THE ASIAN INVASION

Pranna

79 Madison Ave.; 212-696-5700

This sprawling lower Madison Avenue restaurant and lounge serves as a sort of culinary multiplex for the cuisines of India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The feisty assortment comes courtesy of executive chef Chai Trivedi (of Sapa and Sitar Restaurant) who explored southern Asia for six months on the back of a Honda Nighthawk 750. The restaurant is a luxuriously modern playground with a lounge and bar large enough for about 100 close friends.

Must-have meal: Shaved green papaya salad with Thai bird chilis, long beans, peanuts and dried red shrimp (above, $10); the chef’s selection of satay ($30, to share); the San Luam fried chicken with crispy bitter melon, cashew and raisin sauté ($24); and pastry chef Jehangir Mehta’s bakery basket: coconut macaroons, nutmeg madeleines, spiced butter cakes and walnut brownies with salted peanut dipping sauce ($15).

Soundtrack: An eclectic global mix of lounge music.

Hours: 5:30 p.m.-midnight

BarBao

100 W. 82 St.; 212-501-0776

Taking the place of former pan-Asian spot Rain is BarBao, another contemporary Asian outpost marked by grape-stake ceilings, salvaged panel doors and a 15-foot mural made from shredded Vietnamese propaganda posters. Chef Michael “Bao” Huynh (of Bao 111 and Mai House) is mixing things up Vietnamese-style, with a menu that includes the traditional (spring rolls, noodles and rice) and the untraditional (clay pots and family-style entrees to share). If you’re up for a good buzz (and a laugh), try the Jane Fonda: Bacardi Gold rum, Canton ginger liqueur, mint and fresh lime ($11).

Must-have meal: Vietnamese summer rolls ($8); clay-pot organic chicken with quail eggs, ginger shallots and chilis (right, $16); sides of duck-fried rice ($10) and melted Asian eggplant ($8); and crispy pancakes (sweet corn, coconut and peanut) with dulce de leche gelato ($8).

Soundtrack: An eclectic mix of world music including Gotan Project, Jimmy Cliff, Zap Mama, and Les Nubians.

Hours: Mon.-Wed., 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; Thurs. and Fri., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.-2 a.m; and Sun. 5-10 p.m.