Delivery Snippets: Bad Bird x Nakhon Thai Kitchen x Manam
Who says that office lunches need to be boring? In the past few months, I’ve noticed that I dine out less during my lunch breaks as I've been overly pampered by the convenience brought about by delivery apps such as Foodpanda and Grabfood. Because of this, I decided to start sharing spectacular lunch deliveries I’ve had that definitely made the work grind much more bearable.
Welcome to my new segment, Delivery Snippets! Hopefully you can get some ideas to spruce up your lunch breaks (Bonus Tip: If you order via Foodpanda, make sure to activate the Shopback app to get at least 7% rebate)!
BAD BIRD
Bad Bird’s brand equity is founded on its famous killer fried chicken; which for me, holds an undisputed top place. Their flavorful fried chicken (the spices of which can be tasted beyond the crisp skin) is always consistently good even when delivered; and especially when paired with their Sweet Potato appetizer.
RICH PORK NOODLES (P265) and BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH (P135)
I didn’t expect though that its foray into noodles will win me over. The Rich Pork Noodles is bursting with umami flavor; as it’s essentially a soup-less saucy version of tonkotsu ramen. I opted to pair it with Roasted Chicken Thigh, whose smoky flavor perfectly complemented the noodles. The chicken thigh strips looked overly charred; but its meat was surprisingly still tender; I guess Bad Bird really knows its way around poultry.
Bad Bird (via Foodpanda)
Date of Delivery: September 3, 2019
NAKHON THAI KITCHEN
SHRIMP PAD THAI (P180) and THAI MILK TEA (P60)
As I didn’t expect to do a regular feature on my lunch deliveries, I already gushed about this duo on my IG previously. Simply put, Nakhon Thai Kitchen’s Pad Thai and Thai Milk Tea were easily the best ones I’ve ever had. For one, the Pad Thai comes neatly packed with endless toppings of scrambled egg, chives, beancurd, and beansprouts; all lovingly layered atop a container-full of saucy flat noodles which are perfectly flavorful in their lonesome. Packets of chili flakes AND sugar are also included in the delivery; a testament to how Nakhon Thai tries to be as authentic as possible. I opted for the shrimp variant of their pad thai and was treated to three large plump juicy shrimps. Serving size was definitely good for two normal appetites as I barely could finish mine!
Its Thai Milk Tea easily knocked out the competition as it’s served in its full-bodied flavor; with just enough condensed milk to sweeten it. To avoid it being too watery, the restaurant thoughtfully gives you a separate bag of ice for you to mix in when you’re about to drink it. I honestly gave my Lalamove driver an odd look the first time I was handed the ice bag. Without exaggerating, this has been the first Thai Milk Tea I’ve enjoyed in Manila.
PAD KRAPOW WITH SHRIMP (P180) and ROSE TEA (P60)
If you’re more into rice, the Pad Krapow with Shrimp offers a fiery treat; as it makes generous use of stir-fried Holy Basil tempered by red and green chilies for that much desired heat and crunch. The rice – to -viand ratio won’t make sense at first glance; but the heat tends to build up throughout the meal so you’d look to rice for some respite. Approach this dish with caution: it’s delicious; but insanely spicy.
The Rose Tea should have helped but unfortunately, I found its flavor too overpowering that it felt that I was taking medication.
Nakhon Thai Kitchen PH (via Facebook)
Dates of Delivery: November 7 and 20, 2019
MANAM
I guiltily help myself to a solo serving of Manam’s House Crispy Sisig and a solo order of their Garlic Rice every now and then; because when sisig this delicious is available on demand, you just have to seize every opportunity to get it! Unfortunately, their solo order of the Garlic Rice is too much even for my appetite that I always end up with leftovers.
PANCIT PALABOK (SMALL)
On days that I find it inconvenient to deal with leftovers, I opt for the Pancit Palabok. I love the effort that Manam takes into still plating the generous seafood toppings that elevate this ubiquitous dish; despite the huge possibility that the plating would be ruined courtesy of the unpleasant traffic conditions that await it. It’s a hearty and satisfying bowl of comfort that’s made perfect by the just-right soft-boiled egg that’s served with it.
Bonus Tip: The Moment Group (which Manam belongs to) is a frequent partner of Foodpanda so it often gives out 20% discount on its menu items!
Manam (via Foodpanda)
Date of Delivery: December 17, 2019
