Cheyenne Suarez

QC eats: Some Thai opens in Opus Mall with exclusive new dishes

Article (news)

Jeeves De Veyra

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780532536013EXTERIORS 4.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Some Thai expands with new branch at Opus Mall. <em>Jeeves de Veyra </em></span></span></span></div><p>Chef Jorge Mendez’s Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized Some Thai along Tomas Morato has become one of the most frustratingly sought-after tables in the metro. The space is small, and parking in the area remains practically non-existent, adding to the challenge of securing a visit.</p><p>Fortunately, Mendez’s The Crave Lab Corp. has made his unapologetically personal take on Thai cuisine more accessible, first with a Podium branch and now with its latest one at Opus Mall.</p><p>The new location, situated near the mall’s periphery, remains compact and is likely to draw lines of waiting guests. Still, it carries a personality of its own. There is al fresco seating outside, while inside stretches a long dining area anchored by “Mobius Weave,” a striking rattan installation by artist Leeroy New that adorns one end of the room.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780532212094JORGE WITH THE MOBIUS STRI 2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Chef Jorge Mendez with Leeroy New&#x27;s &#x27;Mobius Weave&#x27; in the background. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Some Thai, as Mendez explains, is his shorthand for “somewhat Thai.” His family travels to Thailand multiple times a year, drawing inspiration from benchmark restaurants that inform the dishes on his menu. Rather than chasing strict authenticity, however, Mendez openly embraces adaptation, tweaking his flavors and presentation to suit personal preference.</p><p>The result is Thai food that is intentionally approachable. By default, dishes are less fiery than their counterparts in Thailand, though guests can request a more authentic level of heat. Portions are also noticeably larger, often enough to be shared between two diners, a contrast to the more individual servings typical of Thai street food. Presentation, meanwhile, reflects Mendez’s flair for design, with some dishes requiring assembly at the table by the waitstaff.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780533287346DRINKS.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Drinks. <em style="text-align:left">Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Start off with a glass of Blue Pea lychee soda or a tamarind juice with a hit of salt from the rimmed glass.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053326258301 - papaya salad.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Green Papaya Salad. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Mendez plays with flavor balance in his Green Papaya Salad. While it retains the punchy sourness expected of the dish, a touch of sweetness from a syrupy dressing gives it a lighter, more refreshing profile.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053322240601 - TOD MUN GOONG.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Tod Mun Goong. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>An Opus-exclusive addition, this dish is Mendez’s take on okoy. It delivers strong, fermented, briny notes from the <em>hibe</em>, complemented by fresh ikura added tableside.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053319082502 - PAD THAI.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Pad Thai. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>The Pad Thai showcases the chef’s signature style. The noodles are wrapped in a scrambled egg cup, with chili flakes, peanuts, and bean sprouts on the side added to the guest&#x27;s preference..</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053316138502 - TOM YUM.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Tom Yum. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>This version of Tom Yum expands beyond the usual prawns, incorporating mushrooms, mussels, clams, and squid. A subtle fermented note complements its signature sour heat.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780533110925son-in-law eggs (supplied).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Son-in-law Eggs. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>A standout on the menu, this dish is traditionally said to make any single man marriage material if cooked properly. Crisp, fluffy egg whites cradle a rich yolk, finished with a sweet and slightly sour sauce. It remains a must-order at any of Some Thai&#x27;s branches.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053308056602 - GREEN CURRY CHICKEN.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Green Curry Chicken. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>This Opus-only offering arrives with an element of theater. Diners get a look at its components before the green curry is poured in, completing the dish at the table.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053302434402 - bbq PORK RIBS.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">BBQ Pork Ribs. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, leaning on the sweeter side. The accompanying sauce adds acidity that balances the dish.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053296986603 - COCOCNUT PANDAN ICE CREAM WITH COCONUT CREPE CAKE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Coconut crepe cake and Coconut ice cream. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>Desserts round out the experience with options like a multilayered coconut crepe cake. The coconut ice cream with pandan cream offers a fresh take on the classic buko pandan.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178053293693203 - KAFFIR LIME ICE CREAM AND THAI TEA ICE CREAM.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Thai tea ice cream and kaffir lime. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>For ice cream, the Thai tea flavor leans tea-forward, with cubed tea jellies and rice crispies for texture. The kaffir lime variation is herbal, paired with sweetened peanuts.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>The Opus branch of Some Thai is located near the Tera Drive mall entrance and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.</em></div>

<p>Chef Jorge Mendez brings his ‘somewhat Thai’ philosophy to Opus Mall, complete with exclusive dishes, tableside presentations, and the bold flavors that made the restaurant one of Metro Manila's hottest reservations.</p>

Chef Jorge Mendez brings his ‘somewhat Thai’ philosophy to Opus Mall, complete with exclusive dishes, tableside presentations, and the bold flavors that made the restaurant one of Metro Manila's hottest reservations.