HKL Reviews: Chef behind Asia’s Best Restaurant 2023 opens Niras at K11 MUSEA

Acclaimed Thai Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn and business partner Rungroj “Tao” Ingudananda gained critical acclaim in March when they were awarded both first and third places at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 for their restaurants Le Du and Nusara, both in Bangkok. 

A few weeks later, the co-founders announced plans to expand their empire to Hong Kong with the opening of Niras at K11 MUSEA. The launch of Niras signifies the first time the Le Du brand has ventured beyond Thailand, infusing Hong Kong’s dynamic culinary landscape with Le Du’s extraordinary dining experience.

Design & Philosophy

Situated in the bustling heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, the restaurant’s name derives from an ancient Thai tradition in which poets travelled the world, chronicling their journeys through poetry, known as Niras, since this is the first time Le Du is travelling overseas, Niras stuck. 

Located on the 7th floor of K11 Musea, Niras offers an opulent atmosphere with sixty seats, including three private rooms, where guests can unwind in comfortable banquettes and intimate two-seat tables. The design reflects Chef Ton’s dedication to showcasing exceptional Thai ingredients with hues of green and gold, lush plants, and a mesmerising glass chandelier resembling a whirlwind of herbs over a stunning four-sofa seating area.

Head Chefs

With numerous other thriving restaurants in Thailand, Chef Ton aims to redefine Thai cuisine in Hong Kong through his unparalleled approach.

His focus on preserving the authentic taste and essence of Le Du, led him to select two exceptional head chefs to helm the new kitchen in Hong Kong. Leading the team is Chef “Mai” Naruemon Ratiphuthilap, Chef Ton’s trusted right hand, who brings eight years of invaluable experience from Le Du. The second head chef is Chef “Bua” Sarocha Rajatanawin, a seasoned chef with an impressive background in Thailand’s top restaurants, including Siwilai City Club at Central Embassy and The House on Sathorn at W Bangkok.

Menu Highlights

Niras offers the same menu that earned Le Du its first Michelin star in 2019 and the top position in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. 

Niras’ menu showcases Thai cuisine’s flavours, textures, and aromas while incorporating modern cooking techniques, international influences, and the usage of local seafood in some dishes. “Hong Kong has amazing seafood all year round, and we want to explore creating some of our signature dishes using the local seafood and perhaps create some new Hong Kong signatures too,” explained Chef Ton.

The restaurant offers a lunch tasting menu and a choice between a four-course ($1,080 per person) or a six-course dinner tasting menu ($1,480 per person), both of which change regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include River Prawn served with rice and Tom Yum, Crab, Mushroom, Homemade Siracha, Banana Prawn with Seaweed and Spicy Beetroot, Beef, Fennel, Holy Basil and a refined take on the classic Mango Sticky Rice. 

Niras is located at Shop 704, 7/F, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3905 3022, @nirashongkong