Crying Tiger Street Kitchen in Makati: A Taste of Authentic Thai Street Food
Founded in 2015 by siblings Chiqui, Dennis, and Dixie Mabanta, Crying Tiger Street Kitchen has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best destinations for authentic Thai and Southeast Asian street food in Metro Manila.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The restaurant, which brings the vibrant flavors and laid-back atmosphere of Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road to the Philippines, is the latest venture from the same team behind popular culinary spots like El Chupacabra and Mexicali.
The Mabanta siblings, who have been running Mexicali since 1993, developed a deep love for Thai street food during their frequent trips to Bangkok. Inspired by the city’s bustling street food scene, they decided to introduce affordable and delicious Thai dishes to the Filipino market.
Crying Tiger Street Kitchen was born out of their passion for bringing the flavors of Thailand to Manila, with a commitment to offering the same level of authenticity that they experienced on the streets of Bangkok.
What sets Crying Tiger Street Kitchen apart is its dedication to preserving the authentic taste of Thai street food. The restaurant sources many of its sauces and condiments directly from Thailand, ensuring that every dish is packed with bold and true-to-taste flavors.
Among the standout sauces are the Thai Seafood Sauce for grilled seafood, the Thai Sweet Chili Sauce for fried items like Thai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod), the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce for fried delicacies, and the Thai Peanut Sauce, which perfectly complements grilled items like tofu and chicken satay.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
First on the list of must-try dishes include their Som Tam, a traditional Thai green papaya salad that combines the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This dish is complemented with dried shrimp and salted egg, offering a fresh, tangy, and uniquely Thai taste that hits all the right notes.
Som Tam (Php 226) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
For their main offerings, you should try the Gai Tod, Thai fried chicken at its best, with a golden-brown, shatteringly crispy coating and a flavorful marinade made from exotic herbs and spices. This dish captures the essence of Thai street food and is a must-try for any fan of crispy fried chicken.
Gai Tod (Php 260; 2 pcs. with rice) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Another recommended dish is the Pad Thai Woon Sen. This delicious variation of Pad Thai features glass noodles tossed in a sweet-savory sauce with a sprinkle of peanuts and a tangy tamarind kick. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, embodying the complexity of Thailand’s most famous street food.
Pad Thai Woon Sen (Php 326) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Last, but definitely not the least, is their Khao Nian Mamuang (Php 241), a beloved Thai dessert that features ripe mango paired with chewy sticky rice and creamy coconut milk, lightly seasoned with a touch of salt. It’s a refreshing, sweet way to end your meal at Crying Tiger Street Kitchen.
Khao Nian Mamuang (Php 241) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The Crying Tiger Experience
Stepping into Crying Tiger Street Kitchen feels like a mini escape to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. The laid-back and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy an affordable yet authentic Thai meal with family and friends.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The Mabanta siblings’ vision of bringing the taste of Bangkok to Metro Manila is clear in every dish they serve, and with their commitment to quality and authenticity, Crying Tiger Street Kitchen has quickly become a go-to spot for lovers of Thai cuisine.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
For anyone looking to indulge in the exciting and vibrant street food culture of Thailand, this is the place to be.
