Baan Ying heads Thai dining double

Thai casual-dining restaurant Baan Ying and Dink Dink Thai Street Cafe, with the same owners, have opened at Royal Square Novena.

Baan Ying has made a name for itself in Bangkok, where a family started the diner at Siam Square, encouraged by friends, 20 years ago. The original shop burned down after protests in the Thai capital in 2010.

Now the group has a dozen restaurants, with Baan Ying outlets at Central World, Mega Bangna, Siam Centre, Siam Kitti, Silom Complex, Terminal 21 and The Promenade.

For Singapore, the 126-seat Baan Ying has been opened in a bright space with tall ceilings, windows offering soft natural sunlight, light wooden furniture and greenery.

Recommended items include the signature Baan Ying Omelette, Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Crispy Herbs, and Squid Stir Fry with Salted Egg.

Downstairs on the first level of Royal Square Novena, Dink Dink Thai Street Cafe has a decor that echoes the streets of Thailand, with metallic tables and stools for the dine-in area. The menu offers noodles and toast dishes as well as drinks.