Merai — Restaurant in Brookline

New bar from the Mahaniyom team offering excellent drinks and Thai-infused fusion dishes.

Been waiting for months for this place to open. After some delays and teasing us with pop-up events, Merai finally opened with a concept of global cuisine infused with Thai elements. It's a slightly different take from the modern Thai tapas bar at Mahaniyom, and while they call themselves an “elevated dive bar,” that felt like an understatement. The restaurant's aesthetics outshined most of the cocktail bars I’ve been to in the city. It was like they’ve taken a dive bar and given it a first-class upgrade.

Here, Thai spices work their magic to subtly enhance the umami and aromatics of each dish. Prime examples of this were the onigiri and cold noodles. By incorporating shrimp paste and caramelized pork into the rice, the onigiri turned into an umami explosion. The cold noodles, which initially looked like the ones I grew up with in Seoul, had a broth that was anything but traditional. Instead of the usual sweet and tangy punch, they brought in a fusion of sweetness and umami from tom yum and chili jam, creating an umami-rich aftertaste that played surprisingly well with the cold broth. Another surprise was the Yukhoe—strikingly close to the real deal. Just like the authentic Korean version, it was drizzled with sesame oil and mixed with a cured egg yolk. The Laab spice was subtle, keeping the spice level tolerable while adding a touch of Thai flair.

Merai also spiced up some of the most common Italian dishes—like Risotto and Steamed Mussels—by seamlessly weaving in Thai aromatics. At first bite, you might not notice the difference right away, but then a subtle hint of spices sneaks in at the end. This made both dishes unique and strangely irresistible.

We also tried a couple of the most hyped dishes—the Hot Dog with basil-embedded Krakow sausage and the Shrimp Tempura. While they didn’t top my list for the evening, they were still pretty impressive. The Krakow sausage was studded with caramelized basil onion, which added a subtle heat and a fragrant finish that lingered nicely. As for the Shrimp Tempura, the Topo Chico-infused batter delivered an extra crackle and pop, while the mix of chili oil and Karee aioli gave it a satisfying umami boost.

Overall, Merai feels like a step up from Mahaniyom, a perfection that the team has been crafting for years. Among Asian fusion restaurants in the Greater Boston Area, Merai easily ranks in the top three I’ve experienced so far. Will definitely back to try everything else...

Merai: A Thai Treasure with Cocktails to Die For!

If you haven’t stumbled upon Merai yet, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in town—a Thai gem that’s as vibrant as its flavors and as unforgettable as its cocktails. Tucked away like a hidden oasis, Merai brings a whole new level of excitement to Thai cuisine. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be booking your next visit before you even finish the first!

Let’s talk about the food: picture this—a cascade of aromas wafting from the kitchen, where the chefs work their magic like culinary wizards. The Yukhoe It’s a spice-laden dance party for your taste buds, with just the right amount of kick. And don’t even get me started on the cold noodles just the right spice, aromatic, and balanced to perfection. Every dish bursts with the kind of fresh flavors that make you close your eyes and savor each bite just a little longer.

Now, let’s dive into their cocktail program, which is nothing short of spectacular. The mixologists behind the bar craft their cocktails with the precision of alchemists and the flair of showmen. If Earth is there you’re going to love what he makes you.Whether you’re sipping on a basil-infused gin concoction that’s as refreshing as a Thai beach breeze or a silky sweet strawberry cheesecake libation that’s all decadence in a glass, each drink is a little masterpiece. It’s not just a bar—it’s a full-on cocktail experience that pairs perfectly with the dynamic menu.

The vibe at Merai is equally on point—think chic, cozy, and undeniably cool. Old school tracks that are always a good vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back with friends and lose track of time over plates of deliciousness and cocktails that make you say, “Just one more round.” The staff are like good friends you didn’t know you had, guiding you through the menu and making every visit feel special.

So, whether you’re a Thai food fanatic, a cocktail connoisseur, or just someone who loves a great night out, Merai is the spot you need in your life. Go for the food, stay for the cocktails, and let the...

Absolutely outstanding, stunningly good restaurant. The interior was dark and cozy, with music at the right volume (not loud!). Perfect for intimate dinners with friends or a partner. The staff were friendly, lowkey, and not overbearing. The food was creative while maintaining cultural integrity and, above all, tasted great. Highly recommended. Definitely make a reservation, because they are popular (and rightfully so!)

I cannot recommend the yukhoe enough. Perfectly balanced with the pear slices and delicious slices of bread, the yukhoe was flavorful and had great texture. I still dream about it.

The chicken rice was a fun surprise, with the rice stuffed into the chicken. The chicken was tender and tasty. Paired with the well-seasoned and moist rice, it made the perfect dish.

I really enjoyed the mussels. They weren’t fishy and had the perfect bite. The broth that they came in was flavorful and light, which I had no qualms about finishing. The bread, which I loved, was crunchy without tearing the palette of my mouth, and was perfect for dipping in the broth.

The hot dog was delightful. The highlight for me was the toasted bread, once again. I could only eat one or two taro fries because I was so stuffed, but those had a perfect amount of crunch with fluffy interior texture. They were out of flan but offered us a tiramisu, which was heavenly. The tiramisu was moist, light, and creamy with a great espresso flavor.

Me and my boyfriend wished we’d gone with one more person so we could’ve ordered one more dish and not be so stuffed, but we powered through and cleared our plates. Final bill came out to $130 total, which was more than worth it if you’re looking for a high quality, delicious dinner in the greater Boston area. I’m already...