MAKATI CITY — Nestled within the lush landscape of Ayala Triangle Gardens, Greyhound Café offers a sleek, neon-lit escape that stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding greenery. The Bangkok-born brand has long been known for its creative spin on traditional Thai fare, and its Makati outpost continues that legacy with a menu that feels both exciting and deeply familiar. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Aniwat “Chef Chay” Vadhanachai, the restaurant has introduced a collection of Thai-Filipino fusion dishes that celebrate the natural connections between the two cuisines. It is a dining experience that transports guests to the streets of Bangkok while keeping them rooted in the comforts of home.
A Culinary Bridge Between Two Cultures
Chef Chay’s approach to fusion is built on observation rather than forced creativity. During his visits to Manila, he noticed that Filipino staples like beef pares, torta, and tapsilog shared striking similarities with the flavors he grew up with in Thailand. This realization became the foundation for a new menu that reworks familiar Filipino dishes using Thai ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques. The result is a collection that feels less like a fusion experiment and more like a natural conversation between two culinary traditions.
The menu features eight new dishes, each carefully calibrated to balance authenticity with accessibility. The GHC Seafood Spring Rolls, a take on lumpiang shanghai, are packed with shrimp, squid, scallops, and asparagus, served with a spicy sweet chili sauce. The Thai-Style Beef Pares retains the slow-cooked character of the local favorite but leans into Thai flavors through spices, coconut palm sugar, tofu, and chili garlic oil. These dishes demonstrate Chef Chay’s ability to honor the essence of Filipino comfort food while introducing a distinctly Thai perspective.
Signature Plates That Redefine Comfort
The Crispy Pata with Tamarind Chili Paste is a standout, featuring pork leg marinated in Thai herbs, boiled for six hours, dried for twenty-four hours, and deep-fried to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior. It is served with jaew sauce, pickled vegetables, and sticky rice, creating a dish that feels both celebratory and deeply satisfying. The Ground Pork Omelette with Salted Egg, inspired by the Filipino torta, is fried in a pot to achieve an airy, soufflé-like texture before being finished with salted egg and crispy Thai basil. The Bua Loy, a Thai take on ginataang bilo-bilo, closes the meal with soft, chewy rice balls filled with ube and sweet potato in a mellow coconut milk base.
A Destination for Modern Dining in Makati
Greyhound Café operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it a convenient stop for lunch, dinner, or a leisurely afternoon meal. The restaurant’s location along Ayala Avenue places it within easy reach of offices, residences, and transport routes in the central business district. Its sophisticated ambiance, with neon accents and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, makes it suitable for both business meetings and casual gatherings. For Makati residents and visitors seeking a fresh take on Thai cuisine, Greyhound Café offers a compelling destination where bold flavors and thoughtful craftsmanship come together.