When it comes to a cuisine that truly delivers an explosion of flavors, Thai food reigns supreme. Think about it: that perfect dance of spicy, sour, salty, sweet, and umami – it’s a symphony for your palate that keeps you coming back for more. It’s no wonder Thai dishes have become a global sensation, offering not just a meal, but an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Here in the Philippines, as a close neighbor to Thailand, our love affair with authentic Thai flavors is blossoming. While we’ve seen a delightful proliferation of Thai restaurants across the metro, there’s a secret ingredient to truly unlocking that genuine taste: the Thai SELECT seal. This mark of authenticity, championed by Thailand’s Thai SELECT program, ensures that you’re getting the real deal, a true representation of Thailand’s culinary heritage.
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand at the Thai SELECT Festival at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, a vibrant celebration organized by the Thai Trade Center (TTC) Manila. The energy was palpable, and the aroma of incredible Thai dishes filled the air, drawing in eager foodies from all corners.
Ms. Sutinee Vathana, Director of the Thai Trade Center Manila, perfectly captured the sentiment:
“We are very grateful to our Filipino friends for continuously appreciating our dishes. Like them, we take pride in our dishes that speak not just of flavors and taste but also years of history, culture, values, and discipline that made our dishes what they are right now. Knowing Filipinos to have a good choice, we are excited for them to try other Thai dishes in this year’s Thai Select Festival.”
Her words truly resonated, reminding us that every dish tells a story, steeped in rich tradition and passion.
A Taste of Excellence: Eight Thai SELECT Certified Restaurants
The festival was a fantastic showcase, bringing together eight of Manila’s finest Thai SELECT certified restaurants. These aren’t just any Thai eateries; they are Thailand’s culinary ambassadors, offering that perfect balance of authentic Thai flavors that connects us to their vibrant culture.
Let’s take a delicious stroll through some of the highlights from these incredible establishments:
- Benjarong Manila: The pride of Dusit Thani Manila, Benjarong truly delivered a royal experience. Their dishes were a harmonious blend of traditional Thai flavors and modern culinary artistry. We were particularly impressed by how they brought the elegance of authentic Thai royal cuisine to life – a true feast for the senses!
- Samyan Thai Street Food: If you’ve ever dreamt of being whisked away to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Samyan Thai Street Food was your ticket! They offered a playful and modern take on Thailand’s beloved street eats. From sweet to savory, every bite was an exciting burst of color and flavor, truly capturing the essence of vibrant street food culture.
- Nara Thai Cuisine: Nara Thai Cuisine truly stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. Every dish was a work of art, intricately prepared with premium ingredients. You could taste the dedication in every bite, a true tribute to the grandeur of Thai fine dining. They genuinely aim to provide the best Thai experience, and they certainly succeeded!
- Thai BBQ Original Restaurant: For those seeking comforting yet invigorating Thai flavors, Thai BBQ Original Restaurant was a revelation. Their dishes offered that delightful sense of warmth and satisfaction, with generous serving sizes to boot. And let’s not forget their authentic and refreshing Thai drinks and captivating desserts – a complete and fulfilling experience!
- Mango Tree (BGC and City of Dreams Branch): A crowd favorite, Mango Tree delighted attendees with their signature dishes like the Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Crab Meat, Panang Curry, and of course, their iconic Mango Sticky Rice. They certainly brought more color and flavor to the festival, showcasing Thai food at its very best.
- Greyhound Cafe: As Bangkok’s first fashion café, Greyhound Cafe brought its unique “East meets West” concept to the Philippines. Their playful twist on beloved Thai dishes offered a refreshing and casual dining experience that’s both traditional and creatively innovative.
The Thai SELECT Festival, held on July 19th and 20th at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza, was a resounding success. It wasn’t just an event; it was an immersive journey into the heart of Thai cuisine, reminding us why these five fundamental flavors continue to captivate palates worldwide.
If you’re eager to discover more about Thai SELECT restaurants and products that guarantee an authentic Thai experience, be sure to visit their website at https://thaiselect.com/. You can also stay updated by following the Thai Trade Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaitradecentermanila.
What’s your go-to authentic Thai dish? Share your favorites with us!
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