Photo of Jatujak in mall of asia.

I have always loved Thai food. Fell in love with it when we traveled to Bangkok, and surprised my usual  “maarte” myself when I ate from the carted foodstands there and the carinderia-style eateries because, apart from being so cheap, the food is simply tasty; colorful, to be exact, as they use a myriad of spices in their dishes, in their condiments and sauces.Bangkok is a vegan’s dream destination where even the lowly spring roll is given a spicy, sweet tangy spin; snacking on fresh fruits is de rigeur since neatly dressed vendors hawk them sliced and diced and ready to eat, served on paper plates with toothpicks.

Since driving all the way to Oody’s in Greenbelt has become a chore, we tried out Jatujak at the second level of the Entertainment Mall. We have tried Thai Patio in Greenbelt 5 and Thai Silk in Serendra but for taste and affordability, we find ourselves coming back to Jatujak for more of their delectable, mouthwatering fare.

Named after Bangkok’s famed weekend market, Jatujak comes as a relief to those of us who crave authentic Thai food. No surprise really since the head chef hails from Thailand, according to Ms. Sigrid, the resto’s amiable manager.

We never order the same dish twice because we plan on trying out everything. I am no fan of rice but my friend always insists on Bagoong Rice (Php155) which wrecks havoc on my no-rice diet. Lamesa Grill (also at MOA) also offers this but Jatujak’s version is by far the best I’ve tried.It’s a meal in itself but to have it with tender melt-in-your-mouth Sate Pork (Php179/6sticks) or scrumptious Chicken Pandan (Php180) on the side is heavenly.

I so love their Crispy Catfish Salad (Php180), crisp-fried fish flakes garnished with slivers of red bellpepper, tom yum and julienned mangoes,served in a heaping salad bowl.In other Thai restos I’ve tried, I can finish the salad in one sitting. At Jatujak, it’s supersize so I get to take home half of the salad.Same with the the Tom Yum Mixed Seafood (Php195) which the waiter recommended. All of which shouldn’t be tried without  first dipping the piping hot samples into the chili paste or fish sauce (bottles of these Thai imports can be bought off-the-shelf at Jatujak) and garnished with chili leaves for added kick. Of course, no Thai resto visit is ever complete without the staple Pad Thai, a perfect balance of tangy and spice. The noodles are of the right firmness, never soggy. Top that off witha sweet platter of Tako (Thai Water Chestnuts with Coconut Milk (Php65) for dessert and either bottomless Lemon Grass and Mint Tea (Php62) or Thai Iced Coffee,Jatujak’s claim to fame.

All the servings are good for two people or more, depending on your appetite. Still, you can’t beat the value for money this resto has become known for around these parts.

On a regular weekday, this quaint corner resto with its inviting interiors, is almost packed during lunch hour with employees from sorrounding offices (SM admin and call center employees from E-Comm One). On weekends, it is literally teeming with people.The staff is always ready to welcome you and take your orders promptly.Truly, a place you can come back to over and over. They also have a branch in SM Megamall but expansion of the Mall of Asia branch should come soon so they can take advantage of the growing clientele. It likewise offers a great view of Manila Bay.

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