun | 11am to 8pm)
- Quezon City: Level 2 Ayala Malls Vertis North (Beside Trinoma), North Avenue, Quezon City
- Pasig: Level 1 Food Village Bldg. B Tiendesitas (beside Rico’s Lechon), Ortigas East, Pasig City
So it won’t be too long before I say “Sawadeeka!” again to awesome Thai food. Hopefully, I can say the same to the friends that I miss.
Follow Thai BBQ Original Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on its latest offers.
Jellybeans in the City 