Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Raja

MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to offering the best regional fare at more reasonable rates, Armada Hotel Manila is proud to present hotel guests and local foodies alike, its in-house restaurant, Raja.

According to Armada Hotel Manila president and CEO Estrella “Star” Dimaculangan, the inspiration for the restaurant actually came at the same time that the Armada Hotel was being built, as its former hotel management company was headquartered in Thailand.

She shares that Raja’s target market includes clients on a leisure trip, business folk, and cost-conscious travelers. Located at the hotel’s top floor, Raja Restaurant wants its clients to enjoy a unique dining experience with the sophistication and simplicity of authentic Thai cuisine. Diners can enjoy their meal while viewing the city skyline.

Headed by seasoned Thai Chef Pranath Samranruen, Raja’s extensive menu boasts of a predominantly Thai lineup with its house specialties like Spicy Pomelo Salad (pomelo salad with shrimp, slice shallot, mint leaves, coconut, and roasted chili paste, seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, fresh chili, lemon juice, and garnished with coriander leaves), Thai Green Curry (with a choice of chicken, tenderloin or pork in green paste with coconut milk, eggplant, kaffir leaves, chili, and garnished with sweet basil leaves), Prawns in Garlic and Pepper Sauce (deep-fried tiger king prawns with garlic and pepper sauce seasoned with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and garnished with coriander leaves and julienned red capsicum), Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles with prawn, meat and vegetables), Thai Fried Rice in Pineapple, and Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk (sweet mango with coconut milk sticky rice).

Having resided in Manila for close to a year now, Chef Samranruen has adjusted to his new life here, adding that he even enjoys eating some of the local dishes, like the ever-famous adobo.

While he has grown accustomed to life here in Philippines, he admits that he actually had to adjust his cooking based on the locals’ taste. Compared to Thais, Filipinos are not too keen on extra spicy food.

With a career in the hotel and restaurant industry spanning more than 20 years, Chef Samranruen has worked in various countries, earning him prestige and the expertise that has made him well known.

He’s impressive culinary skills make him the best choice for Raja’s executive chef. Offering delectable Southeast Asian dishes at more reasonable prices, Raja Restaurant is slowly emerging as a top dining hotspot, earning praises for its delicious roster of dishes that best showcase what the region is best known for like an abundance of fresh seafood, exotic herbs and spices, savory dishes, and lots of tropical fruits.

The variety of dishes is definitely one gastronomic treat after another and is something that local diners as well as tourists should not miss out on whenever they are in the Malate area.

Armada Hotel is located at 2108 M.H. del Pilar St., Malate, Manila. For reservations e-mail at reservation@armadamanila.com or call 526-0888. Visit www.armadahotelmanila.com for more information.