If you’re in Cebu City and craving the bold, vibrant flavors of Thai street food, Kinn Kinn Kitchen is ready to serve up the experience—no plane ticket required. Located across from the Richmond Hotel on Filimon Sotto Drive, this modern Thai eatery puts an inventive spin on classic dishes while staying true to the flavors that make Thai cuisine so irresistible.
At its core, Kinn Kinn aims to bring an authentic “hole-in-the-wall” Bangkok dining experience to Cebu. The menu features well-loved staples like Pad Kra Pao, Pad Thai, and rich, aromatic curries, all customizable to suit dietary preferences. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and spice levels can be adjusted to every diner’s comfort. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be left out either—Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Milk Tea round out the menu for a perfectly balanced meal.
For adventurous palates, Kinn Kinn offers a creative fusion of Thai flavors with dishes like Deep-Fried Chicken Wings and Pomelo Salad, blending Western and Thai influences into a harmonious flavor experience.
“We believe in fostering a welcoming, no-frills experience where delicious Thai food meets great value—bringing a little piece of Bangkok right here to Cebu,” shares founder Alyssa “Lys” Sacal.
From Vancouver to Cebu: A Love for Thai Cuisine
Sacal, the driving force behind Kinn Kinn, first fell in love with Thai food during her college years in Vancouver, a city known for its diverse culinary scene.
“For many reasons,” Sacal explains, “it was customizable for people with dietary preferences (like myself) and spice tolerances too.” But what truly made Thai food a staple for her wasn’t just its flavors—it was its accessibility. “The best part was it was affordable, which meant everyone could enjoy it—especially with our student budgets! We would order it to our dorms or grab it as takeout when we went to the beach.”
Big Plans from a Tiny Kitchen
Kinn Kinn isn’t stopping at one location. “We’re also dreaming big!” Sacal teases. Plans for 2025 include opening more branches—including one outside Cebu—and participating in local food events through pop-up stores.
“For our passionate and dedicated team, 2025 is all about learning and growth,” she shares. “This year, we are focused on listening to our customers—understanding what they like, don’t like, and how we can make their experience even better.”
At the heart of Kinn Kinn’s long-term vision is more than just serving great food. Sacal wants to recreate that feeling of stumbling upon a hidden gem—one of those unassuming spots tucked away in a bustling city, where the food just hits. “No fuss, just really good eats, and good vibes,” she says.
“More than anything, we want people to associate Kinn Kinn with a fun, welcoming, and exciting experience—whether they’re ordering in or chilling at our hole-in-the-wall spot. It’s all about good food, good energy, and that ‘I want to come back here’ kind of feeling.”
Photography Kyrra Kho
