Zap Thai Cuisine opens in Bury St Edmunds where NanaThai once served

A Thai restaurant has opened in St John's Street, Bury St Edmunds, where the popular NanaThai previously served.

Zap Thai Cuisine is keeping with tradition in the spot opposite the Quaker Meeting House and owners are hoping there is still a local appetite.

Kim Rowe, speaking on behalf of the restaurant's owners, said: "It is an authentic Thai restaurant.

"Most of our recipes are created on original tastes and not changed from how they would be served in Thailand. Whereas some Thai restaurants can modify dishes to western customers, we use the original recipe."

Kim said Zap's menu would give it a unique place in Bury, despite the town's number of quality eateries.

"It has a homely feel and atmosphere. In south Asian culture, friends will run a restaurant as if it was a family business.

"Thai food mixes sweet and savoury flavours in its dishes, often containing coconut milk and spices."

There are currently three members of staff and Zap Thai has the potential for 30 covers.

The restaurant has been open for around one month, but the owners have intentionally kept a low profile to avoid being overwhelmed.

Kim said: "We had quite a busy New Year's Eve and we have had a lot of people popping in as they pass by because St John's Street is on the way into town from the railway station."

There is also a takeaway service lunchtime openings and with 56 menu options, customers are not short of choice.

Kim is a family friend of the owners and has helped ease the language barrier with administrative tasks.

She continued: "We really like Bury St Edmunds, it is in a special area of the UK and it feels a homely town, not big or small.

"It is also well connected to other places, and we liked that aspect too as it is in a place to attract commuters.

"I think our customer base will be families and couples from the area, that is what we have seen so far.

"We have already seen customers come back because they have said they liked us."

Zap Thai is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11.30am to 3.30pm and from 5.30-11pm.

To see a menu, visit www.zapthai.co.uk and to book, call 01284 724135.