Thaikhun Manchester #Review

Thaikhun Manchester Visit: September 2016

Thaikhun pronounced “Tycoon” is both a homage and celebration to the street food sellers in Thailand.  Owner and Chef Director Kim Kaewkraikhot started out with a small restaurant in Bangkok establishing a renowned reputation for fantastic fresh flavours which has enabled Kim to introduce the UK to the true Flavours of Thailand.  Invited to sample Kim’s new menu, boarding pass in hand, I flagged down a traditional Thai Tuk Tuk and prepared to hold on tight, as it was my time to brave the bustling Bangkok streets for the culinary ride of my life.

Welcomed by the lovely Roisin Finnerty whose hospitality skills were second to none.  Roisin had our seating mapped out alongside an area adorned with bric a brac such as Buddha statues, postcards and an array of charming touristy tatt, which transported me back to the colourful, lively and energetic famous Thanon Khao San Market Bazaar on Khao San Road, aka centre for the touristy backpacking community!  This true authentic décor created excitement, a conversational talking point and an instant atmospheric buzz!Thai prawn crackers with a sweet chilli dip, pork scratching’s and the Thai satay popcorn were perfect for nibbling while our main server Peaches navigated us through the delicious new menu offerings!  Clearly Peaches understood Thaikhun’s ethos delivering a fun, friendly and informal service style throughout.  Perfect Peaches suggestions made our journey a joy.  Relaxed, the backpack was set aside and we were ready to enjoy a true taste of Thailand.

Starters of Ka Nom Jeeb – scrummy steamed vegetable dumplings that were parcels of pure palatal pleasure.  These are an age old Chinese import and are now a firm Thai fav!  The Gaisatayo – grilled marinated succulent Chicken skewers with a tantalising tasty peanut sauce, cucumber relish and toast.  Constructing simple sandwiches and dipping, no actually scooping up the delicious peanut dip as it was that addictive, I wondered whether I should be adopting some kind of Thai style etiquette to eat this dish.  Inquisitively investigating, enquiries made I was advised that on the streets Thai people use the toast to share and sample each other’s saucy dips to see who’s culinary creation is simply the best.  A simple and resourceful way of bringing the community together such a beautiful story and a true representation of Thai culture!

Phad Thai was rice noodles stir fried with egg, carrots, beansprouts, spring onions in a sweet and sour tasty tamarind sauce.  The Gai Yang was a half chicken marinated with turmeric, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, coriander, served with a papaya salad and pork scratchings.  Both mains were fresh, authentic, offered generous portion sizes and provided excellent value for money.  The Phad Phak Ruam – stir fried vegetables provided a nice healthy side option.

Both desserts hit the spot!  The tasty Thai Bounty a smooth chocolatey rich fondant was served with a lip-smacking coconut ice cream.  The super sticky delicious date pudding teamed up with Thai whiskey ice-cream was wonderful.  All washed down with a cool Coconut Mojito – mint leaves muddles with Havana rum and Malibu coconut liqueur!

Cocktails created with passion and love included the My Thai – a mix of Mekhong Thai Whisky, Malibu, Orange, pineapple juice and a dash of coconut cream.  The Phi Phi Bellini – a concoction of Mango Vodka, passion fruit Puree and fizzy prosecco.  Fresh, clean, refreshing and a clever cute cocktail creation.  No trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the beach, so in a party mood I ordered a flavoursome Full Moon – Absolut vodka shaken up with orange liqueur, watermelon, apple, cranberry and a drizzle of midori.

Bangkok is actually a shortened version of its true ceremonial name “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit” I will happily agree to stay at Thaikhun and practise this ceremonial version until word perfect, as I never want to leave! Roisin and Peaches along with the rest of the team all did a great job.  Go go go…Team Thaikhun you are all awesome!

Khop Khun Kha (Thank you) for Reading 🙂

Melanie xx

General Restaurant Details:

Location: Thaikhun Manchester– 3 Hardman street, The avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HF

Website: thaikhun.co.uk

Telephone: 0161 819 2065