Thai Style With a Street Food Vibe at The Original Boat Noodle in SM Mall of Asia

The vibrant sights, sounds and flavors of the exotic floating markets of Ayutthaya come alive in the newest dining establishment at SM Mall of Asia. Step inside The Original Boat Noodle...

The Original Boat Noodle brings Thailand's iconic floating market and street food vibe to SM Mall of Asia with their extensive selection of authentic Thai dishes. From the famous and iconic boat noodles served in its distinct "little bowls of happiness" later stacked to classic dishes like Pad Thai and Kra Pow Chicken Rice, the Original Boat Noodle recreates the street market feel from the Land of Smiles for a unique dining experience. Read on for a tasty sneak peek...

The simmering pots and stacked bowls at The Original Boat Noodle transport you to the river banks and street markets of Thailand's famed Ayutthaya lined with boats hawking their specialty dishes. The sounds, sights and aroma teases the senses...

...immersing you in the unique Thai dining experience. The Original Boat Noodle is the latest addition to the Bench Group of dining concepts including Bench Cafe, PAUL Boulangerie and PAUL Le Cafe (see more on my previous posts, Rainy Day Picks for Take-Out at PAUL Le Cafe and The Art of Coffee A La Francaise at PAUL Le Cafe on the opening of their Greenbelt 5 location), Marugame and Maisen (more on my earlier posts, No Compromises: A Commitment to Flavor at Tonkatsu Maisen from 2015, Pork Love at Tonkatsu Maisen from 2016 and You Can Always Bet on the Kurobuta Tenderloin at Tonkatsu Maisen from 2019). Authentic Thai flavors by way of Malaysia, The Original Boat Noodle is Malaysia's largest Thai street food restaurant. And it's now here in the metro...

Just like the famed floating markets back in Ayutthaya, The Original Boat Noodle brings the same wide and fresh selection of tasty Thai offerings at affordable prices for a winning variety and value combo that's hard to beat. Made with the freshest ingredients masterfully executed by the skilled team of The Original Boat Noodle, diners can enjoy the flavors of the floating market and street food scene of Ayutthaya right here at SM Mall of Asia.

Ayutthaya's floating market experience is faithfully replicated with The Original Boat Noodle's specialty "little bowls of happiness" with its rich and soothing broths, savory ingredients and fresh herbs and spices. The story behind the famed little bowls of boat noodles from the floating markets is one driven by necessity with a creative and practical solution to the complex logistics involved in traversing the busy canals. The use of smaller bowls makes it easier and convenient to prepare and serve the hearty noodle dishes from the boat, hence its name. Since the early forties, the practice has become both a tradition and popular attraction in the busy floating markets of Ayutthaya. And it's a uniquely Thai tradition showcased at The Original Boat Noodle. 

Ready for noods? Diners can opt for the Sampler (P 333 for the 4+1 Set including choice of beverage) or A La Carte portions (P 60 for a small bowl/P 220 for a Large bowl or take-out) of the popular boat noodles including the sour and sweet Pathumthani with fresh herbs, the Ayutthaya simmered with pork blood, the creamy and spicy Tom Kha Kai with coconut milk and Khao Soi with its tart tomato-based broth. Each broth offers refreshingly distinct flavors providing a sumptuous snapshot of traditional Thai flavors in small bowls. Go for the Sampler 4+1 Set with your choice of beverage to experience all boat noodle variants.

Hearty and comforting, the rich blend of flavors from sour and tart to savory and sweet with that soothing layer of heat takes your palate on a culinary journey to the floating markets and street food scene of Thailand with each bowl. The Sampler 4+1 Set is the perfect option to experience the diverse flavors of boat noodles with the "little bowls of happiness." 

And if you go for the Sampler 4+1 Set (P 333), you can pick your beverage to complete your Thai-style meal. Also available a la carte, choose from the Cha Yen or Thai Iced Tea, Cha Keow Yen or Thai Iced Green Tea, Cha Manao Yen or Thai Iced Lemon Tea and Kaffe Yen or Thai Iced Coffee. 

The Original Boat Noodle offers even more tasty options, like the Crunchy Popeye's Tempura (P 125) with fresh water spinach (now you know why it's named after the cartoon character) or kang kong draped in a light batter and deep-fried for that delectable crispness.

The play on textural contrasts delights the palate and the rich, creamy sauce completes the flavors. The mayo-based Soot Yod sauce with savory bits of pork smoothens the crisp textures and flavors that will have you going for another bite. It's one of many tasty treats at The Original Boat Noodle pairing well with your sumptuous mains. 

Come hungry without the worries. At The Original Boat Noodle, you can enjoy a satisfying meal well within your budget. That means you can pick more dishes from their menu...

The Pandan Wings (P 195) with crisp and juicy chicken is given that distinctive Thai spin with the subtle sweetness and fragrant finish of pandan for a flavorful burst with each dip in the special sweet chili sauce...

...while the Pad Thai (P 240) with succulent shrimps, tofu, ground peanuts and chili brings even more comfortingly familiar flavors to the palate to complete your Thai experience. The mildly chewy noodles are infused with the flavors of the various ingredients for that savory bite. 

A meal in itself, the Kra Pow Chicken Rice (P 190) with a sunny side-up offers even more hearty flavors finished with a layer of heat from the fresh chilies. Simply mix it all up, and go for a massive spoonful and repeat. Everything just comes together for another savory pick at The Original Boat Noodle.

But that's just part of the spread at The Original Boat Noodle, with more yet to be served...

There's a pretty good reason why they added "legend" to the names of two specialty dishes at The Original Boat Noodle starting with the Ayam Legend (P 235). Aside from the witty pun inspired from that post-apocalyptic film, it's a seriously good dish that's both simple and uncomplicated. It's the savory richness of the juicy chicken with its delicately charred edges and just a whisper of smoky hints that makes this one of the absolute must-try dishes at The Original Boat Noodle...

Fresh off the grill, the wittingly named Ayam Legend adds that quirky yet flavorful vibe to the floating market street food style of The Original Boat Noodles. If you prefer pork, The Original Boat Noodle has that covered too...

...with the Pork Legend (P 260). The delicate sweetness of the tender and juicy slab of pork is perfectly finished on the grill for that intense savory burst of richness followed by gentle smoky hints. The thick sauce adds that sweet and mildly sour layer of flavor for a delicately balanced finish.   

This one's high on my list of personal picks at The Original Boat Noodles. And yes, it's absolutely legend. 

From traditional boat noodles served in "little bowls of happiness" to its wide selection of savory options, you can enjoy an all-Thai feast with the cool street food vibe at The Original Boat Noodle without busting your wallet. Value and variety and then some, that's hard to beat.

Looking for that perfect sweet ending to a hearty and satisfying meal at The Original Boat Noodle? The Sangkayaa (P 95) with pillow soft steamed bread and sweet Sangkayaa Sauce should do the trick. Simply pick up a piece of bread and dip in the thick and sweet sauce to cap a sumptuous feast on a high note. 

A quick scan of the menu at The Original Boat Noodle offers traditional Thai fare...

...and so much more at reasonable prices for that casual Thai street food feel right here in the metro taking you to the bustling floating market scene of Ayutthaya.  

A quick meal and snack on a break or a lavish feast, follow your cravings for that Thai fix at The Original Boat Noodle and a distinctly unique Thai experience.  

Plus, enjoy an equally wide selection of refreshing iced beverages from teas, smoothies and coffee to pair with your meal at The Original Boat Noodle. 

It's a novel concept and a great addition to the growing portfolio of brands under the Bench Group offering diners even more options in the local restaurant scene that's bouncing back from the quarantine experience. 

Don't miss the boat and hop aboard the floating market experience at The Original Boat Noodle in SM Mall of Asia for that satisfying Thai meal with a cool street food vibe. And with reasonable prices, bring your appetite too. 

The Original Boat Noodle is located at Level 2, South Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/BoatNoodlePhilippines for more information and updates.

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