Nara Thai Cusine started their first outlet in Bangkok in 2006, bringing the best of Thai Street food into an air-conditioned restaurant, allowing customers to enjoy their food in comfort. They were consistently voted as Thailand’s Best Restaurant by Tatler. Till date, they have 3 outlets in Bangkok – Erawan, Eight Thonglor Building and Central World.
Nara’s first overseas outlet opened at Singapore’s ION Orchard in 2013 and in 2014, they launched their second outlet at Westgate Mall, bringing it closer to the suburbs. It is conveniently located next to Jurong East MRT Station.
Fans of Nara will be delighted to know that there will be four new tantalising dishes:
1. Tom Saap (Hot and Spicy Soup with Spare Ribs) – S$13.90. For those who prefer a more flavourful soup that is less sour and spicy, something different from Tom Yum, you probably will prefer this. It is served with tender spare ribs.
2. Poh Tak (Hot and Spicy Seafood Soup) – S$17.90. This is the sibling of Tom Yum Kung – the non creamy version and instead of Tiger Prawns, it comes with Seafood. This soup is a favourite item for many.
3. Kua Kling (Southern Tumeric Spicy Chicken – S$13.90. A spicy southern Thai delicacy made up of succulent chicken spiced with turmeric. It goes very well with Kao Suay (Jasmine Rice).
4. Kao Phad Tom Yum (Tom Yum Fried Rice) – S$13.90
*Do note that Khao Phad Tom Yum and Tom Saap will be available exclusively only at Westgate Mall outlet*
Here are some other Chef Recommendations which you should try when at Nara.
Prawn Carpaccio (Goong Chae Nam Pla) – S$13.90. Prawn sashimi served with garlic and chilli padi. You must eat this together with the fish sauce marinade (shown below) as it will go extremely well together, bringing you to cloud 9.
Fish Sauce Marinade
Green Mango Salad with Prawns (Yum Na Muang Kung) – S$12.90. An appetiser you should try when having a thai meal.
Deep Fried Chicken in Traditional Shrimp Paste (Gai Tord Kapi) – $10.90. Although delicious, it did not give me the wow factor as it lacked the flavour found in those sold on street carts. It would be perfect if they could replicate the same flavour.
Fried Whole Sea Bass with Picked Garlic, Peppercorn and Herbs (Pla Kra Pong Chao Sua) – S$32.90. Personally, I prefer steamed fish as compared to fried fish as the latter seems to be harder and does not taste as fresh. Surprisingly, for this fried sea bass, you can still taste the softness and freshness of the fish. It’s worth a try if you like fried fish!
I-Thim Nara (Nara’s Coconut Ice Cream with Assorted Thai Sweet Condiments) – S$8.80. At Nara, you MUST ORDER this! A perfect ending for your meal. Smooth milky coconut ice cream is served with a full range of Thai sweet condiments. A match made in heaven!
The condiments include Nata De Coco, Corn, Jackfruit, Homemade Red Ruby, Palm Tree Seeds, Chendol, Sticky Rice and Nuts.
My favourite condiments would be the sticky rice and red ruby as it’s uniquely Thai!
Some of the “Thai” drinks I recommend you to try are:
Butterfly Pea (Anchan) – S$5.50. Butterfly Pea is an ancient Thai herbal plant. It provides anthocyanin to improve eyesight, treat ophthalmitis and eye infections, nourish hair, provide antioxidants and boost body immunity.
Thai Ice Milk Tea (Chayen) – S$4.90 . This is a MUST ORDER because it is one of the best Chayen I have tasted in Singapore, especially in Thai Restaurants. It is extremely milky and flavourful and one cup is definitely not enough.
Nara Thai Cuisine at Westgate Mall possesses a predominantly monochromatic interior, which is a contrast to the royal purple tones and warm palette present at ION Orchard.
This outlet has a lush outdoor courtyard and it draws inspiration from traditional Thai resorts and features timeless, modern decor with understated Thai cultural details.
After your sumptuous meal and if the weather permits, head over to an inner sanctuary (mini outdoor courtyard) for a breath of fresh air!
+ Like
Authentic and delicious Thai dishes in a comfortable setting, with a choice indoor or al-fresco setting.
– Dislike
Perhaps the staffs could smile a little more? Service is good, just that the smile would make it even better. :)
= Conclusion
The four new dishes might be different from what you normally order, but it’s worth a try. You will probably love it or you might just prefer the good old chef-recommended dishes at Nara. But don’t leave Nara without ordering their Thai Milk Tea and I-Thim Nara. It’s just heavenly and makes your meal perfect and complete. Now, with regards to the pricing, as compared to many thai establishments in Singapore, the price here is definitely higher because you get to dine in comfort in one of Thailand’s best restaurants. If you want to enjoy your dish slowly and just chill out with your friends over a meal, this is the place. At Nara, you don’t have to queue up for 30 minutes and you will not be rushed to finish your meal quickly. Simply indulge in comfort!
Nara Thai Cuisine
SINGAPORE – Westgate Mall
3 Gateway Drive #03-07
Operating Hours
Daily: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
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Option 1: MRT – Jurong East
From Jurong East MRT station, walk over to Westgate Mall which is just beside and head up to Level 3.
