Baan Thai Returns Home: Chef Ganesh Dhakal Reopens Durbarmarg Outlet

After years of challenges and transformation in Nepal’s culinary landscape, one of Kathmandu’s most beloved Thai dining destinations — Baan Thai Restaurant — has made its long-awaited return to Durbarmarg. The reopening marks not just the revival of a restaurant, but the heartfelt comeback of a chef who built his career and identity around this iconic name.

For more than two decades, Baan Thai has been a familiar and trusted name for authentic Thai cuisine in Nepal. Established in the mid-1990s, it quickly became synonymous with warm hospitality, vibrant flavors, and a true taste of Thailand in the heart of Kathmandu.

In 2010, Chef Ganesh Bahadur Dhakal, then returning home from Thailand, took over Baan Thai — the very restaurant where he had once worked in a humble position during his early days in the hospitality industry. Though his time there was brief, the emotional connection he developed with the establishment stayed deep in his heart. When the opportunity arose to take over Baan Thai, he embraced it without hesitation, beginning a remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and culinary leader.

Under his vision, the Baan Thai brand expanded rapidly to multiple locations — Maharajgunj, Battisputali, Durbarmarg, and Jawalakhel — alongside Chef Ganesh’s other successful Thai venture, Royal Thai Restaurant. At its peak, he was operating nearly a dozen dining establishments, each bringing the rich flavors and refined hospitality of Thai cuisine to Nepali diners.

However, the global pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Like many in the hospitality industry, Chef Ganesh faced the heartbreaking closure of several outlets, including the prime Durbarmarg and Maharajgunj locations. “Those days were emotionally devastating,” he recalls. “I had to close doors that held years of dreams, hard work, and countless memories.”

Yet, his spirit never faded. The Jawalakhel–Bhanimandal outlet stood resilient through the tough times, and in the last year, Chef Ganesh began rebuilding his culinary journey, once again under the Baan Thai banner. The opening of the Bhaisepati outlet marked the brand’s resurgence — quickly gaining popularity among Thai food enthusiasts for its authenticity and consistent quality.

This week, in an emotional and symbolic moment, Baan Thai officially returned to Durbarmarg, the very location that once defined its golden years. The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was graced by a distinguished Thai tourist delegation and attended by prominent business figures and well-wishers. The event’s highlight came when Chef Govinda Narshing KC, one of the most respected figures in Nepal’s culinary fraternity, lit the traditional “diyo”, symbolizing new beginnings and the light of hope for the hospitality industry.

As Chef Ganesh stood before the crowd, tears filled his eyes — a reflection of gratitude, resilience, and the fulfillment of returning to his roots. “Coming back to Durbarmarg feels like coming home,” he shared with emotion. “Baan Thai is not just a restaurant. It’s a part of my life’s story.”

Today, Baan Thai proudly operates in three locations — Durbarmarg, Jawalakhel (Bhanimandal), and Bhaisepati — serving authentic Thai cuisine crafted with passion and tradition. With renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to quality, Chef Ganesh Dhakal and his team continue to carry forward the legacy of Thai hospitality in Nepal.