NaiYaRa Brings Traditional and Contemporary Thai and Japanese Fare to the Heart of South Beach in Sunset Harbour

Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, known to most simply as Chef Bee, was born in the small town of Ban Sankhohiang, located in the Chiang Rai province in Northern Thailand. Chef Bee developed an appreciation for the culinary arts early on from his mother who taught him about growing his own food, the different techniques of preserving and preparing food, as well as the vast array of flavors within the Northern Thai culture.

Bee spent his childhood summers at his grandparents’ home in the nearby village of Ban San Macade where under his entrepreneurial grandmother’s guidance he learned the art of making Thai street food.

Named after his daughter, “NaiYaRa” means friendly, honest and hardworking, which is exactly what guests find at the eatery.

The menu features a mix of both exotic and familiar dishes from the various regions of Thailand alongside Japanese specialties. Some of the Thai dishes are the same ones that Chef Bee’s grandmother sold at their local village market in Northern Thailand. Highlights include the Organic Crispy Bok Choy with garlic chips topped with sweet sesame soy; Thai Street Dumplings with spicy garlic soy vinaigrette; and Green Curry with seabass, bell peppers, bamboo shots, coconut milk, basil and served with jasmine rice.

CRISPY PAD THAI | Crispy Wontons, Chicken, Tamarind, Bean Sprouts, Peanuts

The crispy Pad Thai is a spin on the usual Pad Thai and is typically offered at the bar during happy hour. Being that Chicken Pad Thai is one of my favorite meals ever, I was really excited about this dish and it did not disappoint. I loved the addition of crispy wontons!

WHITE FISH TRUFFLE | lychee, yuzu, hawaiian sea salt, wasabi caviar

Very interesting combinations going on here – truffle oil, lychee, yuzu, wasabi caviar! I found the yuzu to be a little overpowering among the other flavors.

BEEF JERKY | NEAU DADE DEAW | coriander, nahm jim jao sauce, burmese sticky rice

I think my favorite part of this dish was the burmese sticky rice, yum yum! I did find it pretty cool to have a dish that featured beef jerky as the star in a restaurant though.

ORGANIC CRISPY BOK CHOY sweet sesame soy sauce

I loved the sesame soy sauce and the crispy texture of the bok choy. It was a first for me to eat bok choy this way.

FROZEN ORGANIC COCKTAIL | KILLER BEE beefeater gin, kelvin spicy ginger, lime, thai chili, lemongrass, ginger

Very refreshing but also very spicy! (Well, spicy for me at least)

At the bar, guests can find inventive cocktails and fresh ingredients. In addition to a selection of wines and international and local brewed beers, NaiYaRa has an impressive sake menu featuring exclusive bottles and blends for sake enthusiasts.

GREEN CURRY | GANG KEAW | seabass, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, coconut milk, basil, jasmine rice

You must get the green curry! Everything about this dish was amazing from the flavors to the presentation. The sea bass was cooked perfectly and the aromatic herbs elevated the dish.

MILK CHOCOLATE POTS DE CRÈME | crème chantilly, ginger, chocolate puffed rice

Serving authentic Thai street food and Japanese specialties, NaiYaRa is comfort food meets eclectic dining!

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All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of TheSoFlaSage.com

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tasting at NaiYaRa.