Bangkok’s Nara Thai restaurant has opened a branch in the Philippines.

It has been brought in by the Roku restaurant group following Roku Sushi and Ramen, which opened in Katipunan six years ago, and Sushi Nori, which specialises in sushi and maki, and already has five branches around Metro Manila.

Founded in 2003 by a group of female entrepreneurs, Nara Thai is named for one of its founders, Narawadee Srikarnchana. Apart from Thailand, it has branches in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Taipei and Mumbai.

“Nara is a celebration of families,” says Roku Group CEO Sheila Romero, who runs the restaurant with her daughter Milka. “Sharing memories is my thrust in business.”

Celebrities and representatives from Nara Thai Cuisine in Bangkok attended the restaurant’s official launch, with the ribbon being cut by the Thai ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising.

On the restaurant row of SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall, Nara Thai has interiors bathed in silver and purple.