Crying Tiger Street Kitchen
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My biggest issue with buying Asian Street food in Manila is how expensive it gets once you prepare it here. I mean, come on, why is Satay retailing for P100/stick? It's chicken on a stick with peanut sauce! And don't get me started with Pho, Roti, and Bahn Mi! So imagine my delight when I saw a new "hole-in-the-wall" type Thai place open up in Poblacion, Makati. The name alone (Crying Tiger) gave me an inkling that this place was irreverent and had a sense of humor. I was not mistaken. The joint itself was not going to wow you with their brilliant interiors, and I think that was the point. While there are splashes of inspiration here and there, the place looks like an artsy carinderia. Even the food is not presented all artsy and stuff, and that's the beauty of it! Because once you bite into their Fried Chicken or their Thai Barbeque (Marinated with Coconut milk), you will swoon. YOU WILL SWOON. And it's incredibly cheap too! Okay, I got so hungry typing this review that I'm going back there right now.
I've written 2 Yelp reviews before this one, both 5 star (jm a positive guy!), but my experience here was so bad, and the attitude of the staff was so "could not give a f*@k," I cannot let it pass. Although it seemed sort of busy on a Tuesday night, I was seated fairly quickly, but then ignored for over 10 minutes before I flagged someone down to serve me. I ordered a single pork skewer as a starter, the pad see ew as my main, and a beer. I kid you not, the pad see ew was slapped on my table less than 90 seconds later ... uh that's way too fast for me to believe it was not just reheated slop, which is exactly what it was. There were almost no noodles, and the stringy pieces of chicken were swimming in a soupy mixture of ... whatever. While the flavor was not bad, it was texturally disgusting. I get it, you're busy and missed the mark. I expressed my disappointment at the food, and explained you cannot serve your guests that fast, and not make them suspicious ... I've worked in many restaurants, so I always try to give benefit of doubt. I asked what could be done about it, and said I didn't think I should have to pay for such a poor attempt; my server was extremely confused and just took off. I assumed they just forgot about my pork skewer starter, but it finally did arrive a good 10 minutes after my main. It was good enough. I was then ignored for over 15 minutes! That is not exaggeration, I timed it. The place is not big, my server (and many others) walked by several times ... it seemed like they understood they screwed up, but just did not want to deal with it. Finally, I had to actually grab my server to tell him I would pay for my beer and skewer only; I left the money on the table and just walked out. I'm sure it's normally not that bad ... probably even good, but there are so many amazing options around here, I'm scratching Chupacabra off my list too.
Another cool kid pops up in the trendy Poblacion block in the form of Crying Tiger Street Kitchen, a non-air conditioned hole-in-the-wall that serves Thai/Malaysian fare. Once I entered the restaurant, its colorful walls and kitschy décor drew me in and I was greeted by a wall calendar baring the faces of Thailand's beloved monarchy. Was I in the Kingdom of Siam? I could've certainly been, if not for the friendly Filipina server greeting me in Tagalog. Modeled after the pubs and restaurants one sees along Bangkok's Khao San Road, Crying Tiger certainly has that vibe which backpackers are drawn to - unpretentious, vibrant and off-the-beaten path. As soon as my friends and I finally stopped taking photos of Crying Tiger's instagrammable corners (and trust me, there are lots), we trained our eyes on the menu. Dishes are very affordable at prices ranging from Php 75 to 500. On the beverage side, Thai beers are served (naturally) along with local brews. They even have a wine list for the oenophile traveler or Manila resident. For grub, make sure to order the Mee Goreng (Spicy Seafood Noodles) and the Moo Ping (Thai Pork BBQ), which at Php 25 a stick, is a crowd favorite.
I'm told that Crying Tiger was from the same folks who brought us El Chupacabra on Polaris St., so I had an idea of what to find when I can down here: a chill, easy going hang out place with good food and cheap beer. It's a bit hard to find since its hidden on a side street behind Fersal Hotel , which is just in front of A-Venue mall. Just keep walking and you'll be greeted by the smokey grill, colorful lights and Makati's foodie crowd. As soon as I stepped inside, I already knew I was going to like this place. It's like El Chupa only cleaner, less dingy and has more of a beach bum kind of feel. (I think it's the wooden floorboards and colorful lights.) The only thing I didn't like, maybe was the fact that they kept on asking if I had ordered yet, or if there was anyone with me. (Which I get, since they're busy and I'm all alone at a table, but I had already explained that I was waiting for more people, which they seemed to forget.) On to the food: if you don't like anything spicy or flavorful, this place is not for you. Seriously. Their chicken is AMAZING. I love their spicy kangkong (doused with oil though), which pairs well with their fried rice. They've also got a large selection of cocktails and wine, apart from the normal beers. (I got lychee cocktail! Pretty yum.) Definitely coming back and making this a regular hang out! It's cleaner, newer, and is better ventilated than El Chupa.
One of the newest additions to the Burgos area bar/restaurant scene is Crying Tiger. They serve southeast Asian cuisine at very decent prices and the venue is designed to look like a trendy Thai restaurant. They even show Thai karaoke on the TV for extra authenticity! I tried the pork barbecue which was really good and came with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. That paired with a cup of rice would only set you back about P100. I also tried their noodles (P200) and chicken which were quite tasty. Too. Beer is about P50 and you can expect to spend around P200-P300 if you go all out. They just opened early May so their menu isn't complete yet. I'm looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer in the coming months.
Such a welcomed find when looking for a place to grab some late dinner and a drink walkable from my hotel. I asked for some recommendations for a drink and food that had spice. Had a lemongrass, lime and Thai basil mojito. Tasty and actually paired well with the food. I got a rice dish called Gabi Pad Ka Prao (Thai basil chicken); has great flavor although a bit more salty than necessary. I also had the Pad See Ew (Stir fried wide noodles with chicken); this was spiced perfectly, probably one the absolute best Thai dishes I've had.
I've been hearing this from friends and it's true that this place is awesome. The place is so laid-back... if you're already a fan of El Chupacabra then you'll like this, no problem. It is my first time and decided to I get a plate serving of Moo Krob (deep-fried pork belly) and sangria. It's pretty much just lechon kawali, but with a different sauce on the side. I must say I still loved it! My partner got the spicy wings and its also very good. I must say its the different options of sauce for these dishes that will keep you going at it 'til you empty your plates. Sauces are the bomb. It sure does make it more special with beer, but I'mma try that next time. I am definitely coming back for this place!!!!!
Located on Guanzon Street on WilliamsBurgos, The Crying Tiger Kitchen veers away from Western cuisine and takes us on a culinary adventure that hits closer to home. Owned by the Mabanta family, who practically put Poblacion on the map with the wildly successful El Chupacabra, this hole-in-the-wall focuses on authentic Asian street food at reasonable prices. The great thing about this place, aside from the cheap booze, is the fact that they do not sacrifice the authenticity of the food (read: spice level) to suit the Pinoy palate. Consider this a word of caution for those of you who don't have a high tolerance for spice! The Mee Goreng is s spicy mouthful, make sure to wash it down with a cold beer! The Malaysian Chicken Curry is a hearty dish that takes you to the streets of Penang; the chicken is soft and the potatoes have been stewed long enough to have absorbed the spices of the curry. I love it here!
8 years ago
8 years ago
Crying Tiger Street Kitchen is one of Poblacion's ever favorite hole-in-the-wall Southeast Asian cuisine restaurants that will take you back to the street market food stalls of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. A bit hidden on P. Guanzon, the street directly facing the frontside of A.Venue Mall, this restaurant is widely known among the neighborhood, but could be easily located on an online map. Dining was an easy breezy as the dishes are described in the updated menu spread with photos of their best-selling items. We had their famous Mee Goreng, Beef Rendang, and Thai Iced Tea. Our food was served in less than 15 minutes, considered fast for table-service restaurants. Calling the attention of the service crew, asking for recommendations, and ordering were all easy. Most service crews were welcoming, though we encountered one who just grabbed the menu spread and the tissue rack off our table when we were still dining. We didn't mind, but it could have been much more courteous if she spoke with us and asked for permission, as we were still eating. Also, the music could have been much softer to preserve the relaxing vibe, because it was hard to hear my companions when we were chatting, to the point that we had to shout at each other. Their Mee Goreng was full of ingredients and a plate could serve up to two to three people--but less in seafood. I mean, what's a "spicy seafood noodles" without much spice and just a few pieces of seafood? It was flavorful and a bit on the sweet-spicy side, may be catering to Filipino tongues that are used to the sweet palette. Beef Rendang, their take on Malaysia's spicy beef curry, was an instant favorite. The meat in the dish generously spicy and soft that it tasted like it was braised slowly and carefully. With rice, the dish can only serve and would leave you wishing you'd have more. The Thai Iced Tea was the spice quencher, if it suddenly feels hot when eating both the Mee Goreng and the Beef Rendang. Crying Tiger is definitely a must-visit in the area if you crave for Southeast Asian dishes, but make sure to get a table before groups go in around dinnertime as it gets full with avid patrons. read more
The Mabantas of Makati are unstoppable!!! The folks behind El Chupacabra, Senor Pollo and Mexicali have done it again with a spanking new concept that is bound to be yet another hit among the young crowd. Crying Tiger is their stellar homage to Southeast Asian food, and it is something that I would love to come back to over and over again. I love my Southeast Asian food. Having spent some time in Indonesia, I have grown to love familiar flavors that really remind me of lovely combinations of spices, fresh ingredients and simple preparations. When I heard that they have mee goreng, albeit the Malaysian kind, I got super excited. Their fried seafood noodles have that awesome balance of spiciness, sweetness and sourness. Order a serving of fried egg with it. I also tried the chicken curry, which was superb. The food is yummy, the beer is cold, the prices are affordable for Makati standards, and the service is great even if they are still on soft open. read more
11 years ago
My biggest issue with buying Asian Street food in Manila is how expensive it gets once you prepare it here. I mean, come on, why is Satay retailing for P100/stick? It's chicken on a stick with peanut sauce! And don't get me started with Pho, Roti, and Bahn Mi! So imagine my delight when I saw a new "hole-in-the-wall" type Thai place open up in Poblacion, Makati. The name alone (Crying Tiger) gave me an inkling that this place was irreverent and had a sense of humor. I was not mistaken. The joint itself was not going to wow you with their brilliant interiors, and I think that was the point. While there are splashes of inspiration here and there, the place looks like an artsy carinderia. Even the food is not presented all artsy and stuff, and that's the beauty of it! Because once you bite into their Fried Chicken or their Thai Barbeque (Marinated with Coconut milk), you will swoon. YOU WILL SWOON. And it's incredibly cheap too! Okay, I got so hungry typing this review that I'm going back there right now. read more
7 years ago
I've written 2 Yelp reviews before this one, both 5 star (jm a positive guy!), but my experience here was so bad, and the attitude of the staff was so "could not give a f*@k," I cannot let it pass. Although it seemed sort of busy on a Tuesday night, I was seated fairly quickly, but then ignored for over 10 minutes before I flagged someone down to serve me. I ordered a single pork skewer as a starter, the pad see ew as my main, and a beer. I kid you not, the pad see ew was slapped on my table less than 90 seconds later ... uh that's way too fast for me to believe it was not just reheated slop, which is exactly what it was. There were almost no noodles, and the stringy pieces of chicken were swimming in a soupy mixture of ... whatever. While the flavor was not bad, it was texturally disgusting. I get it, you're busy and missed the mark. I expressed my disappointment at the food, and explained you cannot serve your guests that fast, and not make them suspicious ... I've worked in many restaurants, so I always try to give benefit of doubt. I asked what could be done about it, and said I didn't think I should have to pay for such a poor attempt; my server was extremely confused and just took off. I assumed they just forgot about my pork skewer starter, but it finally did arrive a good 10 minutes after my main. It was good enough. I was then ignored for over 15 minutes! That is not exaggeration, I timed it. The place is not big, my server (and many others) walked by several times ... it seemed like they understood they screwed up, but just did not want to deal with it. Finally, I had to actually grab my server to tell him I would pay for my beer and skewer only; I left the money on the table and just walked out. I'm sure it's normally not that bad ... probably even good, but there are so many amazing options around here, I'm scratching Chupacabra off my list too. read more
11 years ago
Another cool kid pops up in the trendy Poblacion block in the form of Crying Tiger Street Kitchen, a non-air conditioned hole-in-the-wall that serves Thai/Malaysian fare. Once I entered the restaurant, its colorful walls and kitschy décor drew me in and I was greeted by a wall calendar baring the faces of Thailand's beloved monarchy. Was I in the Kingdom of Siam? I could've certainly been, if not for the friendly Filipina server greeting me in Tagalog. Modeled after the pubs and restaurants one sees along Bangkok's Khao San Road, Crying Tiger certainly has that vibe which backpackers are drawn to - unpretentious, vibrant and off-the-beaten path. As soon as my friends and I finally stopped taking photos of Crying Tiger's instagrammable corners (and trust me, there are lots), we trained our eyes on the menu. Dishes are very affordable at prices ranging from Php 75 to 500. On the beverage side, Thai beers are served (naturally) along with local brews. They even have a wine list for the oenophile traveler or Manila resident. For grub, make sure to order the Mee Goreng (Spicy Seafood Noodles) and the Moo Ping (Thai Pork BBQ), which at Php 25 a stick, is a crowd favorite. read more
11 years ago
I'm told that Crying Tiger was from the same folks who brought us El Chupacabra on Polaris St., so I had an idea of what to find when I can down here: a chill, easy going hang out place with good food and cheap beer. It's a bit hard to find since its hidden on a side street behind Fersal Hotel , which is just in front of A-Venue mall. Just keep walking and you'll be greeted by the smokey grill, colorful lights and Makati's foodie crowd. As soon as I stepped inside, I already knew I was going to like this place. It's like El Chupa only cleaner, less dingy and has more of a beach bum kind of feel. (I think it's the wooden floorboards and colorful lights.) The only thing I didn't like, maybe was the fact that they kept on asking if I had ordered yet, or if there was anyone with me. (Which I get, since they're busy and I'm all alone at a table, but I had already explained that I was waiting for more people, which they seemed to forget.) On to the food: if you don't like anything spicy or flavorful, this place is not for you. Seriously. Their chicken is AMAZING. I love their spicy kangkong (doused with oil though), which pairs well with their fried rice. They've also got a large selection of cocktails and wine, apart from the normal beers. (I got lychee cocktail! Pretty yum.) Definitely coming back and making this a regular hang out! It's cleaner, newer, and is better ventilated than El Chupa. read more
11 years ago
One of the newest additions to the Burgos area bar/restaurant scene is Crying Tiger. They serve southeast Asian cuisine at very decent prices and the venue is designed to look like a trendy Thai restaurant. They even show Thai karaoke on the TV for extra authenticity! I tried the pork barbecue which was really good and came with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. That paired with a cup of rice would only set you back about P100. I also tried their noodles (P200) and chicken which were quite tasty. Too. Beer is about P50 and you can expect to spend around P200-P300 if you go all out. They just opened early May so their menu isn't complete yet. I'm looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer in the coming months. read more
7 years ago
Good food, tried the Char Siu Pork Plate. Good ambiance. To nit-pick, the utensils used seems very cheep. It doesn't compliment the aesthetic of the place. Anyways, the most important factor os the tase of the food, which is otherwise goos. read more
Such a welcomed find when looking for a place to grab some late dinner and a drink walkable from my hotel. I asked for some recommendations for a drink and food that had spice. Had a lemongrass, lime and Thai basil mojito. Tasty and actually paired well with the food. I got a rice dish called Gabi Pad Ka Prao (Thai basil chicken); has great flavor although a bit more salty than necessary. I also had the Pad See Ew (Stir fried wide noodles with chicken); this was spiced perfectly, probably one the absolute best Thai dishes I've had. read more
10 years ago
Good Thai food. I love their chicken bbq and their grilled squid. I wish the place was air-conditioned though. They got a nice bathroom BTW :) read more
10 years ago
I've been hearing this from friends and it's true that this place is awesome. The place is so laid-back... if you're already a fan of El Chupacabra then you'll like this, no problem. It is my first time and decided to I get a plate serving of Moo Krob (deep-fried pork belly) and sangria. It's pretty much just lechon kawali, but with a different sauce on the side. I must say I still loved it! My partner got the spicy wings and its also very good. I must say its the different options of sauce for these dishes that will keep you going at it 'til you empty your plates. Sauces are the bomb. It sure does make it more special with beer, but I'mma try that next time. I am definitely coming back for this place!!!!! read more
6 years ago
Located on Guanzon Street on WilliamsBurgos, The Crying Tiger Kitchen veers away from Western cuisine and takes us on a culinary adventure that hits closer to home. Owned by the Mabanta family, who practically put Poblacion on the map with the wildly successful El Chupacabra, this hole-in-the-wall focuses on authentic Asian street food at reasonable prices. The great thing about this place, aside from the cheap booze, is the fact that they do not sacrifice the authenticity of the food (read: spice level) to suit the Pinoy palate. Consider this a word of caution for those of you who don't have a high tolerance for spice! The Mee Goreng is s spicy mouthful, make sure to wash it down with a cold beer! The Malaysian Chicken Curry is a hearty dish that takes you to the streets of Penang; the chicken is soft and the potatoes have been stewed long enough to have absorbed the spices of the curry. I love it here! read more
11 years ago
I was with a couple of friends one night and we were headed to a get-together. We decided to have dinner at a newly opened restaurant in Brgy. Poblacion in Makati. They had mostly a mix of Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian fare which I found very interesting. I chose to go with the Malaysian Chicken Curry, which was apparently a new addition to the menu. It didn't disappoint. Being a curry lover, I could say that theirs is probably in the running to be in a mental list of good curry places. One order has two pieces of chicken (would total to a quarter), chunks of potato, and lots of my favorite herb - the cilantro! A friend of mine ordered the Mee Goreng, which was also very yummy but could be a bit too spicy for some. Though I really liked it just the way it was. One of our friends gave me a piece of her pork barbecue and it was also pretty good, especially with the dipping sauce. Next time, we'll probably be back to try their selection of drinks with their impressive and quite adorable bar. read more
9 years ago
More info about Crying Tiger Street Kitchen
4986 Guanzon St., Poblacion
Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Philippines
Makati City
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02-8941769
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Crying Tiger Street Kitchen - thai - Updated May 2026
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