If you're looking for a quick Thai food fix, better opt for the closest to the real deal

A constant favourite of Thai locals as well as visitors from across the globe, Nara prides itself on its excellent fare. That's why Roku Group Inc. found it fitting to fly the franchise to Manila for Filipinos to enjoy.

Roku Group Inc. wasn't kidding when they said they're bringing an authentic Thai restaurant into the country. They enlisted a Thai chief to oversee operations, while their local head chefs underwent extensive training and immersions in Bangkok.

“The pitfall of some local restaurants is when the taste becomes tailored to local tastes or preferences. In Nara, I make sure that we give you authentic flavours, so majority of our ingredients are imported from Nara Bangkok—especially the curries which is our top seller,” shares Roku Group Inc CEO Sheila Bermudez-Romero.

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Above Yum Som O
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Above Tom Ka Gai

When dining in Nara, start off the meal with the incredibly flavourful and refreshing Yum Som O, a traditional pomelo salad with tenderly cooked shrimp doused in olive oil. Mind-blowingly delicious, this traditional dish is a fusion of fruity, salty, and umami flavours

Another standout from their menu is the Tom Ka Gai (chicken in coconut soup). It is pretty straightforward, but there’s a wee bit of surprise that comes in every sip. It’s flavourful and well-seasoned!

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Scratch the no-carb diet with their Kaho Phad Nam Prik Goong Seab, a generous serving of fried rice with shrimp paste, caramelized pork, crispy catfish, salted egg and a bit of chili on the side. For those who can’t take the heat, their Khao Phad Sapparod (pineapple fried rice with chicken and shredded pork) is the way to go.

Of course, how can we ever skip Pad Thai? If you’re tired of the syrupy, almost soggy pad thai takeout usually served in Thai restaurants around the metro, then this one is for you! Somehow, they managed to douse it with a good amount of sauce without sacrificing the texture and crunch of the noodles. Pure magic in a bite.

To seal the hearty meal, indulge yourself in a sweet cold treat, the Kaho Niew Lam Yai Nai Maprow Ice Cream (longan sticky rice with coconut ice cream). Fair warning, this dessert is incredibly filling so be sure to leave some space while gorging on your main meal.

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Other must-trys from their menu are the Phu Nim Tord Kra Tiem (Fried Soft Shell Crab in Garlic), Phum Nim Tord Kra Tiem (Stir Fried Crab with Yellow Curry sauce), and the Massaman Neua Nong (Beef Massaman Curry)

After a year of serving ridiculously good food, more Nara restaurants will soon open in other parts of the cosmopolitan: Ayala by the Bay and Greenbelt in Makati.

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