As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, we find ourselves craving food that warms and restores. At Nara Thai, this is when our rich coconut broths, fragrant spices, fiery chillies and fresh herbs really come into their own.
From cosy weeknight cravings and romantic autumn dates in London to Halloween dinners with your favourite people, we’ve got the perfect table waiting for you.
Here are 8 autumn favourite Thai dishes selected by our head chef to sort your order this fall.
1. The Opening Spark: Crispy Black Pepper Calamari
Golden, wok-tossed calamari wrapped in a light batter and finished with a glossy black pepper glaze. It’s savoury and crispy, with just enough peppery warmth to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming your palate.
Made to order and served hot, it’s one of our Thai street food favourites, reimagined West London style. Pair it with an ice-cold beer to balance the bold black pepper sauce.
2. The Bright Balance: Soft-Shell Crab & Pomelo Salad
This dish is pure magic on a plate, with whole crispy soft-shell crab sitting alongside juicy pomelo segments, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a sweet and sour dressing, every bite offers layers of crispy seafood and cool, citrusy freshness.
If you are an adventurous diner who adores big textural contrasts and bright, zesty bites, our chef especially recommends this for you.
And when asked about drink pairings?
“Honestly, this dish is so GOATed it really doesn’t even need one! But if you must, maybe sip a chilled glass of Riesling or sparkling mineral water”
Head Chef Nara Thai
3. A Warm Hug in a Bowl: Tom Yum Kha
If fall had a signature soup, this would be Tom Yum Kha. Velvety coconut milk, gently simmered with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime and fresh mushrooms. Aromatic and rich, with a citrusy lift that’s just what a cold day calls for.
A true favourite with our Chiswick regulars and a highlight of the autumn menu. Galangal and kaffir lime give it a gentle, warming depth, ideal for cold days. If raw chilli heat isn’t your thing but you still want a big Thai flavour, this is the one.
4. Delicate & Smoky: Pan-Seared Chicken Pho Bowl
Sometimes a chilly autumn evening calls for a nourishing meal. In this fusion creation, chefs at Nara Thai have pan-seared tender chicken to give it a delicate, smoky edge before placing it over silky rice noodles in a crystal-clear herbal broth.
It’s the go-to pick for lighter appetites, younger diners, or anyone craving a warm, soul-soothing noodle bowl. Tear a handful of fresh Thai basil right into the broth and pair it with a fresh ginger tea and unlock your go-to comfort food.
Craving a cosy evening already? Reserve Your Table at Nara Thai tonight!
5. The Classic Soul Food: Massaman Beef & Potato Curry
Slow-braised beef and tender potatoes cooked down in a thick, rich coconut gravy infused with warm baking spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise.
As one of the popular Thai food dishes of the season, Massaman Beef brings slow-cooked beef together with a rich, warmly spiced curry, made for anyone who likes their flavours deep and generous. Spoon it over steaming coconut rice and pair it with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the richness of the beef.
6. The Essential Partner: Steamed Coconut Jasmine Rice
Since typical Thai food is anchored around quality rice, Steamed Coconut Jasmine Rice is an essential side dish because the subtle sweetness and silky grain cushion the spices in our Massaman curries, holding the whole meal together. Use it to soak up every drop of rich gravy from your main courses.
7. The Main Event: Slow-Braised Lamb Shank Massaman
Of all the Thai dishes we serve, this is the undisputed star of autumn. A whole, tender lamb shank, slow-cooked until the meat effortlessly glides off the bone, resting in a deep, velvety Massaman sauce.
It’s decadent, indulgent, and made for lingering over dinner with great company. While Massaman itself is a classic, serving it braised over a massive, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank makes it one of those elevated, lesser-known Thai dishes you rarely find outside of Bangkok.
It’s a showstopper specifically built for group dinners and gatherings and the centrepiece for meat lovers seeking a feast.
8. The Sweet Farewell: Warm Sticky Rice
At the top of our chef’s recommended Thai food list is Sticky Rice. Served warm, it’s chewy, sweet and rounds off a grand feast on a wonderfully nostalgic note. It’s perfect for dessert lovers who want an authentic, heartwarming finale to their flavourful feast.
Ready to Taste Autumn’s Best Thai Dishes at Nara Thai?
These chef’s picks go far beyond the usual tourist favourites. It’s a list of trusted, expert-curated dishes rich in authentic Thai flavours.
It’s a gentle reminder that traditional Thai food isn’t just about heat but balance, warmth, and bringing people around the table. Whether you stop by for a single bowl of comforting noodles or settle in for all eight courses, your seat is ready at Turnham Green Terrace.
Reserve Your Table at Nara Thai or order online for pickup and delivery straight to your doorstep today!
