I’ve found a reason to go to the newly opened Robinsons Magnolia along Hemady St.  They named it Magnolia since this is where the classic Magnolia creamery used to stand for decades.  I saw it while it was being constructed every time I visited Papa.  I heard that the mastermind behind the kitchen of Simply Thai and Silk Thai has opened her own modern Thai restaurant at the most ritzy-looking mall by Robinsons.  

Robinsons Magnolia has an outdoor patio where a strip of restaurants are located – similar to Makati malls.  This is the location of Thai Bistro, owned and managed by Chef Cecille Chang of Silk Thai fame, who looks more like a model than a chef slaving inside the kitchen to bring out her passion in infusing modernity and palatability in Thai dishes.

Since she wants to weave inventiveness with the classic taste, tweaking authenticity without marring the original, her ingredients are mostly imported from Thailand.   

On the Table

Herbed Roti with Spicy Tomato Dip Php 195

Roti is bread made out of stone-grounded wholemeal flour.  It’s quite chewy and Thai Bistro’s version is made without the usual butter, instead it was laced with herbs.  The tomato dip gives it a fairly spicy but fresh dimension. 

I used to love ordering Roti and Curry at Prince of Persia at the gas station near Mc Kinley Road but didn’t have a good alternative when it closed shop.  At Thai Bistro, I found a new source.

Soft Shell Crab Pomelo Salad

A traditional Thai starter that I like since the taste of the sea from the soft shell crab, slightly seasoned is enhanced with the citrus from the pomelo.  There is a textural crunch from the deep-fried crab meat followed by the suppleness of the pomelo, fresh citrus bursting.

Mieng Kham Php 180

Peanuts, chili, dried shrimps, coconut rest on top of a minty bitter leaf called Chaplu leaf, which Thai Bistro imports from Thailand.   

This is one of two dishes that piqued my palate interest.  I eagerly folded the leaf wrapping everything inside like a sack and lowering it inside my mouth.  So of course that means my head was facing the ceiling and the one in front of me has probably seen the inside of my nostrils. 

Since I went solo again to this dinner (and again and again), while everyone had a partner, I was allowed to get a second portion.  That makes me a happy bee.  This was both yummy and had interesting flavors especially with the sweet sauce that accompanied it.

Prawn Cakes Php 290

I always like ordering prawn or crab cakes –not that everyone gets it right.  Thai Bistro is part of the selected few.  Their prawn patties with golden orange color breaks into crackling murmurs when you slice a bite.  Start with the crusty exterior then dampen the delicate shrimp within with the sweet chili sauce or tamarind sauce it came with.

Their prawn cakes are plump and packed.  No offense okay, I used the word plump and not fat.  Okay if you want me to be politically correct… chubby.  There, chubby prawn cakes.

Satay Duo Php 265

Skewered duo of grilled chicken and pork meats served with cucumber relish and a tasty peanut sauce that you can easily get addicted to.  Satay rarely disappoints in Thai restaurants due to its smoky strong marinade taste.  Thai Bistro’s version satisfies and it’s juicy and not dry.  The cucumber relish balances the smokiness.

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