Weekender: New Thai restaurant promising flavours of authentic Bangkok street food
York’s range of international cuisine will be further enhanced when Zaap Thai brings its distinctive brand to the city next month.
The restaurant will create around 30 jobs in York, ranging from management to waiting staff. It is located at 7 Lendal in the city centre and follows hot on the heels of the success Zaap has enjoyed with its Leeds, Nottingham and Newcastle ventures.
The restaurant will occupy a property which was previously Gourmet Burger Kitchen. Guests can expect Thai-inspired graffiti, funky tuk tuks, neon lighting, hanging motorbikes and an atmosphere that pays homage to Thailand’s capital.
There will be at least 80 dishes to choose from, with Thai street food classics including the fragrant Gang Ped Thai Red Curry and the meaty Hoy Tod Crispy Pan-Fried Mussel Pancakes. The menu will offer visitors the chance to try something new, such as the Pla Tod Gratium Deep Fried Whole Sea Bass or the vegetarian Som Tum Thai Spicy Papaya Salad with peanuts.
The drinks menu spans beers ranging from Singha to Tsingtao, authentic Bubble Teas and a collection of Asian cocktail creations. Zaap has also just launched a menu of non-alcoholic summer drinks, including refreshing iced drinks and smoothies.
Zaap Thai is part of the Sukho Group, which currently has seven restaurants in its portfolio. Head Chef and Owner Ban was born in Thailand and moved to the UK around 20 years ago with a dream of bringing her country’s flavours to a different audience.
She opened her first Sukhothai restaurant 17 years ago in Leeds. The first Zaap landed in Leeds in 2015, and quickly became a hit with those looking for a more casual approach to Southeast Asian cuisine.
Ban said: “We have been searching for a suitable spot to bring Zaap to York for two years now, and I believe we’ve found the perfect home at 7 Lendal. Twenty years ago I could never have imagined just where my dreams would take me, but it turns out the UK has welcomed Thai food with open arms.
“We cannot wait to introduce Zaap to the people of York and look forward to inviting them in for an authentic taste of Thailand, where street food is not just a meal, but a way of life.”
