Chef Prasad Revives Thali Restaurant Concept in New Canaan, CT
NEW CANAAN, Conn. — Acclaimed restaurateur and chef Prasad Chirnomula is returning to the restaurant concept that helped establish his reputation as one of Connecticut’s leading culinary innovators. Thali by Chef Prasad will officially open on July 8, 2026, at 62 Main Street in New Canaan, CT, bringing back the celebrated Indian dining experience with a contemporary fine-dining approach.
The reopening marks the latest chapter in Chef Prasad’s decades-long culinary career and revives a brand that introduced many Connecticut diners to the diverse regional cuisines of India.
“Thali has always been very personal to me,” Chef Prasad said. “This restaurant represents my culinary roots, my travels throughout India, and my passion for sharing authentic flavors in a contemporary and memorable way. Bringing Thali back allows us to honor the past while creating something exciting and relevant for today’s diners.”
The new restaurant serves as the flagship of Chef Prasad’s expanding culinary portfolio, which also includes Gourmet United in Easton, a chef-driven catering and takeout concept, and the newly launched Spice Craft by Chef Prasad, a mobile kitchen.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Chef Prasad learned the fundamentals of cooking from his mother before graduating first in his class in culinary arts and hospitality management. After arriving in the United States in 1986 with just $100, he began working as a busboy on Long Island and eventually built a restaurant group that helped elevate Indian cuisine throughout the region.
Over the years, he has founded and operated several successful restaurant concepts, including Bombay Bar & Grill, Thali, Thali Too, Oaxaca Kitchen, Saffron, Chao Chi, INDIA, and Chef Prasad Indian Cuisine. His accomplishments include two invitations to cook at the prestigious James Beard House, appearances on Food Network, and a coveted three-star “excellent” review from The New York Times for Thali.
The New Canaan restaurant occupies the space that most recently housed Chef Prasad Indian Cuisine and hosted the popular Chef Collaboration Series, which regularly featured guest appearances by prominent Connecticut chefs. The venue has undergone an extensive redesign, transforming it into an upscale dining destination featuring Indian-inspired décor, handcrafted glass and tile accents, elegant furnishings, and warm lighting that blends traditional design with contemporary sophistication.
The menu reflects Chef Prasad’s culinary journey across India’s diverse regions and the historic Spice Route, combining traditional techniques with modern presentation.
Among the signature dishes are tandoor-fired naan served with house-made compound butters, tableside Jhal Muri inspired by Kolkata’s iconic street food, Konkan Crab with Southern Indian vermicelli and Malabar spices, and Chef Prasad’s renowned 48-Hour Butter Chicken.
Additional menu highlights include slow-braised Nalli Gosht Pasanda, Hyderabad Biryani made with aged basmati rice, spice-crusted seasonal seafood served over Navratan korma, Bhindi Masala, and Saag Burrata, an East-meets-West creation featuring slow-cooked mustard greens and spinach topped with fresh burrata that melts tableside.
Chef Prasad said the reopening represents more than the return of a restaurant—it reflects his continued commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine while creating memorable dining experiences.
With its blend of authentic regional flavors, refined presentation, and decades of culinary expertise, Thali by Chef Prasad aims to introduce a new generation of diners to the restaurant that helped redefine Indian fine dining in Connecticut.
Thali by Chef Prasad will officially open to the public on July 8 at 62 Main Street in New Canaan.
