Originally opening way back in 2002 under the guidance of owner and head chef Ban Kaewkraikhot, Sukhothai is a casual Thai restaurant group with a handful of sites around Leeds and Harrogate.
The flagship location is the Sukhothai in Leeds city centre, which is found in a large property on South Parade. The dining room at Sukhothai Leeds is as you would expect, featuring a beige banquette which runs along one wall, and a smattering of dark wood tables flanked by sets of two or four chairs. On the walls, you will find plenty of Thai symbolism, including artful murals and depictions of Buddha.
Sukhothai Leeds’s menu is an extravagant affair, with the à la carte featuring well over 200 dishes. To start, tuck into the likes of satay chicken skewers in a peanut sauce or perhaps king prawns in a fragrant lemongrass batter, which arrive alongside a freshly made chilli sauce. For your mains, you can order substantial dishes such as a spice-laden massaman curry, a vibrant pad Thai or an eight-ounce ‘weeping tiger’ sirloin steak, which is marinated in an oyster sauce and served at the table alongside a portion of sticky rice.
Vegetarian diners aren’t an afterthought either, as Sukhothai offers plenty of meat-free dishes for diners who have ditched meat from their diets to enjoy. Those following a vegetarian diet can order the likes of a veggie Thai green curry, a rich and creamy tofu Thai curry or stir-fried tofu with broccoli, onion and carrot.
The prices at Sukhothai Leeds are fairly reasonable, but of course the price of sharing plates can add up. If you are trying to stick to a budget, you can take advantage of the excellent value prix fixe menu, where you can enjoy two courses for just £14.95. On the set menu, you’ll find dishes such as Thai fishcakes and crispy pork belly slices in a tamarind sauce.