India’s only two-Michelin-starred female chef, Garima Arora returns home with a ‘Banng’

“Eight years ago, I took a little bit of India to Bangkok. Now, after nearly a decade there, I’m doing the reverse—bringing a slice of Bangkok and the kind of food I eat there to India,” she told The Indian Express over a Zoom call.

Parked in Gurugram, the 120-seater that opened this Monday celebrates Bangkok’s bold flavors, untamed spirit, and dual personality. By day, the main dining room offers authentic Thai flavors, while by night, it transforms into a high-energy bar, reflecting the vibrant pulse of the city.

“The dining room invites you to ‘Eat Like the Thais Do,’ with a menu traversing Thailand from north to south,” notes the press release.

The restaurant’s design, conceptualised by Studio Renesa, takes inspiration from Thailand’s rich history (formerly Siam) and Indian design philosophies (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Chef Arora emphasises authenticity, saying, “When it comes to curries and stir-fries, I’m a purist. We’ll use local ingredients, but our curry pastes will be made in Bangkok and flown in twice a week to ensure the flavors are true to Thailand. But that doesn’t mean we are boring. The menu will be traditional yet playful—tongue-in-cheek and a little naughty.”

One such playful twist is the Tom Kha Pani Puri, featuring chilled coconut broth, mushrooms, and herbs. “We tried it in Bangkok, and people loved it. Now, I can’t wait to see how Indians take to it,” she said.

The restaurant’s design, conceptualised by Studio Renesa, takes inspiration from Thailand’s rich history (formerly Siam) and Indian design philosophies. The layout is thoughtfully curated to offer unique experiences—a lively bar with a ceiling installation inspired by Thai lanterns, cozy dining corners, and a semi-private area for groups. Hand-painted murals and textured panels that bring stories of Thai folklore and Indian craftsmanship to this premise.

Award-winning restaurants often come with hefty price tags, but Arora reassures that Banng “doesn’t have Gaa’s prices” and is designed to be “a restaurant where you can go more than once or twice a week.” But that doesn’t mean there’s a compromise anywhere. “We are bringing the same sensibility of respect and standards we apply at Gaa, but with a lot more fun.”

In the past, Arora has spoken about her reservations regarding the “bureaucracy of owning and running a restaurant in India.” When asked what changed her mind, she credits her partner, saying, “It’s because I have Riyaaz (Amlani) to take care of all the headaches while I get to have fun in the kitchen.”

Looking ahead, Arora and Amlani envision Banng as a chain with multiple outlets across the country.

Where: Unit no. 105 (T-2), first floor, Two Horizon Centre, Sector – 43, Golf Course Road, Gurugram
When: 1 pm to 3:30 pm (lunch), 7 pm to 10:30 pm (dinner) and 11 pm to 1 am (after hours)
For reservation, call 9355084411