Despite our busy schedules, my friends from The Foodies Circle  just couldn't let 2012 past without a Christmas celebration together.  This is definitely a food trip to remember since its my first time in Kapitolyo.  I couldn't have wished for a better company than Sumi and Berylle who share the same love for Thai Cuisine as I do.  So naturally, our first stop is Nav Modern Thai Cuisine. 

Nav Modern Thai Cuisine may be humble in terms of floor area but the place is cozy and clean with a contemporary minimalist ambiance.

Food
It took as quite some time to decide the food because we literally wanted to try most of the menu offerings.  But since this was only our first of many, the group settled with the best-sellers suggested by our server.

Nav's Starters

Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper (180 php)

It may come as a surprise to you but all of us are quite health-conscious so we decided to start with a light and healthy appetizer with the Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper.  This was actually my first time to encounter this with two sauce options.  The crunchy vegetables, fragrant cilantro, bouncy noodles which you can dip in the tasty peanut sauce and tangy lime dressing was an enjoyable starter.

Rice

♥ Khao Kluk Kapi (Nav's Bagoong Rice) (230)

One of the dishes that the gang easily agreed on was the Khao Kluk Kapi.  We all love Thai Bagoong rice!  This version does not disappoint.  You can taste the bold presence of the bagoong with the rice and it is served with chopped green onions, shredded green mangoes and cucumbers and a fried egg on top.  But, the group just can't help but yearn for some meat which we customarily expect from this type of dish.

Nav's Main Course

Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots (450 php)

I was looking forward to a fish cooked similar to the crispy catfish so when the Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots, I was surprised that it was cooked in a battered fish fillet style.  I guess this displays the modern Thai twist of Nav because prior to this, I have not encountered a battered fish fillet in a Thai restaurant.  It had a sour with a hint of sweet tamarind sauce which was supposedly enough to embellish the Tilapia fillets if only they didn't have a batter too thick to make the fish meat almost undetectable. 

♥ Nav's Pad Thai (Rice Noodles with Shrimp, Chicken & Egg) (285 php)

Another must-order for the group is the Nav's Pad Thai.  This is practically the first item in the menu that got our attention.  We're glad we did too because this has got to be one of the best I've tried.  It has generous amounts of shrimp, chicken, egg, bean sprouts and coriander.  The sweet and zesty sauce which perfectly coated every bouncy and chewy rice noodle was sensational especially with a tinge of lemon juice.   

♥Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans (225 php)

The Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans is also a must try!  The chicken bits were tender while the crunchy maboo shoots and yard beans created a great mishmash of textures.  The sauce which had an essence of chicken and slight sweetness made this dish a success.  

Off the Wok

♥ Beef Belly with Rendang Curry (395 php)

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to appreciating curry including dishes like this beef rendang.  But so far, the Beef Belly with Rendang Curry is one of the best I've tried.  I can't help but fall in love with the soft beef belly together with the creamy, savory and slightly spicy rendang curry sauce topped with potato and carrot slices.  In fact, I volunteered to swipe this clean with delight.

Update (October 18, 2014): Revisited and tried the ♥ Stuffed Squid (395 php), adding it to my recommendations. =)

Other Reviews at Kapitolyo Pasig
Bullchef
Lia's Cakes in Season
Mad Mark's Creamery & Good Eats
Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're willing to leap beyond the Traditional Thai dishes, Nav Modern Thai Cuisine is the place to go to.  The price is at the right range and the proportions are good for sharing so bring some company.  I'm glad we came to the right place to celebrate our Christmas dinner.