Chef Jorge Mendez is Back With his Unapologetic Take on Thai Food

The surging and prolific Chief Jorge Mendez, who also happens to be Chef of the Year at Esquire Philippines' Man at His Best 2025, is set to set up another Some Thai branch at The Podium, which he says is a continuation of his “inauthentic” take on classic Thai dishes.

Mendez says it is all about “Filipinizing” the strong Bangkok culinary tastes for the Filipino palate.

Some Thai had already received recognition in the form of the highly coveted Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide when it landed in the islands more than a month ago. His Japanese dining concept, Modan, was also named as a Michelin Selected establishment.

“This is 'inauthentic' Thai food. It’s Thai food where we put about 10 percent into "Filipinizing" it. We did that because when we opened two months ago, the people felt [the authentic flavors] were too much for them. So, I think we need to adjust it the way Filipinos will love it,” he told Esquire Philippines in an interview.

It is quite derivative for restaurants to declare that they serve “authentic” cuisine in an overly saturated industry that demands refreshing spins on ways to feed people.

We don’t see Some Thai as a place that is trying to transport you to Bangkok, but rather, an establishment with soul that suits the Filipino diner.

Mendez has already accumulated quite accolades in his young but storied culinary career in the local food restaurant industry spanning a bunch of compelling dining concepts.

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Shots from the Dec. 2 media preview lunch at the soon-to-open Some Thai at The Podium

Interiors of Some Thai, The Podium

The thriving Filipino millennial chef is relentless in coming up with diverse dining concepts such as Ohayo Comfort Food, Modan, Mugen Ramenya, and Makanai.

“You know, never in my life do I go for an award but If we get these then it happens. But it helped me; it helped me and my team to move forward. I’m happy, but it’s not on our minds. It is more about our heart, which always works. If people give us [awards], we’ll get it. But we always work because we want people to gather around the table and enjoy our food,” Mendez said, commenting on recognition and how it relates to him getting down to business.

Back to Some Thai, think of it like the chef’s defiant answer to the rigid expectations of conventional Thai food.

The Podium branch, which officially opens its doors on December 10, will have exclusive dishes such as the elevated Gai Tod (Thai fried chicken), fragrant Steamed Sea Bass, and a comforting Khanom Kho dessert.

Some Thai at The Podium exclusive dishes from left to right: Gai Tod, Steamed Sea Bass, Khanom Kho

Mendez is taking on an unapologetic approach to the otherwise established Thai cuisine realm, without erasing its roots.

“The brand has to be connected with me before I can deliver or create the food. It has to be something personal. If it is not my family’s favorite, we won’t do it,” said Mendez.

Chef Jorge Mendez prepping for the Some Thai at The Podium media preview lunch

A shot of the convex mirror during the media preview lunch

The Papaya Salad station at Some Thai, The Podium

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