Some Thai opens Podium branch
I have to admit that I am a big fan of Chef Jorge Mendez. I enjoyed his Japanese comfort food restaurant Ohayo before he opened and got raves for Modan. I knew he could cook Japanese cuisine because he learned it from his mother growing up and his restaurants have proven that he does it well.
He then opened Some Thai in Quezon City and I had to try it myself to see how he fared in Thai cuisine. It was not easy to get a booking as the place is consistently packed. I finally got to try Some Thai and was very impressed. The longing to go back there, braving the traffic and queue, has subsided since they opened a second branch of Some Thai at The Podium in Pasig City, slightly nearer where I live!
What began as a neighborhood spot in Tomas Morato has grown into one of Manila’s most talked-about Thai restaurants — known for its playful personality, bold flavors, and an unapologetic take on Thai.
To celebrate the opening, the Podium branch will feature exclusive dishes available only at this location. A gathering last December started with guests enjoying a Cibo x Some Thai collaboration snack: Cibo’s signature potato chips dusted with kaffir salt, paired with Some Thai’s Tom Yum Mayo Dip. Cibo is Some Thai’s neighbor at The Podium.
Jorge welcomed guests with a short message about the brand’s growth, Some Thai’s playful approach to food, and how the Podium branch represents a confident new chapter for the brand. Guests sampled a mix of beloved staples and new creations. Some Thai favorites like the Tom Yum, Crab Curry, and the Son and Raw egg were served alongside The Podium-exclusive dishes such as the Gaitod, Dry Tom Yum Noodles, and the Thai dessert Khanom Kho.
Guests were welcomed by a live papaya salad orsom tam station inspired by the som tam carts in Thailand. Each order was mixed on the spot using papaya, carrots, kyuri (Japanese cucumber), dried shrimp, garlic, string beans, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and peeled peanuts, tossed in a classic som tam sauce. Fresh, bright, and made right in front of them, it was an opener that set the pace for the rest of the afternoon.
One of the highlights was a Podium exclusive dish and one of my favorites, Gaitod, Some Thai’s take on Thai fried chicken. Crisp and juicy, topped with fried shallots, garlic chips, and cilantro. It is served with a homemade sauce: a savory, slightly spicy dressing with aromatics and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the dish. Another Podium exclusive is the Thai Grilled Chicken served with coconut crisp coconut and shallots. I actually tried this dish with my mother in Tomas Morato when it was served as a limited special in that branch. We both loved this dish and this favorite of ours is now a Podium only exclusive.
Steamed Sea Bass was served despite not being part of the prepared menu. It arrived gentle and fragrant with lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, ginger, red chili, and lime. For dessert, the Khanom Kho (pandan coconut dumplings) ended the meal on a warm note. Soft pandan dumplings with pandan oil, panutsa sauce, and coconut sauce created a sweet, comforting finish.
To pair with the food, the menu brings a mix of new refreshing drinks. The Pandan Lime Ale is crisp and zesty with a hint of pandan, while the Watermelon Spritz is light, juicy, and cooling. For something floral, the Blue Butterfly Tea Lychee Soda combines butterfly pea tea and lychee in a bright, bubbly drink.
The Podium branch features a total seating capacity for54 guests — including a 10-seat private dining room and 44 seats in the main dining area. There are also a few more Podium-exclusive dishes on the menu, waiting to be discovered. So drop by and see why this place is one of the hottest places in the city! *
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