“From bespoke tailoring to the authentic flavors of India, Naini Grover’s legacy defines Pattaya’s cultural and culinary charm for over 42 years.”
Naini Grover: Behind the Success and the First Indian Restaurant in Pattaya
When talking about legendary Indian restaurants and the first Indian restaurant in Pattaya, many people would be familiar with Alibaba, an authentic Indian restaurant that has been famous for over 42 years. Today, we will introduce you to Naini Grover, the owner of the business who is behind the success of Alibaba restaurant.
The Beginning of Success
Naini Grover is an Indian entrepreneur who has been involved in the restaurant and tailoring business in Pattaya for many years. He started helping with his family business at the age of just 16 and has continued to run the business with the motto, “Whatever you do, do it the best and make sure it satisfies the customers,” a principle that has earned him long-lasting trust and popularity among customers.
“My family started with a small tailoring shop on Walking Street,” Grover said.
In 1971, Mr. Grover’s father, Paramjit Grover, moved to Pattaya and opened a tailoring shop called “Grover Bespoke,” focusing on excellent service and fine tailoring, from suits and shirts to trousers and both formal and casual wear. The shop’s highlight was its custom designs and tailoring based on customers’ needs, with meticulous attention to detail in every step. The shop is now located in a commercial building on Central Pattaya Road, near the Alibaba restaurant, and it also offers premium leather products from India, such as jackets, bags, and belts.
Alibaba Restaurant: A Flavorful Memory
Alibaba Restaurant was established in 1982, inspired by the love for cooking of Grover’s mother, who was an excellent cook. Everyone who tasted her food said, “Your mother should open a restaurant,” and this was the beginning of what would become a legendary restaurant.
The name “Alibaba” was inspired by an Arabic folk tale about adventure and treasure caves. The restaurant was designed to resemble a treasure cave, filled with decorations collected from around the world, including items from their travels in Thailand, India, Morocco, Iran, and Iraq.
Authentic Indian Cuisine
What makes Alibaba stand out is its commitment to authentic Indian flavors, using ingredients and spices imported from India. The restaurant also has a team of Indian chefs with over 30-40 years of experience. The menu features over 200 items to satisfy every craving, including Panipuri, a popular snack from North India. Additionally, there are many main courses, such as Tandoori mix grill platters (with chicken, shrimp, and fish), Non-vegetarian Thali, and special goat curry that has no strong odor, perfect with naan bread. These signature dishes are highly popular among tourists and those who love Indian food, making the restaurant a must-visit destination for international food lovers.
“If you come to Pattaya and don’t eat Indian food here, it means you haven’t really been to Pattaya,” and many customers return because of the great taste and service.
Catering to a Diverse Customer Base
In the past, the restaurant’s main customers were foreign tourists. However, Thai people have become more open to Indian cuisine, especially after the movie “Gangubai Kathiawadi: The Strong Woman of Mumbai” gained popularity. This has made Alibaba Restaurant well-known among Thai tourists and residents of Pattaya.
Sustaining Success
Naini Grover said, “In business, you must focus on quality and the needs of the customers. When you make your customers happy, they will come back and tell others.” This is the principle that has kept Alibaba Restaurant and Grover Bespoke popular and has made them symbols of quality and authenticity in Pattaya.
Alibaba Tandoori & Curry Restaurant: https://www.facebook.com/AlibabaTandooripattaya
Grover Bespoke: https://www.facebook.com/groverbespoke
