Simply delicious, simply Thai
With restaurants and eateries sprouting up all over the metropolis, our choices for dining options have increased dramatically. Naturally, some are of a higher caliber than others and everyone always seems to have their favorites. Celebrated restaurant Thai at Silk in Serendra usually makes the cut on people’s lists for preferred exotic Thai food. Lucky for us, the same team behind Silk launches their latest venture this week, a jewel of a restaurant tucked away in Greenbelt 5, called Simply Thai.
The kitchen is helmed by head chef Cecile Chang-Ysmael who flexes her culinary expertise through her exciting dishes. Having spent a considerable amount of time traveling all over Thailand enrolled in cooking courses, Cecile has taken what she absorbed in Thailand and injected her personal flair into the dishes that amiable servers bring to the tables. Cecile’s constant travels to Thailand ensure a steady stream of supplies and ideas for the restaurant.
Simply Thai’s Nest: Chef Cecile’s innovative concoction of homemade coconut ice cream served on a nest of fried shredded taro and sweet potato with a side of caramel sauce Simply Thai is a modern interpretation of Thai cuisine with a twist. While Silk serves traditional fare, Simply Thai takes it up a notch and introduces a slew of dishes one would be hard- pressed to find anywhere else. While there are still many classic soups, stir-fries, and curries on the menu, there are a variety of innovative “city” dishes that are bound to grab some attention. Glancing at the menu gives you an idea of how contemporary some of the dishes are. Interesting starters like coconut-marinated salmon fillet with lemongrass served in a cone and mains like Thai Buffalo wings with sweet fish sauce and slow-cooked pork confit drizzled with chili caramel sauce accompanied with mango-apple slaw are novel. Inventive plates like seafood soufflé in thick red curry sauce paired with kaffir lime fried rice are guaranteed to whet your appetite.
Designed by dynamic duo Ivy and Cynthia Almario, hanging lanterns add a delightful touch to the resto’s lovely interiors. Of the extensive menu, the Mieng Kham, a selection of seven different components on a betel leaf, is spectacular. Each morsel unfolds a combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour all in one go. Delicious chicken satay skewers are yummy and moist while crispy prawn cakes are mouthwatering. Deep-fried prawns wrapped in egg noodles are golden fried and crispy on the outside while juicy and luscious on the inside. Paired with sweet chili sauce and cucumber relish, this is one dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The flavor profiles in the tangy green papaya salad are off the charts as they stir up taste buds while textures aren’t forgotten either as shredded pork floss lends some zest to the salad. The prawn and pomelo salad is delectable and refreshing, paving the way for the main dishes to come.
Effervescent head chef Cecile Chang-Ysmael helms the Simply Thai kitchen, creating mouthwatering Thai food for patrons. Succulent honey-coated cinnamon pork ribs barbecued to perfection spell utter bliss. The aroma the ribs emits is divine and the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. A true test to determine the quality of a Thai restaurant is by ordering their pad Thai since it’s a staple found everywhere. Simply Thai’s version is authentic and each bite is scrumptious. Creamy green chicken curry is comforting and heavenly while beef rendang is juicy and flavorful without being overloaded with spice. The kitchen can accommodate any kind of spice level so when orderingm just let them know how hot you can handle or dishes will be served mild. Washed down with a Thai iced milk tea, you’re ready to conquer the desserts.
Red ruby water chestnuts deliver amazing textures that pop in your mouth. If there were to be one rule in life, it should state that one should always save room for dessert, especially at Simply Thai where the desserts shine. Gorgeous ruby-colored water chestnuts on shaved ice, topped with sweet coconut cream, emit the most delicate crunch and aren’t too sweet so you can finish an entire bowl on your own. No-fail sticky rice with mango is fragrant and delectable so save room for this one as the glutinous rice covered in coconut cream is an indulgence. However, the star of the show is Simply Thai’s Nest, shredded sweet potato and taro shaped into a nest and fried, topped with a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream, and drizzled with caramel sauce. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that really completes the gastronomical journey of the meal.
The façade of Simply Thai in Greenbelt 5, Makati Nestled in an area that permits al fresco dining, diners can enjoy having their meals outside, fronting the greenery of Greenbelt 5 or inside the cheery restaurant elegantly designed by no less than the fabulous sister tandem of Ivy and Cynthia Almario. Walls swathed in Thai bamboo lend a modern Asian touch while a sea of celadon green chairs waiting under hanging lanterns inspired by bird cages provides charming ambience.
Simply Thai’s comfortable outdoor seating at Greenbelt 5 makes dining al fresco a wonderful option. A full bar complete with exciting cocktails is conducive to making happy hour turn into many happy hours or even a full night out. The circular bar is fit for serving up drinks as a live DJ spins away. It’s pretty hard to beat sipping lemongrass martinis and mangoritas to chill house music with friends in a lovely environment.
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Simply Thai is located on the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati. They accept bookings for events and private parties either in the main restaurant or in the garden for al fresco dining. For reservations, call 729-0860 or 729-6860.
