Friday, September 14, 2012

Food: Thai Dara

Date Budget: PhP 500
Actual Spend: PhP 438
Quality: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Fun Factor: 4/5
Overall Experience: 3/5

Highlights 
  • Allergen-free Vegetable Pad Thai by request
  • Great Pork Satay with peanut sauce and side salad
  • Simple, well-lit ambiance utilizing natural light

The Experience

Having tried Thai food at Som's, Kirsten and I are up for more! Having found some parking space for NIL nearby, we decided to try out Thai Dara in Kapitolyo.

We were greeted by the restaurant's sunny feel. The well-lit ambiance of the restaurant utilizes natural light, thus giving a good chance to test my new phone's camera. Here's a test shot using their artificial flowers as a subject (edited in Picasa):
Looking at the menu, we were surprised that most had either chicken, seafood, or both as ingredients. I felt bad for a moment as I really don't feel like taking in some allergens that day. Luckily, their accommodating staff offered to make Vegetable Pad Thai for us!

Their Pad Thai did not disappoint. The flavor was still rich despite the lack of several ingredients (i.e. the allergens we requested removed). Kirsten still enjoyed the dried shrimps and the bigger (mommy?) shrimp served on the side. It's the first Pad Thai we've had so far and I'm sure it will have lasting tummy memories.

For some protein, we ordered Pork Satay. The tender meat was well complemented by the peanut sauce (with a tinge of coconut milk, which Kirsten didn't like) and some side salad in vinaigrette (which we both loved). It also jived well with the Pad Thai.

Overall, though the prices are a bit high based on our standards, our Thai Dara lunch was a worthwhile experience (especially the Pad Thai).

Spend Breakdown
Pork Satay
209
Vegetable Pad Thai
229
Actual Spend
438


How to get there

  1. From MRT Boni Station, walk towards Robinson's Forum (Pioneer) Mall.
  2. At the Pioneer St. side of the mall, ride a red tricycle. Tell the driver you are going to United St.
  3. Get off at Pioneer Centre. You can either walk to Thai Dara or ride another tricycle to East Capitol Drive.

    Landmarks: Mad Marks, Cab Cafe, Charlie's Burger, Three Sisters, Ramen Cool
    Address:
    23 East Capitol Drive
    Kapitolyo, Pasig
    Philippines
    Contact Number: (632) 624-9727

  4. View Larger Map