If you’re a lover of Thai cuisine, you don’t have to wait to visit Thailand anymore. The folks behind all-time-favorites Yauatcha and Hakkasan are all set to launch Nara Thai – one of the finest Thai eateries in Asia. So next time you’re craving Thai curry or tom yum soup, you know where to head to!

Spearheaded by Karyna Bajaj, Executive Director, KA Hospitality, Nara Thai meaning “Thai woman” in Sanskrit, was originally founded by a group of women in 2003 as a passion project which in no time achieved a cult following – now, a well established brand globally with outposts in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. Here, one can taste the exquisiteness of age-old Thai cuisine in a modern, casual setting. Like most other restaurants these days, it’s neither dramatic in its presentation nor fusion in taste, it is what it is. If home-style Thai food is what you’re looking for, this place will surely win your heart as every dish strikes a chord with its flavours.

Dotted with Thai orchids, large windows, larger-than-life lamps and ceramic cutlery, the space is elegantly designed with a private dining room in addition to the main dining area and an al-fresco section which will be ready soon. Keeping the interiors in line with its name, designer Nitipattara Yensup ensured the decor is dainty, classy and yet so comforting. Hues of purple, gold and beige are unmissable throughout the space and in some of their signature dishes too.

Every dish served from their elaborate menu is simple yet packed with sharp flavors. Think sour, bitter, sweet, salty, spicy – yes, every flavor is beautifully enhanced with their aromatic soups and curries. If you’re vegetarian, about 50% of the menu is filled with options that you can pick from. So there’s something for everyone!

What I had & loved:
– Thai ice tea: Perfectly sweet and milky with sharp hints of cardamom and star anise.
– Tom Yum Hed – Tom yum soup: Loved the distinct hot and sour flavors of this aromatic mushroom and shrimp soup with fragrant spices and herbs.
– Yum Tua Plu – Spicy wing bean salad: An explosion of flavors with every bite.
– Yum Phak Boong – Crispy fried morning glory: Batterfried leaves served with a chilli lemon chutney, a perfect blend of crunchy, hot and spicy.
– Khao Phad Samunprai – Butterfly pea rice with Thai herbs: Vibrantly hued blue pea flower rice that changes color upon squeezing lime.
– Kan Kiew – Thai curry: Creamy, fragrant curry with jasmine rice.
– Gai Kraprao – Chicken with chilli and basil: A signature Thai dish you can’t go wrong with.
– Nara ice cream with condiments: Sweet with a dash of savoury

All in all, the food is comforting with relatable flavors and textures. I’m surely going back soon again to try their other signature dishes. What I loved most about the food is that it hasn’t really been tweaked around with. I guess that’s something the city has been longing for – a fuss free restaurant with authentic flavors!

Launching on 11th September, 2017 at Raheja Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex.