Couple's Trip

During my college years in the University of Santo Tomas, I usually go home during lunch time since our place was not that far away from the school in the sense that it only takes one jeepney ride, an approximate travel time of 15 minutes or from Laong Laan heading to the Laloma area in Quezon City. And most of the time, I’d arrive home with lunch already served on the table. Since I was not working at that time and we were not really that well off financially, I had to make do of what was served on the table. Of course, this does not mean that we don’t have good meals at home once in a while but more often than not, we had your average meal. I was third year at that time when a good classmate of mine introduced me to this certain dining area somewhere in the Asturias Street or was it Conception? Just on the other side of Dapitan. I forgot the exact street name. Anyway, since I did not have the privilege to be given a sufficient allowance unlike most students at that time of my age, I was reluctant to come but I eventually gave myself a chance and tried the place and I was never that thankful ever since especially to that friend of mine.

Thai Cuisine is not your typical fine dining restaurant in the sense that it was not an above standard establishment like those seen in malls or high class area but at the same time, it cannot also be compared or described as something similar to a typical canteen or cafeteria since it was an air-conditioned place and has decent table arrangement. In addition to this, even though the place is a bit narrow, with the dining area around 7 feet wide or so, stretching around 15 feet or less across, the establishment still gives me the feeling that I am dining within a prestigious place with a long wondrous history behind it. In fact, it has long existed, maybe even before I was born since one can definitely see portraits of the owners in their younger years, which are actually present most of the time attending to the waitress’ orders at the cashier area. In fact, the owners themselves, a happily married couple, are real Thailand folks. Other than the portraits, there are also preserved and framed articles about the origin of the establishment, from whence it started and until its success.

Another interesting thing about the restaurant is that even though there are several establishments of similar profession within the vicinity, it always gets filled with customers during lunch breaks. You know what it’s like when there is one really popular restaurant. It attracts everyone from students, to lecturers, to those who spend their days playing bingo. Everyone recognised how tasty it was. The only time that customers can rarely be seen dining there would be those times when school is over. As with their dishes, I always order the same dish I usually order every time I visit that place; Spicy Chicken with basil. The food may sound simple and may appear simple at first but for me, the flavoring is remarkable. The rice is poured with sufficient oyster sauce which makes it more tasty while a few sliced green pepper are served on top of the rice as toppings, along with a couple of basil leaves. The chicken meat, on the other hand, is sufficient enough to satisfy you and can occasionally make you order additional rice for one to be able to enjoy the meal. In addition to this, they have several dishes, unique only to Thai dining, which I have not tried which I am interested to try if not for my usual craving of the spicy chicken with basil. They also serve various beverages there such as Thai Iced Tea, sodas and more. Other than the delicious food, the place gives you a warm feeling as if you were at the confines of your own home. Though the waitresses are not trained like those of high class restaurants out there who are proactive in accommodating their customers, the Thai guy over the counter never fails to thanks his customers after every meal and as they leave and never fails to greet customers as they enter the establishment. I could not imagine that place being complete without that Thai guy being there whenever I enter and leave the establishment. This for me is one of the best customer service or accommodation anyone could get from a simple but historical place. Moreover, the price of their food are economically proportionate to the quality of their food and I would not think twice in recommending people to at least try this place if they find themselves wandering the University Of Santo Tomas grounds. In fact, I already brought Liz with me to try the place and Liz can also attest to my testimony about it.

Overall, “S.R. Thai Cuisine” is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner but not a candle-lit one, but a peaceful and solemn one. For me, every time I dine there is always a memorable experience and the place already has become a significant place in my life.

Rating: 5/5

Reviewed by Raven Knives