Filipino and Thai Food demonstrate "intricacy, attention to detail, texture, color, and taste." Some even make use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavor. Extra care is also given to the food's appearance, smell and context.
They center around sweet, sour, salty and spicy. This is why a fusion of both cuisines is such a perfect match!
THINOI. As per their Facebook Page, most people think that the name is a combination of Thai and Pinoy.
Little did they know that it was derived from two Thai words "YuuThi" and "Noi" which figuratively means "Little Home." In Thailand, it is the traditional small restaurants that exert more love and effort in constantly enhancing the flavors of their amazing dishes.
It is also a tribute to the owners' grandfather Lolo Tinoy.
Being a food lover, I have a bias to everything Chinese and Filipino. American and Italian sometimes. Japanese a little. It has not been a long time as of yet that I got a taste of Thai and I must say I really really loved it!
This is why when I heard about THINOI, a new addition to the ever growing number of restaurants in Malolos, I just have to to give it a try!
AMBIANCE / CLEANLINESS :
THINOI is located at a former Food Park across Malolos Sports and Convention Center. There are two floors but since it just opened about a couple of weeks ago, only the upper floor is currently operational.
The interiors and decors are minimalistic in style yet classy. It has a cozy and warm vibe to it. The dining area is comfortably cool and very tidy. Tables and chairs are ergonomically stylish. There is an enclosed room which I suppose may be reserved for special occasions and functions.
FOOD :
Just browsing through Thinoi's menu will tease anyone's hungry palate. We can't seem to get enough of all the dishes that they offer.
First off, we have to have the basics. PAD THAI CHICKEN. This for me is the best Pad Thai I've ever tasted! And Mizi does concur! The vegetables were crisp & fresh. It was very flavorful and savory!
For more Thai "treasures" we had Beef Fried Rice, Tom Yam Shrimp, Thai Spring Rolls, Chicken Pandan, Green Curry - Beef and oh yes, Mizi's super fave, the Creamy Beef Neua! This is Thailand's version of the Beef Stew or Beef Stroganoff. The sauce was super rich and the beef was fork tender. Awesome!
Another interesting dish was the Son-In-Law Eggs. This is a popular Thai street food made of fried hard-boiled eggs topped with shallots and smothered with a thick sweet and sour sauce. A must-try!
For a take on something "Pinoy," how can we miss the infamous Crispy Pata and for me, was the ultimate standout, the Sinigang na Baka sa Pakwan at Mangga! The soup had the right sourness, sweetness and saltiness to it. And how can you not love the glutinous beef and tge half-cooked vegetables added to it? Such a gastronomical treat! Insanely delicious!
We had Thai Milk Tea and Matcha Green Tea for our beverages. Incredibly cool and refreshing! Way to go!
You'll never go wrong with the Sticky Rice Mango w/ Ice Cream! Believe me. Their version of this Thai dessert is so good! Really really good!
CUSTOMER SERVICE :
You will love everything at Thinoi. Especially their people. The staff and crew were very courteous and friendly. Everybody seemed happy and had smile on their faces.
Special Kudos to Jai for the warmth and kindness. She made sure all our needs were attended to and that my queries were all answered. I also observed that she drops by the customers' tables to ask for feedback and how they were. This is a trait which is valuable but often neglected by some. Great job!
PRICE :
Considering that they make use of authentic ingredients sourced mostly in Bangkok plus their deliciously huge servings, you'll be surprised as to how affordable prices at Thinoi are! Almost all of their menu offerings are good for sharing. Heard of a P100 Pad Thai or Tom Yam at P150 already good for two?
This new place is truly a "bang in the buck!"
WISHLIST :
Seasonings such as fish sauce and chili powder are "musts" in anything Thai. I suppose it's way better if they are readily available on the tables. This is to avoid calling the server's attention from time to time. Same with a pitcher of iced water.
We understand that good food is always worth the wait. But to buy time, I suggest that Local TV programs be shown in the LCD screen located in the dining area, instead of cooking shows.
VERDICT :
Right now I feel hungry. And if there's one place I want to go to, to satiate my cravings, it will be Thinoi! As my title suggests, this latest food place in Malolos is an answered prayer! There's no need for Bulakeños to scout malls or go to the metro or even faraway Bangkok to have a taste of really good Thai and Filipino Food!
I feel happy and blessed. I now have another place I can highly recommend to my family, friends and followers. My list becomes longer each day.
Thank you! Thank you Thinoi! I will surely come back and can't wait to give your other "treasures" of a food a try!
created by fildunsky
Created by fildunsky
