Thai Dara

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

http://www.foodiemanila.com/

(How I wish Foodie Manila can always shoot for me so I’d always have outstanding photos.)

 

Right after the Glutamax event, Bubba, ZP (Carlos) and I dropped by a restaurant I’ve been meaning to try since last year.  It was my small celebration of the win spent together with my loving and supportive partner, Bubba, and Zippy, who, outside the online world, has become a really good friend of mine.  He holds the same fondness I have for “sole sistah” Madz.

 

 

Thai Dara has created a whole new meaning to serving Thai cuisine along Granada Street in Gilmore area.  The dining interior of Thai Dara is minimalist in white with visible elements of Thai design.  We walked inside the small restaurant, chose our table and not long after, 2 more tables get filled. 

 

On the Table

 

Tom Yum Gai PHP 229

Famous Thai spicy soup with mushroom, lemongrass, galangga, and kaffir leaves

 

You have the option of chicken or seafood and I chose the latter.  Presentation was of note since the Thai soup dish was served the traditional way, in an aluminum container with the protruding funnel in the center.  Their Tom Yum Gai is a delicious combination of Thai spices and seafood broth with visibly sufficient amount of shrimps, fish, and mussels. 

 

 

Your preference for the level of heat will be asked upon order.  Ours was mildly spiced –just enough chili flavor that entices another slurp.  I liked their Tom Yum Gai version a lot.  Maybe it would have been a bit better with a shade of sourness.

 

Thai BBQ Chicken PHP 229

Thai marinated chicken with sweet and sour sauce.  Served on sizzling plate, boneless chicken breast with noticeably BBQ-tasty chicken skin that didn’t need the orange sauce.  I was silently wishing that there’d be more of the flavorful charred skin.

 

 

Green Curry PHP 159

Homemade green curry paste with chicken, coconut milk, eggplant, and basil 

 

 

I was only able to try this the following day when I packed it for lunch.  It was generally okay but made me look forward to trying their red curry next time instead.  It could use more curry flavor and smaller chunks of eggplant.

 

Yellow Curry Rice PHP 159

Stir fried curry rice with bits of pineapple, chicken, onions and peanuts 

 

 

Plain Rice PHP 39

 

Milk Tea PHP 45

 

 

Mint Lemon Tea (2) PHP 45

 

 

Service was friendly and adequate.  The wait staff informed us that they have a second floor to accommodate more guests but seating style is on the floor in the upper dining area.

 

 

Thai Dara offers clean in taste and straightforward Thai dishes.  It’s good to know that a Thai restaurant is within the neighborhood to satiate my craving for affordable, reliable and authentic Thai cuisine.

 

 

Thai Dara Bangkok Street Food

Granada St., Valencia,

Quezon City.

(632) 568 0651