Kolkata, Sep 04: This September, Kolkata is getting a taste of Bangkok as Yauatcha Kolkata hosts the three–day Nara Thai Takeover at Yauatcha Kolkata, bringing the vibrant spirit of Thai cooking to the city. Known for its lively interplay of flavours, Thai cuisine is all about finding harmony in contrasts. The Nara Thai experience brings this very spirit to the table, with a specially curated menu that explores some of Thailand’s most-loved flavours and preparations.
It starts with the comforting warmth of Tom Yum and Tom Kha Soup, where aromatic herbs and fragrant spices set the tone for what lies ahead. For something lighter and refreshing, the menu features a selection of salads that showcase the fresh, vibrant side of Thai cuisine. These includes Spicy Raw Papaya Salad, with its characteristic sweet-spicy-tangy notes, Edamame Salad with Grilled Eryngii, and the bright and juicy Pomelo Salad.
The appetisers take a more indulgent turn, bringing together crisp textures, smoky flavours and the unmistakable punch of Thai seasoning. Crispy Betel Leaves with Chilli Lime Dip offer a delicate crunch with a zesty kick, while Stir-Fried Spicy Potato with Thai Herbs brings together earthy potatoes and fragrant herbs. Meat and seafood lovers can dive into Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, where smoky grilled chicken meets a rich, nutty accompaniment, or the Golden Butterfly Shrimp with Sweet Chilli Sauce, combining crisp golden shrimp with the sweet heat of chilli. For a more substantial indulgence, Thai Grilled Lamb Chops and Grilled John Dory with Kaffir Lime bring smoky char and aromatic citrus to the forefront.
The main course moves deeper into the heart of Thai cuisine, where fragrant curries, wok-tossed preparations, rice and noodles take centre stage. The familiar richness of Green Curry and Red Curry sits alongside Chicken Kraprao, a Thai favourite celebrated for its bold combination of basil, chilli and savoury flavours. The spread also features a selection of stir-fried preparations with seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, lamb and prawns, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through the aromatic Thai seasoning.
No Thai feast would be complete without rice and noodles, and the menu offers plenty to explore. The vivid Butterfly Pea Fried Rice with Thai Herbs brings colour and fragrance to the table, while the Nara Fried Rice with Prawn & Chicken offers a hearty combination of seafood, meat and wok-tossed rice. Those craving a classic can turn to Phad Thai Noodles, while Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chilli Basil brings a more fiery, aromatic edge to the spread.
Dessert takes the journey into sweeter territory, with the much-loved Mango Sticky Rice making an appearance in all its comforting simplicity. Alongside this Thai classic are the delicate Chocolate Crepe Cake and Tub Tim Grob, a traditional Thai dessert known for its colourful, playful textures and refreshing finish.
The Thai-inspired experience extends to the bar as well, with a spirited selection of cocktails that draw from the country’s distinctive ingredients and flavours. Phi Phi Fire, Golden Hour Fizz, Pandan & Coconut and Tom Yum Twist bring everything from tropical freshness and fragrant pandan to the unexpected savoury notes of Thai cuisine into the glass. For those opting for zero-proof pours, refreshing mocktails such as Pineapple Kaffir, Mango Melon Fizz and Raspberry Ginger Collins offer bright, fruit-forward alternatives. The experience is rounded off with classic Thai and Taro Bubble Teas, bringing a playful touch to the beverage selection.
More than simply a menu, the Nara Thai experience at Yauatcha Kolkata is an invitation to experience the many moods of Thai cuisine. Over three days, there will be lively table filled with colourful plates, aromatic herbs, bold spices and flavours that build with every course. It is a little taste of Bangkok brought to Kolkata, where familiar favourites meet discoveries and every bite offers another reason to linger a little longer.