Baan Thai - The Taste of Thailand

For more than two decades, Baan Thai has been quietly serving the taste of Thailand in the heart of Kathmandu. The name itself, “Baan,” meaning “home” in Thai, perfectly captures the spirit of the restaurant — warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in authenticity. It is a place where the comforting aroma of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and Thai basil greets you at the door, and where the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors unfolds with every bite.

The story of Baan Thai is also the story of Chef Ganesh Bahadur Dhakal, a passionate culinary professional who once started his journey in hospitality in a small position within the very same restaurant he would one day own. After spending time in Thailand honing his craft, he returned home to Nepal in 2010 and took over Baan Thai — not just as a business move, but as an emotional homecoming. He had worked here in his early years and carried a sentimental bond with the place. So when the opportunity to take charge arose, he didn’t hesitate. That decision marked a turning point for both the chef and the restaurant.

Under Chef Ganesh’s leadership, Baan Thai began to expand beyond its original walls. New branches opened across the city — in Maharajgunj, Battisputali, Durbar Marg, Jawalakhel, and more. Each location carried the same promise of authentic Thai flavors crafted with care and precision. Together with his other venture, Royal Thai, he operated nearly a dozen outlets at one point, all built around his belief that good food must be both true to its roots and served from the heart.

Then came the pandemic, a devastating period for Nepal’s hospitality industry. Baan Thai was not spared. One by one, several of its locations shut down — including the cherished Durbar Marg outlet, which had long stood as a landmark for Thai cuisine in the city. The closure was more than a business setback; it was an emotional blow. The Maharajgunj branch, one of the most successful, also went dark. Yet even in the hardest times, the brand’s loyal following never faded. People remembered the place not only for its food but for the memories they made there — quiet dinners, celebrations, and the feeling of being transported to Thailand without leaving Kathmandu.

Over the past year, Chef Ganesh has been rebuilding that legacy. His Bhaisepati outlet has become a symbol of revival — a cozy, thriving space where the kitchen once again hums with energy and laughter. And now, in a full-circle moment, Baan Thai has returned to Durbar Marg. The reopening marks a deeply personal victory for Chef Ganesh, who stood at the ceremony with tears in his eyes, remembering both the struggles and the journey that led him back.

The new Durbar Marg restaurant carries all the grace of its past with the freshness of a new beginning. The décor is inspired by Thai culture — elegant wooden textures, warm lighting, and subtle hints of gold and bamboo. The menu pays tribute to both tradition and innovation, featuring the timeless favorites like Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, and Thai curries, along with new seasonal creations that reflect the chef’s evolving vision. The food remains what it has always been — authentic, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.

But beyond the dishes and décor, what sets Baan Thai apart is the emotion woven into every plate. Chef Ganesh’s dedication to his craft is evident not only in the recipes but in his belief that dining should be an experience of connection — to people, to culture, and to memory. Many of the ingredients are organically sourced from local farms, echoing his early commitment to quality and sustainability.

During the reopening of the Durbar Marg branch, the atmosphere was electric. Distinguished guests from Nepal’s hospitality scene, well-known business figures, and members of the Thai community gathered to celebrate the restaurant’s comeback. The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional diyo, led by Chef Govinda Narshing KC, a respected name in Nepal’s culinary fraternity. A Thai tourism delegation inaugurated the space, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations and their shared love for food and culture.

Today, Baan Thai stands once again among the top dining destinations in Kathmandu. It is more than just a restaurant — it is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of starting over. Every branch continues to tell its own story, from the intimate corners of Bhaisepati to the bustling elegance of Durbar Marg. And through it all, Chef Ganesh remains the heart behind the flame, leading with humility, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft of cooking.

In a city that thrives on food, culture, and stories, Baan Thai remains one of those rare places that feels timeless — where the warmth of home and the soul of Thailand blend beautifully on every plate.