Sabai is highly-anticipated to be one of the most exciting Thai restaurants to open in Manila, in Shang-ri La Fort BGC to be exact.
From the team behind Uma Nota Manila, Sabai is the first original concept by restaurateurs Alex Offe and Michael J. Needham, known for bringing vibrant culinary experiences to life.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Puwadol Assavadathkamjorn, or Chef Tob, a native of Southern Thailand with Michelin-starred experience at Le Normandie by Alain Roux, PRU, and Sühring. He promises to bring to Sabai an elevated Thai dining experience grounded in authenticity and technique.
We recently had an exclusive preview of Chef Tob’s standout dishes and oh boy…each plate was a masterclass in balance, boldness, and authenticity.
Starting the dinner were standout small plates like the Khao Kreab Cream Mun Pu, a Thai crispy rice pancake topped with a rich, indulgent crab fat salad; the Pla Kung Yang, flame-grilled tiger prawns tossed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chili—bright, smoky, and full of zing; and the Tom Sap Pla Khao, a spicy-sour soup with grouper and Thai herbs that was bold, comforting, and carried just the right amount of heat.
For the mains, the Kang Panang Nuea Nong Lai stood out. It’s a deeply satisfying stewed beef silver shank in thick, velvety panang curry, perfect for slow bites and thoughtful eating. The Khai Look Khueay brought playful contrast: fried boiled eggs with a sweet tamarind sauce that were crispy outside, jammy inside, and totally addictive. Then came the Kung Pad Prik Kluea, prawns stir-fried with garlic, chili, and salt—straight from the wok and packed with serious flavor. All of it, of course, anchored by Khao Suay, the simple but essential steamed jasmine rice.
My favorite part? Dessert, of course! The Ice Cream Khai Kang — creamy coconut ice cream topped with delicate golden egg threads. Light, playful, and irresistibly indulgent, it was a sweet finale that tied the whole experience together.
Opening this July at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, Sabai is poised to raise the bar for Thai cuisine in Manila check it out soon!
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