Authentic Thai Culinary Experience at Patches Thai Restaurant

It has been a long while since my trip to Thailand, perhaps anywhere else beyond the Philippines. At this point, my curiosity and eagerness to experience new things are already bursting at the seams. I was just craving something familiar from the land of smiles. The great thing I discovered Authentic Thai Culinary Experience at Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga.

I’ve been visiting Angeles a lot lately since I purchased my first car ever. It’s nothing fancy, just enough to take me where I want to go to. It was my birthday so I thought that I’d go out and treat myself. For dinner, it was Thai for me!

After a restful afternoon at Gong Hang Sauna inside Clark, I traveled the Malabaas road where Patches Thai Restaurant is situated. It is about a 7km, 15-minute drive from the Air Base. I arrived at the restaurant at about 6:30 PM just in time for dinner ahead of the coming crowd of diners.

I placed my order at their front counter, though I think you can also sit down and wait to be served. I ordered Padthai, of course, Papaya Salad, and the quintessential Thai milk tea. since I was alone they were able to seat me inside where there is airconditioning.

Waiting time was reasonable, and must I say worth it!

I had to hold myself from digging into my food immediately and waited for my Thai milk tea. I was hesitant knowing that Thai food can be a bit spicy.

Finally, I got my drink. I am now ready to dive in.

I have to say that the serving is quite generous that two persons can share one. The pad Thai was just as tasty as I remember it was. Patches Thai Restaurant also provides seasonings on the side with mashed peanuts being one of them. Back in Bangkok, I would add chunky bits of peanuts but having them mashed just brings out the best of the dish.

The papaya salad was just to die for!

It was an awesome marriage of sweet, a bit of spicy, and tangy tastes. The papaya was crunchy while the sauce was just refreshing! Though they asked me what level of spiciness I wanted, I was still quite hesitant to try it without my milk tea, knowing what medium and not so spicy in Thailand means! LOL! Thankfully though, their spice meter has been adjusted to Filipino standard so medium spicy does mean medium spicy! LOL!

As for the Thai Milk tea, it was just as I remember it having in Bangkok. Nothing special though, but if you want authentic Thai milk tea, you can count on Patches Thai Restaurant. To be honest, though, I actually like the 7-11 milk tea in Bangkok. But hey, the ones served at the restaurant is just how they do it in Thailand!

I spent about 30 minutes trying to finish my dishes but the serving was just too big for me. Remember to bring a friend, if you have one (LOL), when you visit Patches Thai Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga. I had to ask the restaurant to put my papaya salad in a takeaway bag, it was just wrong to leave it there! When they got back to me, it was just a joy to see they made it just as local vendors in Bangkok do it!

I spent about a little over thirty minutes in the restaurant trying to consume everything and fail. Don’t get me wrong that’s actually good as the servings are generous. The interior was homie, with their brown vinyl walls reminding me of traditional houses in Thai telenovelas.

It was all good! I can’t wait to comeback and try their other dishes. I could only order so much since I got no one to Patches, I can’t wait to be back!

Patches Thai Restaurant
26B Malabanias Road, Angeles City, Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057026366895
Phone: +63 961 483 8823

Yes Pho: Baguio’s Best Vietnamese Restaurant

Traveling up north to the Pine City of the Philippines, Baguio, caught me by surprise! I’ve been craving for a Bahn Mi for weeks already looking for that authentic Vietnamese taste. But it’s kinda hard to find something close to what I remember tasting in Saigon.

On my first day in my quick escape to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, I went out walking from my hostel to get some cash from the machine. I walked all the way back to the terminal, but the ATM machine wasn’t working. I walked farther and found another bank and got some cash. I saw this small restaurant just right beside the bank. It says, Yes Pho… Hmmm… I was intrigued by the name… can it be something I have been longing for?

As I stepped inside the shop, this old familiar smell welcomed me. I don’t know what it is but it was something I remember smelling back in Vietnam. They just opened that morning so they are still stewing and brewing things up, it was perfect time for me. The shop is hinted with Vietnamese culture with the hats reminiscent of the southeast Asian country.

I asked if they have a Bahn Mi but said that it wasn’t available yet. Turns out later that it was actually their first day offering the said sandwich.

My spring roll was made fresh when I ordered it. I asked for a shrimp and chicken spring roll. I sat outside to savor the fresh…(fresh daw oh) and cool Baguio air. My food was made pretty quick and was served after a few minutes..

It was served on a plate along with a peanut sauce. Honestly, I haven’t tried this dish with peanut sauce so this is something familiar but is also something new for me. 3

Each spring roll was carefully crafted. It looked full with the vermicelli. I thought that it was gonna be just like those cheap spring rolls I tried in Saigon. But then I took my first bite. I was surprised that inside the bed of vermicelli were more vegetables who’s flavors played on my palate. It was a refreshing surprise.

The chicken fresh spring roll was good but I liked the shrimp best. It was so refreshing and it totally transported me back to my memories of those small side walk stalls in Ho Chi Minh and possibly better.

 

Like a true Vietnamese spring roll it was beautifully presented. Just look at that, why wouldn’t you crave for more of that! I dipped the roll on to the peanut sauce and it was a revelation. It gave me a different experience yet familiar. The I thought that most Filipinos would love the peanut sauce but being someone who is better acquainted with the vinaigrette dip I think I’d stick to that. I asked if they have that kind of dip and they did, stupid me I didn’t ask before taking a bite.

 

Ho Chi Minh or Saigon can be thousands of miles away and can be costly to come back every so soon. Or maybe you could be someone who have been wanting to experience Viet Nam but have not had the chance because of time or money. Well, I highly suggest that you try out this restaurant in Baguio city and take that journey to back to Saigon through your palate. With that, I can dare say that this is one of the must try restaurants in Baguio city.

50’s Diner: Is It Worth The Try?

I’ve always been interested in fascinated about the American diner culture. The retro feel and its all American menu has always been familiar to my palate. A few years back I’ve heard from a friend who had a holiday in Baguio city about 50’s Diner. A, like what I said, 50’s diner themed restaurant that serves my favorite dishes.

 

I’m not the person who easily caves into fads and hype about something, but since I was traveling and a bunch of people I know have tried it and was pleased with the experience I decided to give it a try. Albeit, I lowered my expectations. I mean they serve an american menu, fries, burgers and shakes. How different can one restaurant make it without keeping their prices from sky rocketing. Yes, 50’s Diner does have a reasonable and affordable price range. Their burger starts at about ₱110 (+/- $2) and their servings are big.

It was raining really bad, but I wanted to have a good meal so I thought that walking a few hundred meters down the road isn’t a bad idea since I didn’t want to go down town. As soon as I stepped up the stairs on to their main doors, I was welcomed by their manager/supervisor (I am just assuming here, he looked like he was in charge anyways) and he took care of my dripping umbrella that I was having trouble collapsing into place.

I got in a sat at the left corner thinking that I could do some sort of food review video. Here’s how I started to get disappointed.

I asked the waiter specifics about the burgers and what can he recommend for something that I described I wanted. He gave me a smirk/smile with a look as if it was the first time he was asked like that or as if I was asking something impossible. Not getting a comprehensible response I just asked if they can put more greens into the burger and maybe some tomato. Again he just smiled and said no as if it was a ridiculous request.

To be honest the burger was good while the ice cream shake can be better. The thing I was disappointed about is that I was expecting an experience and not just some good food. I know the prices are cheap for a burger that big and good, but I was promised of an experience and I did not get it. Also, a little flexibility on the menu wouldn’t hurt.

So there I am not saying not to go to 50’s Dinner. They have good, affordable food and yes they are yummy! But manage your expectations. Quite possibly also, it may just be the branch that I went to. So maybe try the main branch or just a different one.

 

Food: Best Kong Rou Fan In Taipei

Aimlessly wandering around an unfamiliar city can lead you to wonderful discoveries, that much I can attest to how wonderful Taipei is. It was a little past 12 in the afternoon when I decided to step out of my hostel and brave the impeding rain brought by the dark clouds over Taipei. Continue reading

Food: Ol’ Pub San Juan La Union

Situated in the thriving surf town of San Juan, La Union Ol’ Pub opened its doors three months ago. We were graciously invited to taste their diverse menu on our last night in La Union. Ol’ Pub exudes a young and energetic theme that’s great when bonding with friends after a good day’s surfing. I love their big bikes displayed in the pub pumping that youthful vibe. Continue reading