Local chef hero and Northern Thailand–born Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, or “Chef Bee,” saw a golden opportunity after his restaurant Oishi Thai proved popular, and he opened NaiYaRa (www.naiyara.com) last December.
Located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, NaiYaRa is a far cry from the glitz and glam of Miami Beach. Walls are adorned with custom, exciting artwork, and vintage soda crates and fishing baskets embellish the massive space. NaiYaRa feels like a glamorous-grungy dining den in the buzzing streets of Bangkok. We are lucky enough to have the recipe for his gorgeous papaya salad.