Nara Express

Midtown residents craving authentic Thai fare were excited to make room for Nara Noodles & Grill in late 2015, as it set up shop in an understated Texaco gas station at the corner of Gray and Fannin Street.

Not to be confused with nearby Nara Thai Express, which shares the same ownership and is also connected to the gas station, Nara Noodles & Grill offers simple build-your-own plates and signature Thai dishes. There, guests can venture beyond standard pad thai offerings to savory street foods like khao sol (chicken curry noodle) and bah me keow (wonton noodle soup). Less adventurous diners will appreciate the build-your-own option that allows guests to choose a rice base, meat and sauce.

Nara Noodles & Grill is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.