Ban Kaewkraikhot’s influence on Leeds’ food scene was impossible to overlook. Since opening Sukhothai in Chapel Allerton in 2002, she garnered immense respect as a restaurateur – not least of all when she landed a nomination for Chef of the Year at the Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Awards 2022
Yet, that was far from her only recognition. Over the years, Ban and Sukhothai received numerous prestigious awards and listings:
In 2007, Sukhothai also claimed Best Overall Restaurant at the Leeds Restaurant Awards
- The restaurant earned a win for Best World Restaurant in the Oliver Awards in 2015, and had also been shortlisted in the same category in 2014
- Sukhothai had been featured in The Good Food Guide every year, consistently, and had also appeared in The Sunday Times food list
- Remarkably, it had been listed among The Times and The Sunday Times’ top ten Thai restaurants in the UK
- In 2007, Sukhothai also claimed Best Overall Restaurant at the Leeds Restaurant Awards
Collectively, these accolades painted a picture of relentless excellence – from glowing national recognitions to local milestones. Ban’s cuisine not only delighted diners but also firmly cemented Sukhothai’s status as a landmark fixture in Yorkshire’s culinary landscape.
