Kalaya

Kalaya opened in 2019 as a small 32-seat BYOB in South Philadelphia and quickly captured national attention for its bold flavors and soulful southern Thai cooking. Named for chef-owner Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon's mother, the restaurant has since grown into an acclaimed destination where vibrant dishes, fragrant curries and Nok's deeply personal recipes are shared in a setting alive with warmth, spice and celebration. Recognized among the most celebrated Thai restaurants, Kalaya has redefined Thai dining with its authenticity, energy and generosity of spirit.

Kalaya is part of Defined Hospitality Group. It won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2026, ranked on North America's 50 Best Restaurants (No. 7 in 2025 and No. 11 in 2026) and was named Restaurant of the Year in 2025, while Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2023.