Thai restaurant marks 20 years in business by reviving its original recipes

A Thai restaurant is celebrating 20 years in business by serving up a selection of specials from its very first menu.

Ban Kaewkraikhot opened her very first Sukhothai restaurant – named after the small-town north of Bangkok where she was raised – in Chapel Allerton in April 2002, bringing with her a lifetime passion for Thai cuisine.

She and her team have since opened two more Sukhothai restaurants, including in central Leeds and Harrogate, and launched a casual-dining brand, Zaap Thai, which due to open its sixth site in Sheffield this May.

The specials from 2002 are now on offer at the Chapel Allerton restaurant. The limited-edition menu is available for 20 days between 26 April and 15 May, allowing guests to step back in time to enjoy some classic Sukhothai recipes that have since been discontinued.

Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a hot plate.

The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.

Also back is the Mee Krob, which consists of crispy noodles, bean sprouts, spring onion and coriander.

Last but not least is the Sukhothai Seafood Platter, comprising a generous assortment of satay prawns, satay fish, crispy squid and mussels.

Kaewkraikhot said: “Leeds has been my home for over 20 years now, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved at Sukhothai since our humble beginnings back in 2002.

“Leeds is a fantastic city, full of warm and welcoming people, and one of the most diverse food scenes you’ll find in the world.’’

“I’m eternally grateful to everyone that has supported me over the years and can’t wait to see our most loyal and longstanding customers enjoy our special birthday menu.”