Sheila Romero and the Thais that bind

Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor proudly said that it marked a remarkable partnership between Thailand and the Philippines. “The Thai Select award was richly deserved by Sheila’s Nara Thai Makati. What is meaningful about this award is that it signifies shared aspirations to bring Thai excellence and creativity to the Philippines.”

Laos Ambassador Thippasone Sengsouriya affirmed that “Nara Thai is one of the best Thai restaurants, not only in the Philippines, but in the world.” He should know because the late Anthony Bourdain once said that “Thai food, particularly in the northeast, is ethnically and culturally Laotian, overlapping with Lao flavors for generations.”

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Singapore Ambassador Constance See noted that “Thai food is known around the world for its very generous flavors with all the aromatic elements. Nara Thai Makati serves excellent cuisine, especially my favorites, Tom Yum, Phad Thai, and Geen Curry.”

Irish Ambassador Emma Hickey said: ”I am so happy to be here to support my good friend Sheila Romero who delivers quality Thai food in Manila.”

Argentine Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro and Consul Fabricio Sordoni came in full force. Consul Sordoni cited a deep friendship with Sheila and her husband, former Party-List representative Mikee Romero, who plays polo: “We also celebrate a partnership in sports and culture, as they are also brand ambassadors of Argentina.”

Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said he enjoyed Nara Thai’s dishes served that day. “So many courses, from appetizer to dessert, were remarkable.”

How did the ties with the Thais begin?

Sheila recalled: ”In 2017, I noticed that Thai food in the Philippines was mostly found in hotels, with limited options in malls. So I thought: Why not bridge that gap? I got the Nara Thai franchise and opened our flagship resto at SM Megamall, making Thai food more accessible to Filipino diners. Then Molito in Alabang came next, followed by the Palm Promenade branch along Arnaiz Avenue in Makati. Opening this November is Nara Thai at SM Nuvali.”

Sheila said she discovered Nara Thai at its Erawan branch at the Grand Hyatt, then liked also its Siam Paragon resto. Nara Thai was founded in 2003 by two female entrepreneurs Yuki Srikarnchana and Jean Chulasewok. Their resto has gained Michelin recognition.

“I like to cook though I am not a chef,” explained Yuki at Nara Thai Makati. “What is important is to have a good palate, a taste for excellent food. Thai cuisine is a blend of many flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Our chefs have mastered these flavors, and now, we have 12 branches in Bangkok and a total of 20 overseas.”

The menu for the Nara Thai Makati lunch featured Shrimp Cake, Pad Thai, Mushroom and Tofu Satay, Papaya Salad with Salted Egg, Tofu and Straw Mushrooms in Coconut Soup, Slipper Lobster, Stir Fried Vegetables, Green Beef Curry, Fried Soft Shell Crabs, Fried Rice with Chili and Shrimp Paste, Rice Dumplings in Coconut Milk and Mango Sticky Rice. 

“What gives me joy is that these four Nara Thai restaurants in the Philippines provide more jobs and more support for families,” shared Sheila. “I thank God for such blessings, and in return, I promise to maintain Nara Thai’s excellent quality of the cuisine and service.”

Well said by a woman who has fulfilled many promises. A De La Salle cum laude graduate in economics and management, Sheila has ventured into business and philanthropy. She was chairman of Globalport Terminals and started the I Want To Serve Foundation which helps kids battling cancer. 

In 2020, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery. This made her a more unwavering cancer warrior, fighting for healing for herself as well as for children.

Incidentally, “nara Thai” means “Thai woman.” Like her Thai partners, Sheila’s purposeful passion and work ethic have empowered her to spread joy to others. And to strengthen ties that bind.