Some Thai, one of the 25 recipients of the 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand award, is expanding. From its cozy neighborhood outpost in Quezon City, Some Thai is set to open at The Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City on December 10.
Helmed by Chef Jorge Mendez, Some Thai is not only bringing its crowd-favorite dishes to the new branch, it will also offer The Podium-exclusive plates like the Gaitod, Dry Tom Yum Noodles, and Steamed Sea Bass.
The Gaitod is Some Thai’s take on Thai fried chicken. Crisp and juicy, it is topped with fried shallots, garlic chips, and cilantro, and served with a homemade sauce.
According to Mendez, Gaitod is among the dishes that best exemplifies his vision of marrying Thai and Filipino flavors.
“When we go to Bangkok, favorite ko ‘yung street fried chicken, I’m curious how they do it so crispy,” he said.
“So, we got the recipe and flavors inspired by Gaitod in Bangkok, and the batter naman is like a Manila street style,” he described.
Other Podium-exclusive dishes include the Steamed Sea Bass, which Mendez described as a “Thai Paksiw” flavored with lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, ginger, red chili, and lime, and the Dry Tom Yum with glass noodles, similar to Japchae.
At the press preview last week, Mendez gave a press preview of what to expect at The Podium. Apart from the exclusives, he also served of the Thai restaurant’s beloved staples, including Tom Yum, Crab Curry, and Son and Raw Egg.
Speaking to GMA News Online, Mendez said he had long eyed opening a restaurant at The Podium and among the restaurant concepts he has, it was Some Thai for which the stars aligned.
“We always go to The Podium, that’s why we want to open any concept here. Pero nagkataon na Some Thai ‘yung pwede,” Esquire Philippines’ 2025 Chef of The Year said.
Since its Bib Gourmand recognition, Some Thai has gotten busier. In fact, the last time Mendez visited Some Thai’s original Tomas Morato location, he was 24th on the waiting list.
In case you didn’t know, a Bib Gourmand is a Michelin distinction recognizing restaurants that serve “high-quality food at a great, approachable price, focusing on value for money and delicious, satisfying meals.”
“We normally line up talaga, we don’t [cut the line],” he said.
“Lagot ako sa misis ko [‘pag sumingit kami],” he added with a laugh.
So Some Thai’s expansion comes at the perfect time. Its The Podium location features a total seating capacity of 54 guests, with a 10-seater private dining room and 44 seats in the main dining area.
Some Thai will be open daily beginning December 10. 2/F The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. — LA, GMA Integrated News