Bangkok, a vibrant metropolis known for its dazzling street food and diverse culinary scene, might surprise you with its relative scarcity of Filipino restaurants. Despite a sizable Filipino community residing and working in the city, finding a dedicated Filipino Food Restaurant can feel like uncovering a hidden gem. Fortunately, for those craving genuine flavors from the Philippines, New Mabuhay Restaurant offers a comforting and delicious taste of home. Join us as we explore this Bangkok eatery, guided by a Filipino food enthusiast, and delve into the must-try dishes that make it a standout destination for Filipino cuisine.
A vibrant plate of Chopsuey, showcasing mixed vegetables and tender pork, a delightful Filipino-Chinese inspired dish at New Mabuhay Restaurant in Bangkok.
Our culinary journey began on a sunny Sunday afternoon, meeting up with Ramon, a Canadian-Filipino friend and Bangkok local, eager to share his favorite Filipino food restaurant in the city: New Mabuhay Restaurant. We started our feast with a refreshing and healthy option, the Chopsuey. This Filipino-Chinese influenced dish is a medley of crisp, mixed vegetables stir-fried with succulent pieces of pork. It was a flavorful and satisfying start, offering a welcome balance to the richer dishes that followed. The Chopsuey, priced at 110 THB, was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to offering both comforting and wholesome Filipino fare.
Delectable Chicken Adobo, a quintessential Filipino dish featuring tender chicken stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, served at New Mabuhay Restaurant in Bangkok.
No exploration of Filipino food is complete without Adobo, often considered the national dish of the Philippines. Just as Thai basil chicken is a staple in Thai restaurants, Chicken Adobo is a must-have in any Filipino food restaurant. New Mabuhay Restaurant’s Adobong Manok did not disappoint. The chicken was incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, and possessed the signature slightly sour and savory adobo flavor profile. The rich sauce, infused with onions and black pepper, was perfect for spooning over a steaming plate of rice. For 150 THB, this Chicken Adobo offered a genuine taste of Filipino comfort food at its finest.
Crispy Dang Bangus, Filipino milkfish deep-fried to perfection and served with a tangy tamarind garlic sauce, a flavorful seafood offering at a Filipino food restaurant in Bangkok.
Reflecting on past culinary adventures in the Philippines, where seafood and bangus (milkfish) are culinary staples, ordering the Dang Bangus was a natural choice. This dish features milkfish, deep-fried to a golden crisp and paired with a sweet and tangy tamarind garlic sauce. The contrasting textures and flavors were exceptional, making the Dang Bangus arguably the highlight of our meal. Intrigued by the freshness of the milkfish, we learned from the restaurant owner that it’s imported directly from the Philippines, explaining its premium price of 380 THB. This dedication to sourcing authentic ingredients truly elevates the dining experience at this Filipino food restaurant in Bangkok.
Sizzling Sisig – Filipino Pork Dish
The unmistakable sizzle emanating from the kitchen heralded the arrival of the Sisig. This iconic Filipino dish, often described as “dangerously delicious,” is a symphony of diced pig’s face and fatty pork, sizzling intensely on a hot skillet. To further enhance its richness, a raw egg is cracked on top, cooking slightly in the residual heat and adding a creamy element to the dish. Sisig is more than just a dish in Filipino culture; it’s a deeply cherished culinary treasure. One taste of New Mabuhay Restaurant’s Sisig, and you’ll understand its revered status. While perhaps not for the faint of heart (or those strictly watching their cholesterol), Sisig is an incredibly flavorful and indulgent pork dish that embodies the bold and satisfying nature of Filipino food.
An enticing close-up of Sizzling Sisig, showcasing the crispy and flavorful pork, highlighted by the richness of the partially cooked egg yolk.
Our Filipino food adventure at New Mabuhay Restaurant in Bangkok was a truly memorable feast. The combination of diverse dishes – from the crispy fried Dang Bangus with its sweet and tangy sauce, to the comforting Chopsuey, the richly flavored Adobo, and the intensely satisfying Sisig – offered a comprehensive and authentic taste of Filipino cuisine. Each dish, served with rice, created a harmonious and deeply satisfying dining experience.
The welcoming storefront of New Mabuhay Restaurant, a Filipino food restaurant in Bangkok, inviting diners to experience authentic Filipino flavors.
The Bottom Line
After years since my last authentic Filipino meal, New Mabuhay Restaurant successfully transported me back to the Philippines with its genuine flavors and comforting dishes. The food was undeniably authentic, and the predominantly Filipino clientele further attested to its credibility. The Dang Bangus and Sisig were personal highlights, but truthfully, every dish we sampled was excellent, showcasing the breadth and depth of Filipino culinary traditions. While the menu also features Thai dishes, our focus remained firmly on the Filipino offerings, which proved to be exceptional.
The simple and welcoming interior of New Mabuhay Restaurant, providing a casual and comfortable setting to enjoy Filipino food in Bangkok.
New Mabuhay Restaurant – Pratunam, Bangkok
Address: 1/31 Petchaburi Soi 19, Thanon Petchaburi, Bangkok 10400
Phone: 02-255-2689
Hours: 8:30 am – 10 pm
Prices: Expect to pay around 200 – 300 THB per person. While the imported Dang Bangus is priced higher, other dishes range from 100 – 200 THB, making it a reasonably priced sit-down Filipino food restaurant.
How to Get There
Located in the Pratunam area, New Mabuhay Restaurant is accessible from both Chit Lom and Ratchathewi BTS stations. Walking from Chit Lom BTS is a pleasant option: walk past Central World, turn left at Platinum Fashion Mall, cross the street towards Amari Watergate hotel, and continue until you reach Petchaburi Soi 19 (opposite Pantip Plaza). Turn right onto Soi 19, then take the first left onto a smaller street. New Mabuhay Restaurant will be on your left-hand side.
