One of Connecticut’s celebrated chefs is returning to the restaurant concept that helped define his culinary legacy.
Chef Prasad Chirnomula, the restaurateur behind some of the region’s most acclaimed dining destinations, is reintroducing his Thali concept to a new generation of diners.
Chef Prasad Chirnomula.
Thali by Chef Prasad will officially open at 62 Main Street in New Canaan on July 8, 2026, marking the next chapter in a culinary journey that began decades ago and transformed Indian dining in Connecticut.
Thali by Chef Prasad is the flagship of a growing culinary family that also includes Gourmet United in Easton, a chef-driven catering and to-go concept, and Spice Craft by Chef Prasad, a new mobile kitchen launching alongside Thali.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Chef Prasad learned the foundations of cooking and hospitality from his mother before graduating first in his class in culinary arts and hospitality management.
Arriving in America in 1986 with just $100 in his pocket, he began his journey as a busboy on Long Island before working his way through professional kitchens and eventually building a restaurant empire that introduced countless diners to the diverse regional flavors of India.
Over the years, Chef Prasad has created and operated numerous successful concepts, including Bombay Bar & Grill, Thali, Thali Too, Oaxaca Kitchen, Saffron, Chao Chi, INDIA, and Chef Prasad Indian Cuisine. He was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House twice, in 2007 and 2011, and earned a coveted three-star “excellent” review from The New York Times for Thali, one of the highest honors in the industry. A Food Network competitor, educator, philanthropist, and mentor, he remains one of Connecticut’s most respected culinary innovators.
“Thali has always been very personal to me,” said Chef Prasad. “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 space, which has most recently operated as Chef Prasad Indian Cuisine and served as the host venue for Chef Prasad’s wildly popular Chef Collaboration Series, one of the hottest dining tickets in Fairfield County, regularly selling out with appearances from some of Connecticut’s most celebrated chefs, has undergone a stunning transformation.
The redesigned restaurant embraces a more polished fine-dining experience, featuring rich Indian décor, vibrant glass and tile accents, elegant furnishings, warm lighting, and an atmosphere that celebrates both tradition and sophistication.
The menu is a culmination of Chef Prasad’s most beloved dishes, all deeply rooted in India’s diverse culinary traditions. Designed as a journey across India and the historic Spice Route, the menu highlights regional flavors, time-honored techniques, and contemporary presentations.
Signature offerings include tandoor-fired naan accompanied by house-made compound butters; Jhal Muri, Chef Prasad’s tableside interpretation of Kolkata’s favorite puffed rice street snack; Konkan Crab featuring wok-fired Southern Indian vermicelli, jumbo lump crab, clarified butter, mustard seeds, Malabar pepper, curry leaf, and coconut; and the chef’s renowned 48-Hour Butter Chicken.
Additional highlights include Nalli Gosht Pasanda, a whole lamb shank slow-braised in hung curd, cashew nut paste, cardamom, and dried rose until the marrow melts into the sauce; spice-crusted seasonal fish or prawns served over slow-cooked Navratan korma with mustard spinach; traditional Hyderabad Biryani prepared with aged basmati rice; Bhindi Masala with crisp fresh okra, onion, tomato, amchur, and cumin; and Saag Burrata, a signature East-meets-West creation featuring slow-wilted mustard greens and spinach topped with a whole fresh burrata that melts tableside into the warm greens, finished with red chili oil and golden garlic chips.
The reopening of Thali represents the return of a pioneering concept from one of the chefs who helped elevate Indian cuisine in Connecticut long before it became mainstream. By combining authentic regional cooking, elegant presentation, and Chef Prasad’s decades of culinary expertise, Thali promises an unforgettable dining experience that bridges tradition and innovation.
Thali by Chef Prasad opens July 8, 2026, at 62 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut.
For reservations and information, visit www.ChefPrasad.com