Bengaluru loves its reservations. Two days into my short trip into the city and it is the biggest lesson I have learnt: you want to go somewhere, call and book (ideally days in advance). How much does the city love making reservations? Baan Phadthai, the Michelin-recognised restaurant that opens its doors in Bengaluru, can tell you a story.The Thai restaurant had plans of doing a soft launch in the city. Like other best laid plans, things went awry when they realised their reservation link remained open online and they were booked till August 10. What followed was a swift shutdown, and hiring extra staff to cater to the increased interest. Today, the restaurant’s outdoor area is now a waiting room as guests patiently wait their turn. It seemed unlikely that this restaurant opening would go unnoticed. Last year, Baan Phadthai brought its Thai flavours and that signature 18-ingredient sauce for a pop-up at The Conservatory (where else). Bengaluru welcomed it with open arms. A year later, the city has become the base for the restaurant chain’s first foray into India, after Paris, Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
The phad Thai
| Photo Credit:
Manan Upadhyaya
Baan Phadthai opened in Bangkok in 2016, the work of entrepreneur Frederic Meyer. It has been on the Bib Gourmand list of the Michelin Guide Bangkok for six consecutive years (from 2018).On a rainy evening in Bengaluru, the restaurant is packed. A big, lighting adjustable logo at the entrance seems ideally positioned for photos. Inside, the walls are a powder blue, adorned with Thai-themed art. At 30 seats, Baan Phadthai is small and cosy enough to hear your neighbours without bothering them – unless it is to share recommendations or even offer a stranger a sip of the peach iced tea to see if it is worth ordering. It is. The chatter is loud, the cane seating is comfortable, the lighting is warm, and the servers, out to be your friend. “Just close your eyes and order anything for me,” the table behind us tells their server.What you should orderWe are not ready for that commitment yet. If in a big group, it is possible to order everything on Baan Phadthai’s compact menu. There is no alcohol, so we settle for that peach iced tea (Nam Soda Saowarot) and Thai tea (Cha Manao): both drinks lean far into the sweeter side.
