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Getting back from London, we decided to go and try a different Thai Restaurant that had been recommended by one of Dusty’s colleagues. Not holding out too much hope we headed of to the Sangthai Restaurant, which is about 2 miles south of York on the A19 past the Designer Shopping village. We turned into the grounds and drove through what seemed like their front room (if you go, you will see what I mean) and headed down the beautifully landscaped driveway to the parking area. At this point we were not quite sure whether we were in the right place or had inadvertently drove into a private household. Anyway, parking up we headed back up the drive way to see the welcoming sign of the Sangthai Restaurant and a smartly presented man waiting to greet us.

Showing us to our table our hopes continued to improve all the time. The décor was very nice indeed. It was like entering this gentleman’s house for a meal with the family. Tastefully decorated and spotless throughout we noticed the proper cloth napkins (I have a thing about these!) and our senses were filled with the wonderful aromas of authentic Thai cooking. Settling down at our table we were very pleased to see the old favourites on the menu accompanied by a decent drinks menu. Dusty settled for sparking water, he was driving and I went for a Chilean Savignon Blanc which was crisp, freshly opened and very good.

Getting quite excited at this point we decided to try out (purely for research purposes) three different starters. Ordering Gai (Chicken) Satay (we had to compare the sauce to that of the Siam House), we also asked for Tung Tong (golden parcels) and Kanom Pung Nah Moo (Pork Toast). Our drinks arrived quickly and we continued to watch the place fill up around us, listening in to other diners conversations and taking in the scenery. Outside the front are a number of very tastefully planted conifer. Someone who clearly has an eye for detail had planted a wonderful assortment of trees in the ground that just added to the quality of this place.

The starters arrived and were presented alongside a traditional set of thai dipping sauces. We tucked in with much gusto and every bite confirmed that we had truly found an excellent Thai Restaurant in York. They were clearly home cooked, prepared with skill and experience and accompanied by excellent dipping sauces. The peanut sauce was substantial in taste and quality. A completely different experience from that served in the Siam House previously visited.

We were very happy indeed. I decided (as if I needed to at this point to try the cutlery test) and made sure I had used some of my main cutlery while eating the starters. Without a flicker, they quickly replaced them with clean fresh cutlery.

Our main courses soon arrived and I ordered a second glass of the excellent wine. Again the meals were presented in a tastefull and professional manner. We dived in without delay. Sharing our meals we enjoyed Gaeng Keowan Gai (Thai Green Chicken curry) and Gaeng Pet Phed Yang (Red Thai Duck curry) along with steamed rice. Aromatic, Fragrant, Colourful, Delicious and Hot are only some of the words I can use to describe the dishes. They were excellent. Mopping our heads from the ‘heat’ we worked our way through the meals, the Red Thai Duck being slightly hotter and enjoyed every last drop. Noting that they also do takeaway we were now content with the world.

Getting back to the serious issue of research we had to finish of by sampling the desert/coffee menu. I ordered hot chocolate, Dusty had a decaf cappuccino and we decided to try the Belgian truffles. The drinks matched the rest of the meal in quality and the Belgian truffles went down treat.

If you fancy a cosy night out, if you want to show off to friends/colleagues, or if you simply want to have an exceptional Thai meal, then this is the place to go in York. They have plenty of cosy rooms and an outside seating area for those balmy summer nights. Enjoy…..

Score: 4 Stars. Visited June 2007

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