The Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded Thai restaurant finds its highly anticipated second home.
The wait is over. The bold, flavorful, and crowd-favorite dishes of Some Thai are finally being served on a grander, more accessible stage at The Podium. Led by the powerhouse Chef Jorge Mendez, the Thai restaurant describes itself as “unapologetically inauthentic.” What began as a neighborhood go-to in Tomas Morato quickly became one of the city’s most sought-out dining spots. In October, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing the vibrant dishes that put their own spin on Thai staples.
Chef Jorge shares that, true to its roots, Some Thai is best enjoyed “family style.” After all, the inspiration and team behind everyone’s favorite Thai restaurant is rooted in family–from the Mendez family’s long-time love for Thailand to the fact that Thai food is the favorite cuisine of Chef Jorge’s wife.
READ ALSO: Mugen Ramenya: Chef Jorge Mendez Tells His Ramen Story
Some Thai Favorites
Hamachi in Nam Jim Sauce
The Hamachi in Nam Jim Sauce arrives bright and punchy. The fish’s clean flavor is sharpened by a spicy nam jim built on garlic, fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chilis. It’s the kind of starter that wakes the palate up: a refreshing jolt that sets the tone for the meal to come.
Papaya Salad with Salmon
The Papaya Salad with Salmon builds on that fresh start. Crisp shreds of papaya and a piquant spice kick from the som tam sauce form the base, while the salmon adds a silky richness that rounds out the dish, resulting in something familiar yet lifted. LA Crave Tip: Accompany this with a creamy Thai Milk Tea.
Son and Raw Egg
A staple from their Tomas Morato days, the Son and Raw Egg remains a playful, decadent must-order. Their version puts an addictive twist on the traditional son-in-law egg: an egg soufflé with a crunchy exterior, surrounded by a sweet-sour sauce. The contrast of textures–crisp edges, runny yolk, glossy sauce–make it impossible to stop reaching for.
Tom Yum Soup
The infamous Tom Yum Soup lands with all the tangy, zesty brightness you want from the classic, delivered with a heat level that leans gentle rather than fiery. For diners who prefer their spice dialed up, this sits right in the middle. Topped with a generous mix of seafood, it’s a dish you won’t want to skip.
Tom Yum Noodles
Meanwhile, the Dry Tom Yum Noodles have earned their rightful place on the menu after a wildly popular limited run. The glass-like noodles catch all the citrusy–savory notes of tom yum without overpowering the palate. Instead, they offer a subtle, zesty flavor elevated with seafood, one that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
Crab Curry
A meal at Some Thai wouldn’t be complete without another signature dish: the Crab Curry. A creamy, aligue-forward dish enriched with egg brings the deep umami that fans return for again and again.
The Steamed Sea Bass was the surprise dish of the meal, cooked delicately with flavors of lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, ginger, red chili, and lime. For those looking for something familiar, the Seafood Fried Rice and Pineapple Fried Rice serve as hearty companions to the mains, balanced and designed to let the other dishes shine. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Thai meal without Mango Sticky Rice.
Introducing Podium-Exclusive Dishes
Opening The Podium branch gave Chef Jorge and his team the opportunity “to create something new,” he shares, namely dishes that complement the classics while introducing flavors inspired by Thai street fare and Filipino comfort. Beyond the dishes mentioned, the full Podium menu offers even more to explore, from additional favorites to several other exclusive creations.
Gaitod
The Gaitod is an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s a crispy, juicy, and golden fried chicken served with a special sauce that hits all the right notes: sweet, sour, and just a touch spicy. It’s simple and reminiscent of Thai street-side comfort.
Khanom Kho
For dessert, the Khanom Kho (pandan coconut dumplings) brings a warm, fragrant close to the meal. The soft, chewy dumplings carry a subtle pandan sweetness that lingers, creating a dessert that feels uniquely Filipino-Thai in personality.
Apart from the Pandan Lime Ale–a Podium-exclusive drink and an easy must-order–this branch of Some Thai debuts its first-ever Private Dining Space. In addition to the main dining area’s 44-seat capacity, the private room can accommodate up to ten guests, perfect for intimate celebrations and lively “family style” meals, just as Some Thai intends.
A New Chapter At The Podium
The highly anticipated Some Thai at The Podium joins Mugen Ramenya and Makanai as one of the three restaurants Chef Jorge Mendez has opened in the last four months; it’s a remarkable streak that speaks to his work ethic and expanding culinary footprint. Diners have long been eager for a more accessible second home for the Michelin-recognized favorite, and The Podium opening delivers exactly that.
Located at L2, Some Thai begins its soft opening on December 3 from 5 PM onwards, with doors officially opening on December 10. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations.
Photography by Maxine Alindogan, unless specified.
