On a wet November evening, my dining companion and I entered the warm and welcoming Sukhothai Restaurant on Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate. We were immediately greeted by friendly staff who guided us to our seats. Even at 6pm, many of the tables were already occupied, a sure sign of an excellent reputation.
The Restaurant was busy, with an easy going relaxed atmosphere. Once seated, we were presented with a plate of Thai Crackers and Chilli Sauce to graze on whilst we ordered our drinks and chose from the extensive and very appealing menu.
We began with the special Mixed Starter for two, which comprised of a beautifully presented platter of Tung Thong, Chicken Toast, Satay Chicken and Tiger Prawns in a delightful light batter. This came along with three different sauces and garnished with salad. This proved to be an excellent choice to start our meal. Each mouthful offering exquisite flavours and texture.
For the main course we chose…
Chicken Pad Thai, a dish of stir fried noodles with Chicken, Eggs, Bean Sprouts, Carrot, Spring Onion and Ground Peanuts. Across the table, a dish of Duck, stir fried with Chilli Oil, Sweet Basil, Mushrooms, Spring Onion, Carrot and Red Pepper, known as Pad Nam Prik Phed was ordered together with a portion of Jasmine Rice. The food was heavenly, the freshness of the ingredients made for a great taste experience.
As we ate our meal, we took our time to enjoy the décor of the restaurant, which, as you would expect has a good many Thai carvings and artefacts, displayed to great effect in a modern setting. The immaculately dressed waiters and waitresses, were continually circulating to attend to the diners needs but with out being at all intrusive, the service they provided was exemplary.
At the end of the main course we decided to complete the meal with a dessert and made our selection of Mango Cheesecake form a menu that included traditional Thai and British favourites and a choice of ice creams. A good selection of coffees are available to round off your meal.
After finishing our desserts we left Sukhothai, knowing that we had just experienced Thai food at it’s best. We will return again. We are not alone on heaping praise on this fine establishment, which has been included in the 2013, Sunday Times Food List of top 130 British restaurants under £50, and again in 2014 for top restaurants for £20 per head. Not to mention 7 consecutives inclusions in the Good Food Guide 2008-2014.
Harrogate is lucky to have a restaurant of such a high calibre. And we have no hesitation in recommending this as somewhere that should be at the top of your list to visit.
Sukhothai, 17-19 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DD
You can reserve a table at the Sukhothai through their website: www.sukhothai.co.uk, send an email to: harrogate@sukhothai.co.uk or call them directly on 01423 500869.
Open: Prix Fixe Menu, 5.00pm-6.30pm Monday-Thursday and Dinner Daily, 5.00pm-10.00pm
