May 2025

GUIDE: Must-visit Thai and Vietnamese Restaurants in Metro Manila

  • HOME
  • Feature
  • GUIDE: Must-visit Thai and Vietnamese Restaurants in Metro Manila

    • Southeast Asian cuisine is a wonderful mix of flavors, colors, and textures, with Thai and Vietnamese dishes arguably standing out for their uniqueness. The former is renowned for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy elements, often achieved through ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, fish sauce, and chilies. Signature dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup exemplify this intricate flavor profile. In contrast, the latter emphasizes freshness and simplicity by utilizing herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro to create light yet flavorful dishes like Pho and Banh Mi. The use of these aromatics and minimal oil contributes to its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide.

    Mookata / IMAGE from Siam Thai

    In the Philippines, the popularity of these cuisines has been on the rise. Filipinos now have broader appreciation for diverse culinary experiences and a desire to explore the rich food cultures of neighboring Southeast Asian countries, leading to a proliferation of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants across the country. Dining spots like Bon Pho & Roll in San Antonio Village, Makati have introduced locals to authentic Vietnamese dishes, while Thai restaurants such as Azuthai (also in Makati) continue attracting diners craving bold and spicy flavors.

    Pho / IMAGE from Bon Pho & Roll

    That’s why this June, Philippine Primer will take you to the best Thai and Vietnamese restaurants in the Metro! From Benjarong’s acclaimed Gaeng Singhol Nuea and other high-end Thai treats, as well as Azuthai’s crispy Peek Gau Yat Sai and timeless classics, to Bon Pho & Roll’s homey, comfort food such as bánh hỏi, we’re highlighting our favorite places that bring you really darned spicy Southeast Asia closer to home.


    IMAGE from Azuthai

    We’re delving into the stories behind these beloved eateries and restaurants by exploring how they bring authentic Thai and Vietnamese flavors to the Filipino palate. Discover the chefs’ inspirations, the ingredients that make each dish special, and the cultural nuances that make every bite more satisfying.

    Fresh Spring Rolls / IMAGE from Bon Pho

    Don’t miss out on this flavorful adventure! Join us as we embark on a gastronomic tour that will tantalize your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for Thai and Vietnamese food.

    Gaeng Singhol Nuea / IMAGE from Benjarong

    Where to Eat

    Chang Thai in Makati: Chef Aof Suwannalert’s Thai Culinary Masterpiece in Makati
    Authentic Thai cuisine moves closer to Manila through sumptuous Thai dishes served by no other than Chef Aof Suwannalert, the Thai chef behind Chang Thai in Makati!
    Basil in Makati: Delightfully Spicy and Savory Thai Food
    Bringing the authentic flavors of Thailand's rich culinary heritage to Manila, Basil offers traditional Thai cuisine that captures the essence of Thailand's royal cuisine.
    People’s Palace in Makati: A Thai Dining Experience for Every Occasion
    Ready to celebrate your special moments with fresh Thai food? Visit People's Palace at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Greenbelt, Makati City.
    Spices in Makati: A Symphony of Asian Flavors
    In the hunt for the best cuisines that highlight the rich and flavorful spices from around the world? Introducing Spices at the Peninsula: A symphony of Asian flavors. 
    AzuThai in Makati: Serving Authentic Thai Cuisine Since 2008
    Led by Chef Kanjana, Azuthai was the first restaurant in the Philippines to be awarded the prestigious Thai Select award.
    Benjarong in Makati: An Award-winning Restaurant Serving Modern Thai Cuisine
    A taste of the popular restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand comes to Manila through Benjarong!
    Gala Food Park in Pasay: A Japanese-themed Food Hub
    If you’re looking for the perfect spot to take your family or friends this season, Gala Food Park is a newly-opened Japanese-themed food hub in Pasay that will give you a feast fit for the holidays.
    Greyhound Cafe in Makati: Thai Food with Modern Twists
    Greyhound Cafe brings modern twists to traditional Thai food that stay true to the roots.
    Just Thai in Alabang: Your Go-To Thai Restaurant in the South
    Get your dose of authentic and traditional Thai cuisine recipes in Just Thai.
    Nara Thai in Alabang: Authentic Thai Restaurant from Bangkok
    Originating from Bangkok, Thailand, Nara Thai has made its way to Hong Kong, Myanmar, Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Manila, including SM Megamall in Mandaluyon and Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang.
    Som’s Noodle House in Makati: A Homey Thai Restaurant Serving Classics
    Som's Noodle House in Poblacion, Makati is an authentic Thai restaurant, run by the Pattamadilok Family since 2003!
    Señorita Sunae Asian Kitchen in BGC: Southeast Asian Specialties with a Pinoy Twist
    The food is inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Filipino flavors based on Chef Sunae’s interpretation.
    Café Juanita in Pasig City: A Decades-Old Restaurant Perpetually Serving Filipino Classics
    For one, Café Juanita was deemed by Time Magazine as a place where the food is as close to home cooking as it can get!
    Big Bad Thai in El Nido: A Popular Dining Destination for Authentic Thai Spice and Flavor
    Big Bad Thai is a perfectly elevated restaurant in El Nido giving the most authentic Thai dishes and one of the best views in town.
    Mango Tree in BGC: Authentic Thai Without the Flight
    Mango Tree has more than held its own alongside other restaurants in High Street Central. The famous Thai restaurant has stores in Bangkok, Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and more.
    (CLOSED) 81 Cafe and Bistro in Alabang: A Fusion of Your Favorite Cuisines
    So if you're looking for a place to have your romantic brunch or maybe an afternoon snack, 81 Cafe and Bistro in Alabang is the place to be! This quintessential cafe can be your small haven serving you with dishes that will remind you of your mom's cooking.
    Buddha’s Surf Resort and Restaurant in Siargao Stands out for Their Authentic Thai Cuisine
    Serving Thai cuisine born from Northeast Thailand, with its fusion of the Laos and Vietnam gastronomy, Buddha’s Surf Resort and Restaurant stands out for their rich and rustic cooking care of Chef Suksa-Ard Wichaisri, better known as Chef Art. Visit them along the Tourism Road in General Luna and sample their Thai cuisine comprised of the Pad Thai, Tom Yum Gai, Khao Pad, and the Gaeng Ped! Plus, don’t forget to look for the “Buddha Thai Cuisine” sign that will welcome you before you enter this rustic abode.
    Cisan’s in Angeles, Pampanga Mixes Thai and Filipino in a Marriage of Flavors
    Cisan's is a restaurant in Pampanga's Nepo Quad, one of the main malls in Angeles City, that proves that Thai cuisine is more than just a bowl of Pad Thai. With a simple setting and straight-to-the-point dining experience, customers will surely enjoy the unique Asian dishes.
    Simply Thai in Makati: A Modern Twist on Thai Classics
    For food lovers craving an authentic taste of Thailand with a modern flair, Simply Thai at Greenbelt 5 is a must-visit.
    Lime and Basil in Cavite: Serving Authentic Thai Cuisine Since 2012
    Since 2012, Lime and Basil has been offering their own rendition of well-known Thai dishes by incorporating Filipino flavors while staying faithful to original Thai cooking methods
    Cafe Voi La in Tagaytay: A Southeast Asian Food Trip
    Cafe Voi La is a very colorful restaurant in Tagaytay where you can enjoy inspiring Asian-fusion dishes.
    Songkran Restaurant in Makati
    Through Songkran restaurant, you can now enjoy authentic Thai foods at a low price but equally delicious compare to the high end Thai restaurants.
    Pho Hoa X My Thai in BGC: Your Go-to Spot for Vietnamese Pho and Thai Curries
    Pho Hoa is one of the most well-known Vietnamese restaurants in the Philippines, and its equally popular sister company, My Thai Kitchen, are where you can get your favorite Vietnamese and Thai comfort food.
    Indulge in Thai favorites at Siam Thai BBQ and Sports Bar in Pasig
    Taste authentic Thai dishes here at Siam Thai BBQ and Sports Bar in Pasig City!
    Discover unique Thai flavors at Thai BBQ Original in BGC
    Bringing nothing but the best Thai experience, Thai BBQ Original is here in the metro to give us the unique flavors of Thai Cuisine we are yet to discover!
    Basil Thai Restaurant (CLOSED)
    UPDATED as of January 15, 2019: This restaurant is CLOSED. Basil Thai Restaurant is bringing authentic Thai cuisines in the Philippines Pure herbs and spices combined together to bring authentic Thai cuisines here in the Philippines. A mix of sweet, salty, spicy and sour perfect for our local taste buds. Started on 2012, Basil offers wide […]
    Som’s Noodle House in Makati serves authentic Thai noodles:
    People all over the metro have tried noodles from various countries, with Japan’s thick and rich ramen and China’s spicy noodle soups leading the charge. Thai noodles rose to popularity in recent years, with one restaurant being frequented by foreigners everywhere: Som’s Noodle House in Makati City. Som’s Noodle House started off as a Thai […]
    Red Ginger in City of Dreams Manila
    RED GINGER. One of City of Dreams Manila’s dining offering. Being one of the restaurants at the great entertainment complex that is City of Dreams Manila, Red Ginger offers the pleasant dining atmosphere and delectable dishes you deserve. Mainly a Thai cuisine restaurant, Red Ginger is the restaurant you must go to if you want […]
    People’s Palace in Makati
    Located in Greenbelt 3, Makati, People’s Palace serves modern Thai cuisine. What’s unique about Thai dishes is that at least 3 of the 5 major sensations of taste are always present – salty, sweet, sour, bitter and spicy. The flavors burst in the mouth on the first bite. Thai cuisine is never boring. They pay […]
    (CLOSED) Coca in Taguig
    (Update: Coca is permanently closed) Nowadays, a lot of different cuisines from various countries have become in demand in Metro Manila, catching every heart of food lovers. One of Primer’s favourites is COCA, a Thai-Cantonese restaurant located in SM Aura. “COCA” was derived from the Mandarin word “kekou” which means “appetizing.” True enough, Coca has […]
    You might also like...
    May 2025
    TRAVELER’S GUIDE: Must-visit Tourist Destinations in Tagaytay
    Now, let's explore some of the most famous spots that capture Tagaytay's charm.
    April 2025
    GUIDE: The Best Italian Restaurants in Manila to Visit this 2025
    This May, Philippine Primer lays out a delicious feast of Italian food to try out in Metro Manila—a scene that has developed into one of the local dining panorama's dearest.
    March 2025
    Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Metro Manila
    This March 2025, Philippine Primer should be your go-to guide for essential tips and tricks to living a comfortable, hassle-free life in Metro Manila!
    January 2025
    TRAVELER’S GUIDE: Binondo, the Oldest Chinatown in the World
    As we usher in the Year of the Wood Snake, join Philippine Primer in exploring Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
    December 2024
    GUIDE: Cool Cafes in the Metro to Visit in 2025
    Kickstart 2025 with a delightful café-hopping adventure around Metro Manila! This January, we’re featuring a list of the Metro’s finest cafés—beloved staples like Wildflour, globally renowned brands like %Arabica and Kazu Café, as well as establishments offering afternoon tea. Get ready to explore these spots and indulge in flavorful food and drinks that’s perfect for […]