Samyukta Nair to open Koyn Thai

Koyn first opened in London’s Mayfair in September 2022 as a contemporary Japanese izakaya restaurant.

From 16 June, Koyn Thai will take over the downstairs space at Koyn Japanese to offer a menu combining Singh’s home-style Thai cooking with the café culture of Paris’ 11th arrondissement, where she used to work.

Dishes will draw on flavours from across Thailand, such as toasted coconut pomelo salad; wild garlic, green chilli and Thai basil ‘escargots’; and a Chiang Mai platter featuring spicy homemade pork sausage, capsicum nam prik, sticky rice and crackling pork skin.

For the design, Nair has partnered with Tom Strother of Fabled Studio to integrate the works of Chiang Mai artist and printmaker Kitikong Tilokwattanotai with the black oak ceilings, handmade terracotta roof tiles and the lacquer antiques.

Meanwhile, the Koyn bar will offer drinks such as the classic Sabai Sabai, a blend of Mekong, citrus and Thai basil, and Blue Breeze with blue butterfly pea-infused tequila, coconut water and aloe vera.

Nair said: “The cosmos of Koyn has always focused on duality and Koyn Thai is an exciting addition that takes this a step further. Travelling with Rose, eating together and finding inspiration that celebrates the diverse flavours of Asian cuisine is at the forefront of our collaboration, one that I am particularly excited to bring to London this summer.”

Singh added: “I’m excited about my new home at Koyn Thai in Mayfair and the opportunity to be able to come to London and collaborate with Sam in the best way I know – with great spirit and the very best of Thai flavours.”

Nair has also launched restaurants including Jamavar, Mimi Mei Fair and Socca with Claude Bosi, all of which are located in London’s Mayfair.