Inside Some Thai’s new Opus Mall restaurant

What started as a small restaurant in Quezon City continues to grow, bringing bold Thai-inspired flavors to one of the metro’s newest dining hubs

(Photo: Some Thai)

Despite being a Quezon City (QC) resident, I have never really tried Some Thai, famed in Tomas Morato. I’ve heard the good reviews, but never really found the chance to try it. Luckily, after meeting Jorge Mendez at his other QC restaurant, Mugen Ramenya, I was invited to the opening of the third Some Thai at Opus Mall in Bridgetowne.

What can I say? Another excellent dining destination has been added to “Kyusi.” I love Thai food, so I can say that I am quite particular and picky when it comes to the cuisine. Some Thai tickled my taste buds in all the right places.

Located on the ground floor of Opus Mall, the restaurant marks the third branch of Some Thai, which first opened in Tomas Morato two years ago and has since built a following for its playful interpretation of Thai cuisine. The restaurant was also recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025.

The new branch presents a more polished version of the concept. Inspired by the idea of a weave, the interiors feature sand-textured walls, lighting inspired by crab nets, and street-like paving patterns that create a space that feels contemporary yet grounded in Southeast Asian influences. Adding to the atmosphere is “Möbius Weave,” a large-scale installation by artist Leeroy New made from woven bamboo, rattan, and red acrylic shards.

(Photo: Some Thai)

WOVEN WONDER 'Möbius Weave,' the large-scale installation by artist Leeroy New, serves as the visual centerpiece of the new Some Thai branch (Photo: Some Thai) WOVEN WONDER ‘Möbius Weave,’ the large-scale installation by artist Leeroy New, serves as the visual centerpiece of the new Some Thai branch (Photo: Some Thai)

The evening began with Tod Mun Goong, a crispy shrimp starter topped with ikura and served with a Thai-spiced vinegar dip. Alongside it came a glass of tamarind juice, bright and tart, serving as a refreshing introduction to the meal.

Among the dishes presented that evening, the Bagoong Fried Rice stood out. Inspired by Thailand’s khao khluk kapi, it is reimagined with deeper savory notes and topped with crisp pork belly that adds both texture and richness.

The Thai Grilled Green Curry Chicken offered a lighter counterpoint. Tender grilled chicken and vegetables are coated in a fragrant green curry sauce layered with herbs and aromatics.

Then there is the Thai BBQ Pork Ribs. Slow-braised, the ribs are finished with a smoky-sweet Thai barbecue glaze and served with a spiced vinegar dip that cuts through the richness.

Some Thai also showcased several of its well-known staples, including the Papaya Salad and Tom Yum, giving guests both a taste of the restaurant’s established favorites and the dishes developed specifically for Opus.

THIRD CHAPTER Chef Jorge Mendez welcomes guests during the opening of Some Thai’s third branch at Opus Mall in Bridgetowne, Quezon City (Photo: Feliciano Rodriguez III/Manila Bulletin) (Photo: Some Thai)

Dessert proved equally memorable. The Thai Coconut Crepe Cake layers delicate Thai milk tea crepes with coconut cream and pandan custard. Light in texture yet rich in flavor, it provided a satisfying ending to the meal. The restaurant also introduced a trio of seasonal ice cream flavors: Coconut Pandan, Thai Milk Tea, and Kaffir Lime.

Speaking during the launch, Jorge reflected on the restaurant’s journey from its modest beginnings.

“A few years ago, we opened a small, twenty-something-seater restaurant in Tomas Morato,” he said. “At the time, we were simply focused on cooking food we believed in and creating a space that felt honest and personal.”

As Some Thai continues to grow, Jorge emphasized that the restaurant remains committed to expressing its own perspective rather than pursuing strict authenticity.

“Our goal was never to chase authenticity for authenticity’s sake. It has always been about respecting and honoring the cuisines that inspire us, while bringing our own perspective and creativity into the experience,” he said. “That’s where discovery happens. When tradition meets instinct, and familiar flavors become something unexpected and new.”

SCOOPS OF SUMMER Some Thai’s seasonal ice cream collection features Coconut Pandan, Thai Milk Tea, and Kaffir Lime flavors inspired by classic Thai desserts and ingredients (Photo: Some Thai)

GREEN SCENE The Thai Grilled Green Curry Chicken pairs tender grilled chicken with a fragrant green curry sauce layered with herbs and aromatics (Photo: Some Thai)

That philosophy becomes clear once the food arrives at the table. Some Thai is not trying to replicate Bangkok street food dish for dish. Instead, it draws inspiration from Thai flavors and traditions while allowing room for interpretation and creativity.

For diners in Quezon City, that means one more reason to make the trip to Bridgetowne. Between the thoughtfully designed space, the strong lineup of branch-exclusive dishes, and the confidence with which Some Thai approaches its food, the restaurant is a must-visit.

GREEN SCENE The Thai Grilled Green Curry Chicken pairs tender grilled chicken with a fragrant green curry sauce layered with herbs and aromatics (Photo: Some Thai)