Azuthai’s Fine Authentic Thai Dining in Makati City
Azuthai is perhaps the most iconic Thai restaurant in Makati. Even my earliest memory of the city includes this restaurant. I badly wanted to try dining here, but I felt like I didn't have the "budget" to do so. I just told myself that I would be able to try this restaurant someday. Guess what? That day came, and finally I was able to experience the authentic Thai home-cooking here in Azuthai.
Fending off the intimidation
Azuthai can be intimidating. Too intimidating if you’ll ask me because there is some basis to it. Most people are aware that restaurants found here in Milky Way often leans on the higher end of spectrum. Take Tsukiji for example which is a sister restaurant just beside Azuthai. We all heard about how fancy it can get there, and of course “fancy” spells out quality and price both at the same time. This impression generally serves as a force that repels a foodie to even enter the space.
Interestingly, prices here in Azuthai are “gentler” than Tsukiji. While you may still need to allocate budget to dine here, you’ll find everything working together to bring you an authentic Thai experience. In fact, Azuthai is the first restaurant to receive a Thai Select Seal, which is awarded by a representative from the very source of the culture, Thailand. To bag such recognition, restaurants must showcase the authentic quality and taste of Thai cuisine. Though there are already a handful of restaurants focusing on Thai cuisine, only 5 restaurants were given the Thai Select badge here in the Philippines.
Home-like comfort amidst sophistication
Azuthai’s interior has this sophistication that hints a fine-dining ambiance. While it seems intimidating, this is somehow tapered by a home-like comfort that gives it a welcoming feel. Azuthai positions itself as a Thai home-cooking restaurant, so we can expect less intimidation and more of that inviting warmth.
Exploring the true taste of Thai cuisine
The menu here in Azuthai has diverse collection of Thai dishes. Hence, if you want to explore fine Thai food, you can discover them here.
It was a Thai friend of mine who invited me to try out this restaurant. She told me how this was the first place she had dined in where tasted authentic Thai dishes. She explained to me that she even found out that the executive chef here in Azuthai is Thai herself. Hence, be sure to note each time you dine here to make the dishes as "Thai" as possible.
Most Thai restaurants in the Philippines have already "boxed" and "commercialized" the cuisine in such a way that it appeals to the mass of Filipino food-goers. But there are still a selected few which accommodates request to cook dishes the Thai way. This is practically the essence of awarding the Thai Select.
For appetizers, what we had was the Shrimp Cake (P525) and Thai Glass Noodle Salad (P425). Between the two, it was the noodle salad that captivated me more. It had a refreshing combination of sweet and sour edgy tastes that was playful on the buds. Prepared to be caught off-guard with its subtle kicks from the infused chili.
On the side, I also had Thai Milk Tea (P100) which I heavily adored. The taste of the tea was distinct which was wonderfully mellowed down by the sweet and creaminess of the milk infused in the drink.
We also had two noodle dishes. The first one was the Pad See Ew or Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken (P495). It had clean lime finish on top of the savory-meaty taste of the noodles. However, I seemed to have forgotten about this, when I tasted the Pad Thai (P495).
The Pad Thai was completely breathtaking. The flavors were rich yet danced harmoniously with other quality spices. Each time I took a spoonful, I feel the urge to just close my eyes and focus on the natural sweetness and savory essences infused in this dish. I tasted many pad thai before, but this really stood out amongst all.
For the main, we had the famous Massaman Lamb Curry (P695) which instantly became my most favorite Thai dish to date. The curry was rich with spices that collaboratively work together in bringing that creamy, meaty, peanuty curry goodness that seeped into the dreamy tenderness of the lamb. I'm out of words, but you should definitely not miss out on this!
To further level up the experience, we paired the lamb curry with Thai Bagoong Fried Rice (P495), which may also stand up on its own with the exciting variety of ingredients such as prawns, green mangoes, bagoong, and shallot to name a few.
Our festive night ended with the Tako (P175) for desserts, and it was nothing short of grand. The coconut milk was so richly creamy that it softly tickled our buds as it glided in our mouths. The tapioca base also had a playful crunch that further made the texture more "dimensional". It was a perfect way to end the night.
Azuthai - Overall Ratings and Summary
Note: Unshaded stars are equivalents of half-stars. The ratings reflect my personal experiences on the times I dine here.
Place ★★★★★
Taste ★★★★★
Service ★★★★
Value for Money ★★★★
Budget: at least P650 each for a moderate sharing-type of dining experience for a group of at least 4
No. of visits for this particular restaurant/branch - 1 || Date of last visit - October 2, 2018
Azuthai takes Thai cuisine in a whole different level. Ingredients used are meticulously sourced to capture the heart of Thai flavors. With the prowess of the executive chef who is Thai herself, dishes are sure to captivate the hearts of the foodies. Prices may be something you need to allot budget for, but they are very much worth it given the ambiance and the food. Top recommendations include Thai Milk Tea, Pad Thai with Prawns, Massaman Lamb Curry and Tako.
It was a "soulful" experience dining here in Azuthai. No wonder Azuthai got a seal of Thai Select. It was just that exquisite!
Azuthai
Location: Ground Floor, Milkyway Building,Arnaiz Avenue Corner Paseo De Roxas Street, San Lorenzo, Makati City
Service Charge: 10% before VAT
Contact No..: (02) 8176252 - Table reservation is recommended
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