Banng Reimagines Thai Cuisine in Mumbai with Bold, Creative Flavours

Banng, a new Thai restaurant in Mumbai, has opened its doors with a menu that reimagines traditional dishes. Chefs Garima and Manav have crafted a selection of bold flavours, staying true to the roots of Thai cuisine while adding their own creative touch. The experience begins with a warm welcome—'Kin Khao Reu Yang', a phrase that translates to 'Have you eaten yet?' in Thai. The meal kicks off with playful starters like Tom Kha Pani Puri, where crisp puris are filled with mushrooms and herbs, then paired with a chilled coconut broth. Another standout is Tomato On The Vine, featuring grilled tomatoes resting on a tangy tom yum sauce, brightened with kaffir lime and candied tamarind. For something richer, the Crab Omelette delivers a fluffy, fried egg wrap stuffed with crab, topped with pomelo, shallots, lime, and fresh chillies.

Salads bring freshness and heat, such as *Avocado Som Tum*, a sour and spicy mix with North-East Thai ingredients, or *Yum Ma Ka Yao*, a grilled eggplant salad with minced chicken, prawns, and a drizzle of coconut cream. Seafood lovers can try the *Seabass Ceviche*, where the fish is marinated in samkal, red chilli, and fish sauce for a sharp, citrusy bite. Main courses include *Tod Mun Gai*, a delicate chicken cake wrapped around prawns, flavoured with red curry paste and served with achar. The *Lamb Sai Oua* offers a robust option—minced lamb spiced with galangal, chilli, and lemongrass, accompanied by a grilled chilli and shallot sauce. For soup, *Gaeng Om* brings the bold tastes of North-East Thailand, blending fermented fish sauce, dill, eggplant, and roasted rice. Sweet endings come in the form of *Lod Chong Bingsu*, a generous dessert of pandan noodles, milk, and coconut cream. The drinks menu is equally inventive, split into three themes: *Fresh & Fizzy*, *Umami & Yummy*, and *Moody & Boozy*. Among the sweeter notes, *Kanom Buang Waffles* reimagine a classic Thai snack, using rice and tapioca starch for a crisp base, topped with jackfruit, cherry tomatoes, and grapes in a coconut, galangal, and palm sugar dressing. Another comforting choice is *Khau Man Gai*—chicken wings stuffed with jasmine ginger rice, served with fermented soy sauce for dipping.

Banng’s menu reflects a balance between tradition and innovation, with each dish offering a distinct taste of Thailand. The average cost for two people is around ₹4,000, making it a mid-range dining option in Mumbai. The restaurant’s approach—rooted in authenticity yet unafraid of experimentation—sets it apart in the city’s culinary scene.