CT Review: I Spent An Afternoon At Nara Thai, Delhi NCR, And It Felt Like A Slow, Flavourful Trip To Bangkok

If you ask any Delhiite what made them secretly jealous of Mumbai’s food scene, Nara Thai would definitely be on that list. For years, it was that Bangkok-born, Michelin-recognised Thai restaurant everyone talked about, posted about, and planned trips around. And now, finally, Nara Thai has arrived in Delhi NCR. After experiencing it myself, I can honestly say, this is not just another new restaurant opening. This one feels special.

A Space That Draws You In, Not Overwhelms You

 

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The moment you step inside Nara Thai, Gurugram, you feel a quiet sense of excitement. The ceilings are high, the space is wide and airy, and yet it never feels intimidating. The team welcomes you warmly, making you feel comfortable right from the start.

The interiors are beautiful but not overwhelming. There’s a strong use of purple and gold, which gives the space a bold Thai character, but it’s balanced with softer elements that make it feel relaxed and inviting. Rattan details, patterned floors, gentle lighting and elegant finishes come together effortlessly.

What truly stole my heart, though, were the large glass walls on one side of the restaurant. Sunlight pours in beautifully, especially during the day. I kept feeling that this place would be perfect for a winter brunch, with crisp Delhi weather outside, sunlight warming your table, a cocktail in hand, and plates of Thai food arriving one after another. Honestly, that alone feels like a reason to visit.

Why Nara Thai Feels Different

Nara Thai was founded in Bangkok in 2003 by two visionary women, Narawadee Srikarnchana and Sirisopa Chulasewok, and today it has a presence across eight countries. The Gurugram restaurant is its 33rd global outpost, brought to India by Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality.

What makes it stand out is how seriously it takes authenticity. All sauces and pastes are imported from Bangkok, the Indian team is trained by Nara’s Thai chefs, and the global executive chef regularly visits India to ensure everything tastes exactly the way it should. And you can genuinely taste that effort in every single dish.

Also Read: CT Review: At Delhi’s Barbet & Pals, Every Bird Finds Its Flock, And Its Favourite Cocktail

Spicy Cocktails And Soulful Curries

The Drinks

I began my meal with cocktails, and I’m glad I did. The Bangkok Burn immediately lives up to its name. Made with gin, tamarind, Thai chilli, coriander and lemongrass, it’s spicy, tangy and warming. It’s the kind of cocktail that wakes up your palate. Next was the Pandan & Coconut, and it felt like a mini tropical escape. With gin, citrus extracts, coconut water and homemade pandan liqueur, it’s fragrant, mildly sweet and extremely refreshing.

The Soups

Thai soups are all about balance, and Nara does them beautifully. The Tom Kha Soup was creamy, comforting and soothing. Each spoonful felt warm and calming, perfect for Delhi’s winter weather. The Tom Yum Soup, on the other hand, was sharper and more exciting. Spicy, sour and aromatic, it had just the right amount of heat.

The Salads

The Spicy Raw Papaya Salad was exactly what you hope for: crunchy, fiery and refreshing. The chillies hit, the lime balances it out, and the textures keep you coming back for more. The Pomelo Salad with Jaggery Soy Glaze was a pleasant surprise. It felt fresh yet satisfying, a perfect in-between dish. Then came the Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemongrass and Mint Dressing. It felt light but flavourful, the kind of salad you actually enjoy eating.

Small Plates

The Nara Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Sauce were perfectly crisp on the outside and well-seasoned inside. Simple, comforting and done really well. The Grilled Chicken in Thai Herbs was juicy and aromatic, with the herbs adding layers of flavour rather than just decoration. The Stir-fried Morning Glory was clean, garlicky and full of umami. It’s proof that even the simplest dishes can shine when done right.

The Mains

The Lamb Massaman Curry was one of my favourite dishes of the meal. The lamb was soft and slow-cooked, and the curry was mildly spiced, slightly sweet and deeply comforting.  The Phad Thai Noodles were beautifully balanced, not too sweet, not too sour, with a perfect texture. The meal ended with the Nara Fried Rice with Prawn & Chicken, which tied everything together. Fragrant, well-seasoned and generous with proteins, it was satisfying without being heavy.

What I loved most about Nara Thai is how effortlessly it brings together authentic Thai flavours, thoughtful design and warm hospitality. It’s a place that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a long, relaxed meal. For Delhi NCR, this isn’t just a new restaurant marks the arrival of a true Thai icon. And after my experience, I can safely say: Delhiites, you’re going to keep coming back here.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal and Mallika Khurana