Khao Khai Thai Chicken House — Restaurant in Makati

I was very disappointed with the food quality, it was very different from my previous experienced, maybe the kitchen staff were tired already, or the chef is different or they were out with some ingredients, I don't know but I deserve better as one of their repeat customer, they served my bbq chicken half cooked, I was expecting better because it was one of their house special or signature one on the menu tho they insisted to replaced me with newly cooked when we asked for the bill and told them to give us take out container so I can cook again the chicken when I get home, which until now I haven't try it yet, the sauce was salty it wasn't the same as my previous visit, the pork riblets the meat wasn't tender I had hard time trying to bite it not sure if that's how it is, I came here last night for the mango sticky rice also which disappoint me also, I don't know they changed the sauce, a fresh coconut milk they just pour in the side of the plate whereas before it was abit cook & caramelize the portion of the mango not even half of it, they used plastic glass which I'm not a fan coz there some odd smell when I was drinking, before I was so amaze they use the real glass in serving water yes I came here also for the glass they use to serve before coz why not it was a shimmering glass where you can see with ur naked eye that it was really clean, but last night it was different experienced for me, the table where we sitting has some foul smell from fish or something that it wasn't clean or maybe because were just too close where the freezer at, look into it please, overall I think they need to improve their food quality, the sanitation of the place. I must commend the staff that served us she was cool and nice. Thank...

DISCLAIMER: These photos were taken December 2021 so things might have changed drastically since then e.g. prices, portions sizes, dining protocols.

Back in Manila, I have been craving for some good Thai dishes. I've tried two others but they were just 'meh' and over are too expensive for the quality. So when I saw some reviews of Khao Khai, I decided to pop in for a visit. Back then, Poblacion Makati was still trying to reawaken due to COVID so there weren't that many diners yet.

Let me tell you that the prices on the menu lives up to the quality. I order the fried chicken, three pieces, thinking that they would be minuscule. Nope. They were huge pieces. The batter was crispy and all the herbs complimented the chicken and rice. I also loved the dip. I do have a tiny criticism on their barbecue pork belly though. It was not as flavorful as the chicken. The Thai tea they offered also needed a bit more 'oooomph' as I felt that it was too watered down. Other than that, I think it is worth visiting this place.

I also tried ordering via Grab and the quality is quite similar. Of course, nothing beats chowing down on crispy gai tod or herby moo krob krapao amidst the loud interiors, plastic chairs, and vehicles passing by. Khao Khai is worth...

The ambience more than the food makes this Thai restaurant rise above. From the mixed matched table covers and seats to the all year round blinking lights and the beaded entrance curtains, this place is a mash of Soi 7, Patpong, Chinatown and Khao San Road. I love the "kitschiness" of this place combining the garish side of Thailand with the reverence to the Thai Royal Family while screechy sounding Thai songs play in the background. You will have a feeling that the Grand Palace is just around the corner!

While they played safe with their menu by offering typical Thai street food (not the complex dishes so don't expect something lavishly Thai!) I would say that, yes, the flavor is almost there.

Somtam is plentiful, it's worth it. Again, don't expect the authentic Thai kick but this one can do. And that fried chicken...while I ignore this delicacy when in Bangkok, I cannot compare it with what I had here...but yes it is edible and tastes even better when dipped in that sweet chili sauce (obviously store bought not home made but heck who cares!)...and partnered with sticky rice, you will be brought back to the last time you visited The Land of Smiles!

Definitely a must place if you want to practice gluttony...