Nara Thai stays true to its roots, wins Thai Select seal
THE PHILIPPINE franchise of Nara Thai has won its third Thai Select seal. The seal was awarded to its first branch in the Philippines in SM Megamall, which opened in 2018.
The Thai Select seal, a certification from the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, is a globally recognized mark of merit for restaurants that consistently deliver authentic Thai cuisine and exceptional hospitality. In a statement, Nara Thai Philippines Chief Executive Officer Sheila Romero said, 鈥淭he Thai Select seal is more than just a seal of recognition. It is a promise that every dish we serve stays true to authentic Thai flavors, made with select ingredients from Bangkok, and prepared with the same care and tradition that define Thai cuisine.鈥
The seal was first awarded to the branch in 2019, then again in 2022, and now in 2025.
鈥淚n the Philippines, there are many Thai restaurants,鈥 said Ms. Romero in a group interview during the awarding on Aug. 18 at SM Megamall. 鈥淏ut I think we鈥檙e one of the authentic ones. Our ingredients are from Bangkok, and we try to be true to the Thai taste,鈥 she said. 鈥淓ven if we鈥檙e a franchise, my rule is we have to be the same as what they serve in Bangkok,鈥 she said.
The parent restaurant was founded in Thailand鈥檚 capital in 2003.
鈥淚n 2017, there were only a few good Thai places [in Manila],鈥 she said, noting that many were found in hotels. 鈥淔or the mall, there was really not much,鈥 she said about the impetus to bring the concept here.
When the COVID-19 pandemic locked doors in 2020, many new restaurant brands fell and closed permanently. She talked about the brand鈥檚 survival, and even its growth in the years during and after: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 important is we were able to support our people,鈥 she said. 鈥淎t the time, we were just breaking even. As long as our people could have their jobs, that was what was important to me.
鈥淓ven if they [the customers] tried it in 2018, in 2021, when everything was open, it seemed fresh again.鈥
The brand is expanding, opening a fourth branch in Greenhills. It is already in the aforementioned Megamall, and also in Molito in Alabang and Garden Tower in Makati. The brand has also begun accepting catering requests. 鈥 Joseph L. Garcia
