The people of York will soon be able to experience the vibrant flavours of authentic Bangkok street food, as Zaap Thai are bringing their distinctive brand of casual gastronomy to the city this September.
The new restaurant is located at 7 Lendal in the city centre and follows hot on the heels of the success Zaap has enjoyed with their Leeds, Nottingham and Newcastle ventures. The space previously occupied by Gourmet Burger Kitchen will be completely transformed into a venue that will appear as though it has been lifted straight from the bustling markets of Bangkok.
Funky tuk tuks Guests can expect Thai-inspired graffiti, funky tuk tuks, neon lighting, hanging motorbikes and an electric atmosphere that pays homage to the iconic capital city. And, then there’s the food. With over 80 mouth-watering dishes to choose from, ranging from mild to hot as hell, there’s a new favourite dish with your name written all over it.
Thai street food classics on offer include the fragrant Gang Ped Thai Red Curry and the meaty Hoy Tod Crispy Pan-Fried Mussel Pancakes. The fast and affordable food menu also offers visitors the chance to take a gamble and try something new and exotic, such as the Pla Tod Gratium Deep Fried Whole Sea Bass or the vegetarian delight of the Som Tum Thai Spicy Papaya Salad with peanuts.
New jobs in York
The new opening will create around 30 new jobs in York, ranging from management to waiting staff. Zaap Thai is part of the Sukho Group, who currently have 7 different restaurants in their 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 unique flavours to a new audience.
She opened her first Sukhothai restaurant 17 years ago in Leeds and has grown the accessible Thai fine-dining brand into the Yorkshire institution that it is today, boasting four venues across the country. The first Zaap landed in Leeds back in 2015, becoming an instant smash with those looking for a more casual approach to Southeast Asian cuisine.
Zaap will offer a range of unbeatable lunch menus and daily deals, which will change on a monthly basis. The midweek lunch menu presents diners with the choice of 2-courses for £10, or 3 for £12.95 and runs between Monday and Friday from 11am – 6pm. Curry Monday allows customers to grab a curry and a beer for just £10 all day, while Pad Thai Tuesday’s offer the bestselling dish with a beer or soft drink for the same budget-friendly price.
Asian cocktail creations
The drinks menu spans beers ranging from Singha to Tsingtao, authentic Bubble Teas and a collection of delicious Asian cocktail creations. Zaap have also just launched a menu of non-alcoholic summer drinks, including refreshing iced drinks and smoothies.
Owner Ban had this to say ahead of the York opening:
“We have been searching for a suitable spot to bring Zaap to York for 2 years now, and I believe we’ve found the perfect home at 7 Lendal. 20 years ago, I could never have imagined just where my dreams would take me, but it turns out that 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.”
