Simply Thai: Contemporary Thai Cuisine in Greenbelt 5

Friday, August 17, 2012
As a foodie, I always make sure to keep an open mind and an open palate especially for cuisines I haven't delved much into yet. And just this week, together with my lovely girls from The Foodies Circle, I've gone to explore more of Thai cuisine from a notable food destination. This time, it's a feast of contemporary Thai gustatory treats at Simply Thai.
Simply Thai Greenbelt

Located at Greenbelt 5's ground floor, the side near Greenbelt 1, stands a sophisticated dining space that is Simply Thai. Since I don't frequent this part of the mall, I didn't have a single idea of how the restaurant would look like. However, I was blown away when we entered the Thai resto's doors. We were welcomed by a beautiful set of golden hanging lamps, a wide dainty mirror, and a charming space drenched in gold, beige and green.

Thai Buddha Decor Simply Thai Interior Greenbelt

My shots can't justify how lovely Simply Thai's restaurant interior is. I just felt at home in an instant with such a relaxing atmosphere. Initially though, I thought the place seemed a little European-inspired. But upon assessing the space, I saw that the walls are adorned with bamboo prints giving off an elegant, warm and contemporary Asian-European feel.

The Food

If you've been a regular reader, you'd know that I haven't tried a lot of Thai dishes yet. So as expected, I was very excited to see what this charming resto offers. And like other Thai restaurants I've visited, Simply Thai also has a wide selection of food items ranging from soups, appetizers, salads, curries, stir-fried meat & veggies, noodles and desserts.

Tom Yum Kung P155

We started off our dinner with a bowl of Tom Yum Kung (P155), a famous Thai hot and sour prawn soup made from lemon grass, galangal, lime juice and leaves, fish sauce and chili peppers, with coconut milk and fragrant herbs. Although I've always known authentic tom yum to be too spicy for my taste, this version is gentler on the palate and has a nice balance of sourness which makes it easier to appreciate even for a first-timer.

Yam Som O P290

Next on our table was Yam Som O (P290), a restaurant bestseller which is actually a savory yet still refreshing Thai prawn, chicken and pomelo salad. Although I haven't had a lot of pomelo salads in my life, it's nice to see that at Simply Thai, they don't scrimp on the ingredients. Even the pomelo chunks and cilantro leaves came in generous portions.

Chiangmai Khao Soi Noodle Soup P320

We then had a serving of Chiangmai Khao Soi Noodle Soup (P320), a hearty rice noodle coconut-curry soup that comes with a choice of chicken, beef or seafood, and is topped with cilantro leaves and crispy noodles and shallots. I may not be too fond of curry, but this hot bowl became an instant favorite. The soup's curry flavor is mild which made it very easy on the palate, while the crispy noodles were so addicting to munch.

Black Pepper Soft Shell Crab P395

What followed suit was a serving of Black Pepper Soft Shell Crab (P395), a plate of crunchy tempura crabs drenched in a black pepper sauce. This dish is another winner in my books! Every bite is an explosion of savory flavors which makes it a safe choice for those who aren't too acquainted yet with the bold and complex taste of Thai cuisine.

Takhoo Sakhoo P190

After a flavorful meal, we had Takhoo Sakhoo (P190) for dessert. These are steamed cakes with tapioca pearls at the bottom encased in fresh pandan cups. Upon first bite, I was reminded of our local maja blanca (coconut pudding) as these are also sticky and quite sweet. Of course, with the exception of the soft and addicting tapioca pearls.

Thap Thim Kwarp P185

We also had a serving of Thap Thim Kwarp (P185) also known as red rubies which is a dessert of ruby-colored water chestnuts on shaved ice and sweet coconut cream. While this dessert doesn't taste quite sweet generally, the water chestnuts have a mild nutty flavor and an interesting chewy and nutty texture that makes them a delight to munch.

The Beverages

There's a wide selection of drinks at Simply Thai, from fresh juices, teas, smoothies, coffees, cocktails, mocktails, beer and other alcoholic beverages, which you can enjoy either inside the charming restaurant or at their outdoor bar.

Pandan Juice P80 and Lemongrass Juice P80

As for us, we had the Pandan Juice (P80) and Lemongrass Juice (P80) as drinks which went perfectly with our flavorful dinner. Both juices are light and very refreshing. However, you must add the accompanying syrup as these are not sweet on their own.

Simply Thai Bar Thai Milk Green Tea P120

We also headed to the bar where one can order any of Simply Thai's beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic like this glass of Thai Milk Green Tea (P120). I didn't quite like it upon first sip as it had a matcha green tea taste, and a distinct flavor which I can't figure out. However, after taking a few succeeding sips, I learned to like the concoction. I found it creamy and I guess my taste buds got used to the strong flavor already.

Blue Day Simply Thai Punch

Simply Thai also offers Bottomless Cocktails daily from 4 to 7PM for P299. Definitely a good news for the cocktail lovers out there! And although we're not really in the mood for drinking, we didn't miss trying out Blue Day -- a green blend of orange-vodka and blue curacao, refreshing yet has a strong aftertaste. We also had the Simply Thai Punch -- a fruity and zesty concoction of rum, citrus and apples, perfect even for first-time drinkers.

THE VERDICT

Our visit to Simply Thai had strongly influenced me to develop a fondness for Thai cuisine. Although I haven't tried a lot of authentic Thai dishes yet, I can definitely say that I'm in love with the contemporary take on them. The flavors aren't too bold nor too complex that even newbies to the cuisine will be able to appreciate the dishes. And with reasonable prices and a charming interior added into the mix, I'm all sold. Simply Thai can expect another visit from me soon.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4.5/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Simply Thai, Greenbelt 5
G/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St.,
Ayala Center, Makati City
Philippines
(02) 729-0860
Facebook Page

52 comments:

  1. I miss eating Thai food! This is one interesting resto, I hope I'll try this soon. :)

    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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  2. OM! The food look delish and the resto look so nice too! I've always wanted to drop by but had no chance! I want! Haha! I love Thai yummy fotos! :)

    Stay Gorgeous,
    Earthlingorgeous

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    1. Give it a try when you're in the area.. :D The food's good and the resto itself is super nice! ;)

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  3. I am curious about The Foodies Circle lol You got me at soft shell crab. Now I have to make a mental note to visit this restaurant when I am in Makati hahaha I want to try the drinks especially the Thai Iced Tea ; )

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

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    1. Check out our FB page Mrs.M! :) The Foodies Circle is actually just a group we made, something to call ourselves lang naman.. ^^

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  4. I want those soft shell crabs! Now! :)

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  5. Crab lover here but I've never tried any cooked the Thai way. Singaporean crabs are my faves. :D We love Thai curries and sour soups though and might just give this resto a visit.

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  6. The place looks ethereal! (?) Haha! You guys are going to a lot of interesting places! I'm jealous! I haven't tried much Thai food to date, so I'd love to check this out.

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    1. I haven't tried a lot of Thai food either. I think I only had Thai for about 3 or 4 times. Haha.. Anyway, don't worry 'cause we have plenty of time to explore Thai cuisine! ;)

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  7. The foods looks so delicious!! I want Takhoo Sakhoo :((

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  8. The Food itself is tantalizing enough!

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  9. I super love Thai food .One of my favorite international cuisine. I like the chair and its color of the Simply Thai restaurant. Thap Thim Kwarp, I never tasted it before, it looks mouthwatering.

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  10. i love the food in Simply Thai but the food is a bit pricey..

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  11. Thai food is one of my favorites! My last Thai food indulged was in Laguna, way back 2010. Two years is like a decade to me after seeing these pictures. ^^

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  12. I've tried simply thai several times and I love their curries, especially the spicy ones.

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  13. My hubby love Thai foods...he simply can't get enough of those Thai Milk Green tea...good thing we have a Thai resto just a few minutes from our place..:-)

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  14. I've always been a fan of Thai architecture, but I have yet to really sink my teeth into Thai cuisine. In college, I may have had a few Thai food, but not as exquisite as those you've featured. I'd love to have a sip of that pandan drink :)

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  15. mouth-watering food. I think this is a must-try place...

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  16. This resto seems like the perfect introduction to Thai cuisine to people like me who haven't tried yet :)

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  17. If only I have enough money to buy this stuffs, ahhh my stomach will always happy.

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  18. will try this resto once I'll have my vacation to our homeland...

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  19. I simply love your food photos. Nice shots!

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  20. I miss Thai food. Anyway, I'm curious... how often do you eat out? :)

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    1. I often get this question.. haha.. :D On average, about 2 to 3 times a week sis.. ^^

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  21. mukang masarap din pala mga thai cuisine :) yum som o! :D hehe
    i wanna try this place when my budget and time allows me. :P

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  22. Wow. Thai foods everywhere! How do these foods taste compare to Filipino native dishes? I'm very curious to taste them!

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    1. Compared to Pinoy dishes, Thai is very different. While our local cuisine are mostly sweet, savory and heavy on the palate, Thai on the other hand has a light and fresher taste. They also make use of coconut milk, shrimp paste and cilantro a lot! :D

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  23. Im never a fan of thai food but looking at your photos make me salivate. im so curious to try it sumi! :)

    Rovie, The Bargain Doll

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  24. i love thai food! looking forward to try other dishes from Simply thai! :)

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  25. I will surely try this place when i get back to manila =)

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  26. I love the vibe of the place. And the fact that they got my favorite Thai dessert, I'm definitely heading there for lunch when I head over the area this coming week.

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  27. The prices are reasonable. Must try when I pass by Greenbelt 1.

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  28. OMG. I'm hungry again. Anyway I love the interior design of the place and the food looks superb.

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  29. Just had my Thai meal and it was as satisfying as yours Sumi dear :) The Tom Yum you had looks uber delicious with a creamy kick!

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  30. Even with the smallest peak your pictures provided of the restaurant's interiors, I can just imagine when you say that you were blown away. The ambiance is always an important factor in any dining experience.

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  31. wow bottomless cocktails..I will remember that when I visit this place

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  32. nice food. all is appetizing and made me drool.

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  33. i love thai foods... :) the combination of coconut milk, lemon grass and that tangy flavour. you've got nice pics they make the food more interesting... made me curious about the lemongrass juice....

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  34. Oh my! foodgasm!!! Love the photos.

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  35. Food has always captured my interest. Thai food are great due to the various herbs used in each dish. Nice Photos.

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  36. i love thai food! hope i could visit this resto soon! loving the interiors and the friendly prices of their food :)

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  37. Parang masarap ung thap thim kwarp... I never tried thai cuisine pa.. will mark this resto at sana mapuntahan ko na ung ibang resto reviews mo... lol...

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  38. I've been passing though this resto for quite sometime now and I haven't tried their dishes as of yet. Malapit lang ito sa ofis namin :D

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  39. mukhang masarap ang food and maganda ang ambience. I have yet to taste authentic Thai cuisine though

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  40. Aww I want that wallpaper!~
    I love that Thai restaurants (I've only been to two *lol*) have different types of food. There's rice, meat, soups, noodles etc., They look like it could be Filipino food, but there's a kick of flavor that's very Thai.

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  41. I wanna try them. Hope they open more branches esp in the north area hehe! :)) And their prices are not bad.

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  42. this will surely be on my foodie index since I love Thai cuisine! really nice interiors they got there.

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