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QC eats: Muang Thai gets new interiors, menu

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Angelo G. Garcia

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats1.jpg"/><figcaption>The newly renovated Muang Thai restaurant building. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA -- For a restaurant to continue to operate after two decades says a lot about its food and service. Because in the very competitive food and beverage world, only a few can say they have stood the test of time and changing trends. </p><p>However, everyone is not immune to change, especially in an industry that aims to please discerning palates and stomachs. </p><p>Muang Thai restaurant along Malakas St. in Diliman, Quezon City, recently had a refresh—new owners, new menu, and new interiors—but still housed in the old temple-inspired restaurant building. A fresh coat of paint, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and new furniture breathe new life to the 22-year-old restaurant. </p><p>According to managing director Regina Romero, their team purchased the restaurant in February this year and immediately renovated the space. The restaurant re-opened last August and just recently had its grand launch.</p><p>Aside from the refreshed facade and interiors, the new owners also revamped the menu. They hired chef Jolo Morales as a consultant, who whipped up new dishes for the new Muang Thai. The new team was inspired by the modernist haute cuisine movement in Bangkok for the new menu. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats2.jpg"/><figcaption>The new Muang Thai&#x27;s menu is a combination oif authentic and modern Thai cuisine. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>“We traveled to Bangkok to really immerse ourselves in the culture and the cuisine, as we saw the opportunity to introduce a new kind of Thai to patrons in the industry. We hope that the new Muang Thai will be loved by both old and new patrons,” Romero said.</p><p>But Romero clarified that they retained the old favorites like the spring rolls, steamed fish, pad Thai, and more, because the loyal patrons of the brand still look for their go-to dishes. </p><p>“You can&#x27;t remove the mixed reactions from the old customers, it&#x27;s been their comfort food for 22 years. But so far, we&#x27;ve had positive feedback from them, They really love the new ones but they still look for the old dishes they&#x27;ve grown to love. But they also learned to accept what we have right now,” she said. </p><p>The new Muang Thai offers a mix of both authentic and modern Thai fare. And it&#x27;s all still casual and family-style dining. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats3.jpg"/><figcaption>A beautifully plated yum som-o or pomelo salad. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>For instance, the yum som-o is a modern take on the classic pomelo salad. It&#x27;s a beautifully plated macerated pomelo in panocha coconut syrup with char-grilled shrimps, roasted nuts and crispy fried shrimp heads. </p><p>They also added other classic Thai dishes like the satay gai or char-grilled chicken thigh skewers with a flavorful peanut sauce. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats4.jpg"/><figcaption>Beef short ribs in massaman curry with sauteed mushrooms, roasted pineapple, and ground toasted rice. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The beef short ribs is one of the new dishes that became a hit to old and new customers. It&#x27;s grilled beef short ribs with sauteed mushrooms, roasted pineapple and ground toasted rice in massaman curry. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats5.jpg"/><figcaption>Mu krob or crispy pork belly with a choice of green, red, or panang curry. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The mu krob is also an early favorite. It&#x27;s crispy pork belly with choice of green, red, or panang curry sauce. It&#x27;s basically Thai lechon kawali. The spicy basil mixed seafood is also a must-try. Its a combination of shrimp, squid, clams, and fish in a spicy basil with fried garlic and turmeric sauce. </p><p>“It&#x27;s really a combination of both traditional and modern Thai cuisine. It&#x27;s not fusion and it&#x27;s not a totally different take on Thai. We still have curries, catfish salad, like basic Thai food. Thecustomers really love the beef short ribs in massaman curry, the mu krob, and chicken satay,” Romero said. </p><p>The interiors also screams modern. The furniture is all natural, wood and iron, similar to younger restaurants. There&#x27;s also wood and wallpaper accents on walls, as well as a neon pink light “Sawasdee” glowing on a wall that is Instagram worthy. The new menu and interiors also appeal to a younger generation of diners. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/24/eats6.jpg"/><figcaption>The modern interiors of the new Muang Thai. <em>Photo by author</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>But at the same time, the old patrons of Muang Thai will still feel it&#x27;s the same restaurant they grew up with especially because the new owners also decided to retain the old staff—from the kitchen to the wait staff. So there are still familiar faces when dining at this old favorite Thai eatery. </p>

<p>The 22-year-old Muang Thai restaurant along Malakas St. in Diliman, Quezon City, recently had a refresh—new owners, new menu, and new interiors—but still housed in the old temple-inspired restaurant building. </p>

The 22-year-old Muang Thai restaurant along Malakas St. in Diliman, Quezon City, recently had a refresh—new owners, new menu, and new interiors—but still housed in the old temple-inspired restaurant building.