Celebrating authentic Thai cuisine at Shangri-La Plaza
A feast of Thai flavors unfolded at Shangri-La Plaza last week, as the Thai SELECT Festival 2025 transformed the mall’s Grand Atrium into a culinary destination.
This two-day celebration showcased the rich and diverse Thai cuisine, delighting Filipino food lovers with tastes both familiar and bold. Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines, warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the refined ambiance of Shangri-La Plaza and its community of food lovers made it the perfect setting to present Thai cuisine at its finest.
Prestigious award
Currently, there are eight restaurants in Metro Manila that have the Thai SELECT certification—a prestigious award given by the Royal Thai Government to restaurants and products, including processed foods, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook items, sauces, and condiments that offer a true taste of Thai cuisine. The SELECT certification also serves as a trusted guide for consumers seeking authentic Thai flavors.
Globally, there are over a thousand Thai SELECT certified restaurants.
Of the eight in Metro Manila, six took part in the festival at Shangri-La Plaza. These are Benjarong Manila; Greyhound Café; Mango Tree at BGC and City of Dreams; Nara Thai Cuisine at Megamall and Molito Lifestyle Center; Samyan Thai Street Food; and Thai BBQ Original Restaurant.
These establishments not only represent the essence of Thai cuisine but also serve as a bridge connecting Thailand’s culinary arts with the Philippines.
Showcasing diverse cuisines
Sutinee Vathana, director at the Thai Trade Center Manila, expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome that Filipinos have given to Thai cuisine.
“We are very grateful to our Filipino friends for continuously appreciating our dishes. Like them, we take pride in our dishes that speak not just of flavors and taste, but also years of history, culture, values, and discipline that made our dishes what they are right now. We are excited to share more authentic Thai flavors during this festival at Shangri-La Plaza,” Vathana said.
The event attracted food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and families eager to explore Thailand’s rich culinary heritage in a festive atmosphere. The success of the Thai SELECT Festival 2025 highlighted Shangri-La Plaza’s commitment to showcasing diverse cuisines from around the world and its role as a prominent space for events that celebrate culture.
