Last Friday, we found ourselves at Ayala Cloverleaf with one simple plan in mind — to finally try The Kitto Break Series of Cha Tuk Chak. You know how it is, kapag may matagal ka nang gustong tikman, naka-ready na yung cravings mo even before you arrive 😅
But… plot twist — hindi available yung Kitto Series that night.
Instead of letting disappointment win (and honestly, gutom na rin kami), we decided to turn the night around and just have dinner nearby. And that’s how we ended up eating at Pho Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant and My Thai Kitchen — two restaurants sharing one space, one kitchen area, and the same owner, which means you can order from both menus in one sitting. Win na win for indecisive eaters like us.
Ordering Comfort Food from Two Asian Cuisines
What I loved immediately was how the place felt relaxed and casual, perfect for a Friday night dinner when you’re tired but still want something satisfying and warm. Vietnamese and Thai food both scream comfort to me — soups, herbs, rich broths, grilled meats — so we went all in.
🍜 Pho Hoa Orders
Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) – ₱475
This bowl felt like a warm hug. The broth was light but deeply flavorful, with that clean, soothing taste that good chicken pho is known for. The chicken was tender, the noodles were soft but not soggy, and the herbs added freshness to every bite.
This is the kind of soup you order when:
- you’re tired,
- you want something comforting,
- or you just want to slow down and enjoy dinner quietly.
Perfect pang-“pagod ako today” meal.
Pho Do Bien (Seafood Pho) – ₱525
If the chicken pho was gentle and calming, this one was more exciting. The seafood broth had more depth, with prawns, fish, and other seafood adding layers of flavor. It felt heartier and more indulgent, especially if you love seafood soups. Twinkle and I shared this one.
This is great if you want something comforting but not boring — may konting “special” feel.
Goi Tom Buoi (Pomelo Shrimp Salad) – ₱431
This was one of my favorite dishes of the night.
The pomelo was fresh and juicy, the shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the overall salad had that balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that Vietnamese salads do so well. Light, refreshing, and not nakakaumay at all.
I loved how this cut through the richness of the soups — parang reset sa palate between spoonfuls of pho.
Banh Mi Thit Nuong (BBQ Pork) – ₱313
I have a soft spot for banh mi, and this one did not disappoint.
The BBQ pork was flavorful and slightly sweet, tucked into crusty bread with fresh vegetables that added crunch and freshness. It’s simple, satisfying, and very easy to love.
This is one of those dishes na pwede mo kainin kahit hindi ka super gutom, but still feels complete.
🌶️ My Thai Kitchen Orders
Pork Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce – ₱350
The pork skewers were tender, slightly charred, and full of flavor. But the real star? That peanut sauce.
Creamy, nutty, with just the right amount of sweetness — perfect for dipping. This felt very “shareable,” the kind of dish that disappears quickly once it hits the table.
Beef Noodle Soup (Kway Tiew Neau) – ₱420
Another comforting bowl, but Thai-style this time.
The beef was tender, the broth richer and more robust compared to pho, and the noodles soaked up all that flavor beautifully. This one felt heavier and more filling — ideal if you’re really hungry or craving something deeply savory.
What started as a failed drink run turned into a very satisfying dinner. I love nights like this — no pressure, no fancy plans, just good food and the comfort of trying different flavors in one place.
Being able to order from both Pho Hoa and My Thai Kitchen makes this spot perfect for families or groups where everyone wants something different. May soup lovers, may salad fans, may grilled meat cravings — lahat may kakainin.
Definitely a place I’d come back to, especially on days when I want:
- and a relaxed dinner without overthinking it.
- warm soup,
- comforting Asian flavors,
