Thailand’s Michelin-recognised Nara Thai expands in Colombo with new flagship outlet

Nara Thai Sri Lanka Managing Director  Shafraz Anees

By Divya Thotawatte 

A vibrant addition to Sri Lanka’s international culinary scene, Thailand’s award-winning and Michelin-recognised restaurant chain, Nara Thai, unveiled a new flagship outlet in Colombo earlier this month. 

The newly opened outlet in Flower Road, Colombo 07 is the latest addition to the restaurant chain’s presence in Sri Lanka. Nara Thai Sri Lanka was the first international franchise of Nara Thai outside Thailand and was brought to the country by the renowned Everbright Holdings, a Sri Lankan-based group with extensive experience in franchise businesses. Their portfolio includes other international brands like the Manhattan Fish Market, alongside ventures in furniture, electronics, construction, and gem and jewellery. 

Speaking to Daily FT at the unveiling event, Everbright Holdings Group Managing Director Shafraz Anees said, “We were the first to franchise it globally, and as Nara Thai is a fine dining specialist in Thai food, we put a lot of time, energy and effort into making the food ultimately the best. That was the key ingredient for its success in Thailand. So when it comes to Nara Thai, our focus and emphasis will always be on the quality of the food above everything else, with every single flavour perfectly balanced.” 

The newly opened flagship outlet is not just about food, it is about a carefully curated dining experience. Nara Thai’s menu features over 150 dishes, crafted using age-old Thai recipes. While staying true to its Thai roots, the franchise team has also carefully selected dishes that would most suit the palate of Sri Lankan diners, taking care to ensure dishes are not overwhelmingly sweet or spicy. The sole objective of this curation is for every bite to be a magical experience for Sri Lankans and any Thai food-lover, emphasised Anees. 

From Phad Thai to Kang Panang to soft and crispy Poa Pia Nara, and the creamiest Thai iced tea, the menu offers a wide array of dishes with each dish perfected to deliver an authentic expression of Thailand’s diverse culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy flavourful à la carte dishes with an ambience that matches their meal, occasion and mood. 

Two stories, two experiences: Golden glamour and pastel casual elegance 

Ambience and aesthetics were also important aspects of consideration when designing this flagship outlet, said Anees. He explained that its design was meticulously crafted with both casual dining and fine dining in mind. 

The two-story restaurant offers two different experiences. The ground floor sets a sophisticated ambiance with gold-accented decor with plum hues, mirrored panels and warm lighting that creates a glamorous yet inviting atmosphere. 

The upper floor, with its pastel green walls and gold accents, muted mauve panels, and soft floral arrangements offers a more relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for casual dining. With soft lighting and garden-inspired decor, it also adds a touch of romance and elegance to the concept of casual dining. 

“This is one of the only restaurants and outlets in Sri Lanka which has this kind of concept. This was actually designed by the world award-winning design concept from the Thailand brand itself. So we took a lot of time and design aspects to bring these elements together. Finally it has worked out fantastically well.”

The dining space of the restaurant can seat 150 people, with each floor accommodating about 80 people at once, and it can be expanded if necessary, added Anees. It also includes five private dining areas with each space curated to portray unique themes and identities. The largest private dining area, ‘The Embassy’, offers a refined, spacious setting that can seat up to 30 people and host special events. 

“These are identities and names given to us by our Thai franchise which guides us to grow the brand in Sri Lanka. We plan to host corporate events and birthday parties and other events as well here. So it’s very accommodating.” 

The journey to bringing Nara Thai to Sri Lanka

 Working with Nara Thai was a key objective and milestone achieved by Everbright Holdings almost over a decade ago. This journey began in 2012, when the franchisee sought out an international brand that would appeal to the local tastes. “Nara Thai was the perfect fit for Sri Lanka,” noted Anees. 

Recognised in the Michelin Guide, Nara Thai, which was founded in 2003, has built a reputation as one of Thailand’s finest fine dining establishments, bringing authentic flavours and rich culinary traditions to the world. Achieving recognition in the Michelin Guide is no mean feat in the restaurant industry, with only a handful of Thai brands having achieved this prestigious honour. Bringing this world-class dining experience to Sri Lanka had been part of a broader vision by the franchisee to elevate Sri Lanka’s restaurant industry. 

As one of the pioneers in introducing international franchise dining to Sri Lanka, the team behind Nara Thai Sri Lanka has had extensive experience in the food and beverage sector, having successfully launched Manhattan Fish Market years ago when the industry was still in its infancy. Back then, global fast food brands in Sri Lanka were limited, and the introduction of premium, internationally recognised dining concepts had filled a market need, explained Anees. 

“The restaurant industry is one of the most challenging industries out of all the other businesses which I am running because minute and intricate things have to be taken care of all the time. So we came up with a successful system/model which we were able to adapt. So that experience helped me to grow and delve into other businesses in food and beverage.”

Everbright Holdings currently manages two major international brands: Manhattan Fish Market and Nara Thai. Anees highlighted that they were the only business in the country to hold two internationally recognised brands at the moment, emphasising the strong acceptance and popularity of the two brands by both international and Sri Lankan consumers. 

The new outlet’s layered approach to dining, from its carefully curated ambiance to its globally influenced service model, will also guarantee a wholesome and immersive experience for its guests, once again elevating Sri Lanka’s fine dining as well as casual dining landscape. With its growth, more restaurants are set to be opened in the coming year, Anees said. 

- Pix by Shehan Gunasekara