Leeds, Yorkshire’s largest city, is a great place to find all sorts of bars, restaurants, arcades, and clubs. The city has a vibrant nightlife with live music, authentic pubs, and unique shops. Among the many restaurants in Leeds is Zaap, an authentic Thai restaurant. Zaaps’s authenticity is not just in the many Thai dishes. The restaurant’s design is filled with original décor that transports you into the busy streets of Bangkok.

Zaap was first established in 2015 in Leeds. Back then, most international restaurants in Leeds were Indian and Chinese. However, Zaap’s unique experience led to Thai cuisine becoming more popular in Yorkshire city. The owner’s first idea to create Zaap would not have been possible without the team that worked to make the most authentic experience for the clients. In 2016, the Thai restaurant opened a second location in Nottingham, proof of its success.

Ambiance

As you walk in, the Zaap’s host will greet you at the door and introduce you to the vast menu, over 80 authentic Thai dishes. Additionally, the host will tell a bit about the history of the restaurant, culture, as well as dishes. The most inspiring is that the 80 dishes are all authentically Thai. Zapp did not westernize any of their dishes, bringing the customer a piece of Thailand in the city of Leeds. Not to mention that Zaap offers this experience for a reasonable price, making it accessible for most to enjoy.

As you walk by the restaurant, you can see how hard the team worked to bring an authentic Thai restaurant design. Outside, there are unique and bright neon signs and authentic colorful displays. As you enter the restaurant, Zaap’s interior features real life Tuk Tuks that you can dine in, colorful signs, an open kitchen, and wooden tables. Every aspect of the décor of the restaurant transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand.

inspiration

Zaap’s interior design takes inspiration from vintage Thai street markets. While the restaurant design might seem like a design overload to some people, every detail counts to give patrons an authentic experience. Vintage Thai markets feature a lot of signage, whether that is the brand of sodas available or bathroom location signage. Additionally, the Tuk Tuk dining tables pay homage to the main means of transportation if you need a taxi in Thailand. Lastly, wooden tables are also often present in many Thai restaurants. While the tables and chairs are a simple item, they bring just the right touch from Thai culture.

Zaap Thai Street Market is a great way to experience Thailand’s culture while still in the U.K. The restaurant helped bring Thai cuisine into the Leeds food scene and popularized it over the past years that it has been operating. The restaurant team’s ability to transport you to Bangkok with the carefully picked design is truly inspirational.