Where to Eat Thai Food in Poblacion (Makati)?

Hat Yai-Style Fried Chicken at Krapow MNL

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many people’s travel plans, including mine. Last year, I’m supposed to visit Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Bali, and return to Singapore for the 4th consecutive year. If it’s only normal, I would’ve planned for Thailand, particularly Bangkok and Chiang Mai. All I can do now is watch Mark Wiens explore Thai gastronomy.

Thankfully, there are good Thai restaurants in my neighborhood, Poblacion (Makati), which used to be Makati’s thriving food and nightlife hub pre-pandemic. These food spots not only focus on Pad Thai, the famous Thai stir-fried noodles, and even introduces not-so-usual regional Thai dishes.

Here are my favorite Thai spots in Poblacion:

Crying Tiger Street Kitchen

Crying Tiger Street Kitchen is actually a Southeast Asian restaurant serving Thai and Malaysian street food. They also offer vegetarian options. Their bestsellers include Gai Tod (Thai fried chicken) and Moo Ping (Thai pork skewers). I used to work nearby and would frequent for their crispy fried chicken!

Aside from their fried chicken, my favorites are Char Siu, a Cantonese-style pork barbecue that’s common in Yaowarat, which is Bangkok’s Chinatown, and Pak Boong Fai Daeng or morning glory with garlic.

Crying Tiger Street Kitchen’s Gai Tod — Crying Tiger Street Kitchen’s *Gai Tod*

I have written about Crying Tiger Street Kitchen extensively here.

Khao Khai Thai Chicken House

Khao Khai serves food mostly from Northern (largely bordering Myanmar, the modern day Burma, and where the city of Chiang Mai is) and Northeastern (largely bordering Laos and also known as Isan) regions of Thailand. But as its name suggests, they specialize on fried chicken and Gai Rang (grilled chicken).

Gai Rang and Som Tam (Thai Papaya Salad) — *Gai Rang* and *Som Tam* (Thai Papaya Salad)

Along with the fried and grilled chicken, my favorites include Drunken Spaghetti, which is Central Thailand’s interpretation of the pasta dish, and Victory Wings, which are chicken wings marinated in fish sauce and herbs and deep-fried to a crisp.

Check my article on Khao Khai here.

Krapow MNL

Krapow MNL is the newest kid on the block, opening last year during the pandemic. While they specialize on their namesake dish, Pad Krapow (holy basil stir-fry), they also offer not-so-usual Thai dishes. These include Gaeng Massaman Neua (Beef Massaman Curry), which is a dish made of protein (typically beef or chicken) stewed in coconut milk and a blend of spices, and Sai Oua, a Northern Thai sausage.

Pad Krapow Moo Sub or Minced Pork Holy Basil Stir-Fry (P285) — *Pad Krapow Moo Sub* or Minced Pork Holy Basil Stir-Fry (P285)

I will say it now: The dishes I tried from them are all amazing! Krapow MNL is now my favorite Thai restaurant and I’ll be posting an article about it next week. Stay tuned!

Address: 5648 Don Pedro Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City | Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11AM-9PM | Contact Nos.: 0956-2517150 | Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Samyan Thai Street Food

Samyan is a stall at The Grid Food Market in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. It’s helmed by Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, who owns the Michelin-recognized Le Du (1 star) and Baan (Bib Gourmand) in Bangkok. The Thai food stall serves dishes that are inspired by the street food Chef Ton used to eat at Samyan Market. My favorites at the stall are their beef massaman curry and Braised Pork Leg Rice.

I will write an article on Samyan and also on its Khao Soi Moo (Pork Curry Noodle Soup) DIY Kit. Stay tuned!

Address: Stall #16, The Grid Food Market, R2 Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City | Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 11AM-9PM; Saturday & Sunday, 10AM-10PM | Contact Nos.: 0917-7022534 | Facebook | Instagram

Which of the Thai food spots above have you tried? Next one I should try next? Comment your answers below!