Thai food lovers everywhere are in for a treat with the grand opening of Nara Thai, located in Colombo 7. As a prestigious Michelin Guide-recognised franchise, Nara Thai brings authentic and refined Thai cuisine to Sri Lanka, setting new standards for dining in the city.
The new flagship store takes shape in a thoughtfully designed space that balances Thai heritage and modern elegance. Nara Thai Colombo is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience. The ground floor reflects regal Thai aesthetics, while the second floor presents a contemporary fine dining ambience, adorned with floral motifs and vibrant hues.
Nara Thai is synonymous with Thai culinary mastery, having earned a place in the Michelin Guide every year since 2019. Originating from Thailand’s thriving gastronomic landscape, the restaurant is revered for its authentic flavours and meticulous attention to quality.
However, what makes the restaurant unique is how Nara Thai has tailored its menu to the Sri Lankan palate, offering a fusion of authenticity and accessibility, while maintaining the franchise’s signature culinary excellence.
Speaking at the launch, Nara Thai Sri Lanka Managing Director Shafraz Anees shared his vision for the restaurant, saying: “When we decided to bring Nara Thai to Sri Lanka, we knew we had to go big. This is a Michelin-awarded franchise and there is no turning back after earning that recognition. We recently acquired this space because we wanted to give Colombo a truly exceptional Thai dining experience.”
Anees emphasised that food quality remained the core focus of the restaurant, with dishes meticulously crafted to match Bangkok’s finest Thai restaurants. “Thai cuisine is a vast spectrum and we strive to showcase its depth while accommodating the Sri Lankan palate. Our dishes maintain their authentic roots, but we have made slight refinements to ensure they resonate with local diners,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges when introducing international cuisine to Sri Lanka is ensuring accessibility without compromising authenticity. Nara Thai has expertly balanced this by retaining the essence of traditional Thai flavours, while subtly adapting certain dishes to suit local taste preferences.
For instance, let us consider Pad Thai, a classic dish known for its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and umami flavours. The Colombo outlet ensures that while the original flavours are preserved, the seasoning is fine-tuned to enhance spiciness and depth, appealing to locals who prefer bold flavours.
Similarly, signature curries such as the Green Curry and Massaman Curry maintain traditional Thai preparation methods but offer an extra level of richness that aligns with the Sri Lankan preference for deep and full-bodied flavours.
“The core foundation of our food remains true to Thailand, but we have refined it ever so slightly to match the Sri Lankan palate. That is why we have grown so much across our portfolio – because we respect authenticity while embracing adaptation,” Anees explained.
Despite Nara Thai’s Michelin-recognised reputation, the restaurant remains one of the most affordable Thai fine-dining experiences in the world.
“Affordability is one of the key aspects of our long-term vision,” he noted. “We are actually the cheapest Nara Thai restaurant in the world, more affordable than most of our competitors, yet still delivering a premium experience.”
Nara Thai’s arrival in Colombo is just the beginning. The franchise already has seven global locations, including in Manhattan, Singapore, and Bangkok, and plans to expand further. With fine dining as a key focus, the restaurant aims to provide an experience that immerses guests in the flavours, textures, and aromas of Thailand, ensuring each visit is nothing short of extraordinary.