Since coming back to the Philippines after living in Thailand for nearly a decade, I have the tendency to miss Thai food. Whenever I visit my parents in Thailand, I always make sure that I get to eat all my favorite Thai food.
Back in the Philippines, I have also encountered some Thai restaurants but not all them were able to satisfy my taste buds despite having pretty good food.
A few months ago I found out that there is this Thai restaurant in General Santos City, Have Sam Thai, which have been operating for quite sometime now. Some told me to try it out and see if the food there are like the food that I grew up with.
Last April, I found the time to try their food here. I was somehow excited as to how the food here will taste at the same time I kept my expectations low because I’m not in Thailand and I don’t expect them to really match the flavors there.
THE PLACE
Have Sam Thai has a very simple and functional dining space. There’s a good amount of chairs and tables to cater to families, friends, and solo diners. I also like how well lighted the place is.
THE FOOD
The restaurant offers Thai cuisine though you can also find some Filipino food and other Thai-inspired dishes here and there. The price of their dishes here are also reasonable. You can enjoy a meal here at less than P100.
For my lunch I ordered the Spicy Gai Yang and Chicken Khao Pad. I also had the Thai Milk Tea to go along with my meal.
I find the Spicy Gai Yang to be really good. The chicken was cooked properly. I love the flavorful glaze, it was sweet and spicy. I also liked its level of spiciness, which I think was just right to satisfy those who love spicy food and not too spicy for those who are not into spicy food.
Personally, the Chicken Khao Pad was a real surprise for me. It was really flavorful and delicious. Their fried rice really reminded me some of the fried rice I had in Thailand.
The Thai Milk Tea also tasted similar to those I find at the local stalls or shops back in Thailand but I find it to be a bit too sweet.
THE SERVICE
It is self-service here where you go to the counter and order your food there. The service I experienced was pretty good. I find the staff at the counter were friendly. Food was
also served in less than 15 minutes .
BOTTOM LINE
Overall, I enjoyed by lunch here. The food was good and their Khao Pad definitely brought back a lot of memories while growing up in Thailand.
Is it the best Thai restaurant I have encountered here? I cannot really say but it certainly is better than those I have tried before. I also might find myself dropping by here again to try some more of their food especially another plate of their Khao Pad.
LOCATION and DETAILS
Location: Have Sam Thai is located along the National Highway. It is before Valley High if you are coming from Gaisano Mall of Gensan
Contact details: 0943 668 8251
Business hours: 10:00am to 11:00pm daily
Facebook: Have Sam Thai