Eat Thai-style in Khao Khai! Northern Thai cuisine is the standout at one of the town's fastest-growing casual restaurants.
If you crave or miss Thai cuisine, you do not need to travel to Thailand; instead, if you are in Metro Manila, consider Khao Khai.
A Brief History of Khao Khai "Thai Chicken House" in the Philippines
Khao Khai was conceived out of love for travel, food and adventure. Owner and founder Daniel Mabanta grew up in a family of restaurant owners, in an environment where food was taken seriously and creativity encouraged. It was through regular trips to Chiang Mau (which he dubs as a "magical gastronomic and cultural location just a short flight away") that he began to develop an idea: to bring the rustic, and inherently cool, Thai street food experience to Manila.
Mabanta realized that the Thai restaurant scene in Manila at the time was dominated by pad thai, bagoong rice and tom yung, et al—which he did not consider necessarily the most accurate representation of how everyday Thais eat in Thailand, a culinary way of life he had come to deeply admire.
Aware of the vastness of Thai cuisine (which has distinct flavors and dishes regionally), he decided to focus on Thai chicken dishes—notably "gai yang" the charcoal spiced bird common in the Northeast (or "Isan") region of Thailand; and "gai tod" inspired by fried chicken street cart vendors, ubiquitous to any busy area of the country. These dishes are often eaten with sticky rice, somtam (or spicy green papaya salad) perhaps a chilled glass of milk tea or Chang beer on ice. It was precisely this medley of flavors and textures paired with the distinctive "kitsch" of the humble Southeast Asian eatery that inspired Mabanta.
Khao Khai was conceived out of love for travel, food and adventure. Owner and founder Daniel Mabanta grew up in a family of restaurant owners, in an environment where food was taken seriously and creativity encouraged. It was through regular trips to Chiang Mau (which he dubs as a "magical gastronomic and cultural location just a short flight away") that he began to develop an idea: to bring the rustic, and inherently cool, Thai street food experience to Manila.
Mabanta realized that the Thai restaurant scene in Manila at the time was dominated by pad thai, bagoong rice and tom yung, et al—which he did not consider necessarily the most accurate representation of how everyday Thais eat in Thailand, a culinary way of life he had come to deeply admire.
Aware of the vastness of Thai cuisine (which has distinct flavors and dishes regionally), he decided to focus on Thai chicken dishes—notably "gai yang" the charcoal spiced bird common in the Northeast (or "Isan") region of Thailand; and "gai tod" inspired by fried chicken street cart vendors, ubiquitous to any busy area of the country. These dishes are often eaten with sticky rice, somtam (or spicy green papaya salad) perhaps a chilled glass of milk tea or Chang beer on ice. It was precisely this medley of flavors and textures paired with the distinctive "kitsch" of the humble Southeast Asian eatery that inspired Mabanta.
Every restaurant owned by Khao Khai features not just dishes but also the essence of a Thai street, as evidenced by the design included in every restaurant and the intoxicating aroma that creates a memorable dining experience.
Best Seller! Grilled Isaan Pork Belly with Rice and Egg.
"Gai Tod" Signature Thai Chicken
Thailand has somewhat of an obsession with Gai Tod, or deep-fried chicken. These street-side cart dishes consist of little drumsticks or wings that are marinated in a spice and fragrant mixture before being fried and dredged in rice flour for an added crispy texture.
Best Seller! Grilled Isaan Pork Belly with Rice and Egg.
Must try! Stir Fried Green Beans in Fragrant Garlic Sauce
"Khao Niao Mamuang" Thai Sweet Sticky Rice With Mango
The Thai delicacy Khao Niao Mamuang, also known as Mango Sticky Rice, is cooked with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fresh mango. It's a typical Thai dish. This dish can serve mango sticky rice warm or at room temperature.
"Khao Niao Mamuang" Thai Sweet Sticky Rice With Mango
A complementary Thai Iced Tea
Khao Khai served many dishes on their table, and their prices are very affordable.
Here are more details:
Address: Several Branches
As of this writing, Khao Khai locations are: Poblacion, Makati, Del Monte Ave L1,South Parking Bldg,SM MOA, G/F,Santolan Town Plaza, LG/F SM Manila, LG/F SM Fairview, 2/F BGC Crossroads, and 3/F One Ayala
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (Store and Mall Hours)
Facebook Page: KhaoKhaiPH
Instagram: khaokhaiph
You can order food delivery with Food Panda and Grab Food.
Address: Several Branches
As of this writing, Khao Khai locations are: Poblacion, Makati, Del Monte Ave L1,South Parking Bldg,SM MOA, G/F,Santolan Town Plaza, LG/F SM Manila, LG/F SM Fairview, 2/F BGC Crossroads, and 3/F One Ayala
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (Store and Mall Hours)
Facebook Page: KhaoKhaiPH
Instagram: khaokhaiph
You can order food delivery with Food Panda and Grab Food.
