Frequently Asked Questions

Thali by Chef Prasad celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine through refined technique, layered spices, and warm hospitality. The menu brings together familiar favorites, regional inspiration, and dishes created to help guests discover something new.

Yes. Indian cuisine offers a beautiful range of vegetarian dishes, and we are happy to guide you toward options that fit your preferences.

Yes. Our menu includes vegan, gluten free, and vegetarian friendly options. Please let our team know about any dietary needs when ordering or dining with us so we can help guide you thoughtfully.

Absolutely. Indian cuisine is full of regional flavors, spice levels, textures, and traditions. My team is always happy to make recommendations based on what you enjoy.

Spice is about balance, not just heat. Some dishes are mild and comforting, while others are bold and deeply spiced. Please ask our team for guidance if you prefer something gentler or more adventurous.

You can explore our menu online and choose from appetizers, kababs, biryani, tandoori breads, entrees, vegetarian dishes, sides, beverages, and desserts.

Reservations are available through OpenTable for parties of up to 8 guests. For larger parties, please contact us directly so my team can help plan the best experience.

Please contact us directly. Larger parties often need a little more care, and my team will help guide you toward the right setup, timing, and dining experience.

Yes. We welcome private dining inquiries for special celebrations, corporate dinners, Chef's Table experiences, cooking classes, and full restaurant buyouts.

Yes. If you are interested in a buyout or private gathering, please submit an inquiry with your preferred date, guest count, event type, and any details you would like us to know.

Yes. My catering team brings the flavors, service, and hospitality of Chef Prasad to weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, charity events, and large gatherings throughout the region.

Every event is thoughtfully tailored to the guest's vision. The team helps shape the menu, service style, presentation, and event details so the experience feels polished, personal, and memorable.

Yes. We can personalize the menu based on your occasion, guest count, dietary needs, preferred service style, and the kind of experience you want to create.

We cater weddings, corporate events, private parties, charity galas, holiday celebrations, sporting events, and milestone gatherings.

Yes. Depending on the event, we can help with professional service staff, event managers, bartenders, and additional hospitality support.

Yes. For larger events, my team can help guide you through event support needs such as rentals, floral styling, decor, entertainment, photography, beverage service, and specialty culinary stations.

SPICECRAFT Mobile Kitchen brings freshly prepared Indian cuisine to your event with the energy and flavor of Chef Prasad's kitchen. It is a wonderful option for weddings, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and events where guests want a more interactive culinary experience.

Chef to Home brings my culinary experience into your home for private dinners, celebrations, cooking classes, and intimate gatherings. It is designed for guests who want a personal dining experience without leaving home.

Chef to Home is ideal for private dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, corporate evenings, holiday gatherings, and small celebrations.

Yes. Chef Prasad and the team work with each host to create a menu based on the occasion, guest count, dietary needs, and preferred style of service.

Yes. Private cooking classes can be arranged as part of the Chef to Home experience. They are wonderful for small groups, celebrations, team outings, and culinary gifts.

Please share your preferred date, guest count, location, occasion, menu interests, dietary needs, and any special details that will help us understand your vision.

Yes. I offer hands on cooking classes that invite guests to learn techniques, explore bold flavors, and enjoy a memorable meal together. Current event pages describe these as immersive experiences led by Chef Prasad.

Yes. These classes are designed to be interactive, welcoming, and enjoyable for curious home cooks, food lovers, and anyone who wants to learn more about Indian cuisine.

Some listed classes are described as four hour culinary experiences. Availability, format, and timing may vary by class.

Yes. Private cooking classes can be arranged directly with my team and are a wonderful option for small groups, celebrations, and gifts.

Yes. A cooking class is a thoughtful gift for someone who loves food, learning, and shared experiences. The site has also promoted cooking classes as memorable culinary gifts.

Chef Collabs are one night culinary experiences where Chef Prasad cook alongside talented guest chefs to create special menus that celebrate creativity, connection, and flavor.

Chef Collabs are special events and may vary throughout the year. Please check Happenings or the Chef Collabs page for upcoming dinners and recent collaborations.

Yes. Chefs and culinary partners can submit a Chef Collab inquiry with their background, restaurant, preferred timing, and collaboration idea.

Guests can expect a creative, limited time dining experience with special guests, thoughtful menus, bold flavors, and a sense of discovery.

Upcoming events, classes, and special experiences can be found through the Happenings or Events calendar on the site.

Yes. Guests can order favorite dishes online and enjoy Chef Prasad's signature cuisine from home.

Some items may vary based on availability, timing, and how they travel for takeout. Please use the online ordering page for the most accurate ordering options.

For catering, larger gatherings, or custom menus, please submit a catering inquiry instead of placing a standard online order. That allows my team to understand your event and recommend the right experience.

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is a pioneering restaurateur who helped put Indian cuisine on the culinary map in Connecticut, introducing generations of diners to its extraordinary regional diversity. His original Thali earned a three-star "Excellent" review from The New York Times, praising his cooking as "exuberant, inventive and deeply satisfying." Through his acclaimed restaurants, Chef Prasad transformed how Indian cuisine is experienced, celebrated, and appreciated throughout the region.

Chef Prasad is known for elevating Indian cuisine throughout Connecticut and the Northeast, introducing generations of diners to the depth, diversity, and sophistication of India's regional culinary traditions. His acclaimed restaurant Thali earned a three star "Excellent" review from The New York Times and helped shape the way regional Indian cuisine is experienced in Connecticut.

Over more than three decades, Chef Prasad has built a culinary legacy through award winning restaurants, James Beard House appearances, national and regional media features, the Chef Collaboration Series, Gourmet United, and Spice Craft by Chef Prasad. His work is rooted in bold flavor, refined technique, creative hospitality, and memorable dining experiences.

Guests can call the restaurant directly at (203) 242-0200 or use the contact form to send a message. The team will follow up as soon as possible.

Chef Prasad Indian Cuisine is located at 62 Main Street in New Canaan, Connecticut.

The restaurant is open Monday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, closed on Tuesday, open Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.