TAGUIG, Philippines – Khao Khai “Thai Chicken House”, a Thai diner concept, opens its newest branch located at Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The restaurant introduces the authentic and unbeknown flavors of Northern Thai cuisine to the Philippines.
Expanding Amidst the Pandemic: Making Fine Group’s Latest Venture
Owned and operated by Making Fine Group, the same F&B group behind Tiger Sugar, Gram Cafe & Pancakes, and Chunky Boss, Khao Khai has expanded into a portfolio of seven branches amidst the pandemic – the most challenging years in the restaurant industry.
Its growth is driven by the warm reception of the local dining crowd to some of the least known flavors of Thailand from Chiang Mai and Isan – one that goes beyond the usual Pad Thai or Green Chicken Curry.
A Unique Menu: Unusual Thai Staples
Khao Khai’s menu does not offer the usual Thai staples like Pad Thai, Bagoong Rice, or Tom Yum.
Instead, diners can savor the following:
- Phat Mama (P319): Ramen noodles stir fry
- Seafood Khao Soi (P359): A classic and aromatic Northern Thai soup with coconut curry broth, fried egg noodles, shrimps, and squid
- Red Beef Curry (P369): Beef sirloin strips cooked in garlic and red paste with a hint of lime and aromatic Thai lemon grass
- Yaowaraj Fried Rice (P259): Thai-style chicken fried rice
Signature Dishes: Fried and Grilled Chicken
At the heart of Khao Khai’s menu is its selection of fried and grilled chicken. The restaurant’s signature Gai Tod fried chicken (P139 / 1 piece, P249 / 2 pieces, P369 / 3 pieces) is battered and done carefully, ensuring the right moisture in the poultry to achieve the perfect outside crisp and a surprisingly flavorful and juicy meat.
Khao Khai also features Gai Yang (P329 regular), a Thai grilled chicken dish marinated for nearly half a day before grilling, which is a popular street food in Isan.
The Unsung Heroes: Homemade Sauces
Many of the sauces that Khao Khai serves are made from scratch, as sauces are fundamental to Thai cuisine. Several dishes served – most importantly the grilled and fried chicken – are paired with two critical sauces:
- Nam Jim Jaew: Fish sauce with herbs and spices, prepared at least eight hours before service)
- Nam Jim Kai: Homemade sweet chili sauce)
Sides and Salads: Complementing the Delicacies
Khao Khai’s sides and salads further parade across the table as diners enjoy many of Khao Khai’s delicacies, including Som Tam (hand-cut papaya salad) and egg salad sauce.
These sides and salads allow guests to appreciate the unique flavors in these parts of Thailand.
Where are Khao Khai’s other branches located and what delivery options are available?
Khao Khai brings not only flavors but also the Thai street experience in every restaurant, evident with design that dons all branches and the aromatic and flavorful smell that makes for a signature dining.
The restaurant has six other branches in Poblacion, Makati; Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City; Mall of Asia; Santolan Town Plaza; SM Manila; and SM Fairview.
Deliveries are available via Food Panda and Grab Food.
@techkuya @khaokhaiph BGC branch is now open! Satisfy that #ThaiFriedChicken craving! 😋🍗 #KhaoKhaiPH