Quezon City restaurant serves cheap, yet authentic Thai food

Posted at 2:18 pm November 16, 2010

Tags: Food Establishments, Food Preparation, Healthy Food and Drinks

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By Marjorie Gorospe

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA–There may be many restaurants that offer Thai food in Metro Manila, but this small restaurant prides itself in offering authentic Thai street food that is within your budget.

Thai Dara (which means ‘Thai Star’) is nestled in the heart of Gilmore Extension in Barangay Valencia and has already captured its fair share of regular customers after its establishment in 2009, according to owners Thai Chef James Worrasaran and registered health care professional James Bon.

“The idea began when we started missing the authentic Thai food we used to eat in Los Angeles (California),” says Bon, who finished a nursing degree in California State University.

Although there are many food establishments that serve Thai food, Thai Dara’s peg according to James, is the authenticity of the dishes, since all their spices come from Bangkok.

“There is a big difference between Thai food and an authentic Thai food. Our dishes can be identified for their freshness and the spices used which are not similar with what is in the Philippines,” he adds.

Aside from being authentic, Thai Dara also serves Bangkok street food, in particular, which is why it is more affordable yet can also be filling.

According to Chef Worrasaran, most people think that Thai food is expensive and spicy, but Bangkok street food is something Filipinos must try.

“Sometimes, it is difficult because there are still a lot of people who are afraid to try it because they assume that all the Thai foods are spicy and expensive but it’s not really that way. I hope more Filipinos will try it,” he says.

Thai food according to chef Worrasaran is distinct, because each of the dishes does not have on one dominant taste. “It is a mixture of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. Thai food is rich in herbs which make it different from other cuisines,” says Worrasaran.

At Thai Dara, Worrasaran takes care of the taste while Bon makes it a point that every food served on the table are healthy, making their servings ideal for those who want to lose weight while still enjoying Thai food.

Speaking of food, the must-try dishes are pork satay (barbecue marinated with Thai spices) for appetizer, tom yum shrimp (a tangy soup often compared to sinigang), and pomelo salad (cooked shrimp and squid mixed with pomelo).

For the main course, Bon and Worrasaran suggest Tamarind Fish, Panag Beef and Basil Chicken but the all time favorite of their customers is the Pad Thai Noodle which is also a famous street food in Bangkok.

Thai Dara is located at 56 Granada St., (Gilmore extension) Brgy. Valencia Quezon City. It is open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily. You may call them at 411-1156 or 09183654250.