Established in 2002
in the heart of Chapel Allerton
Established in 2002 – The Heart of Chapel Allerton The Story of Sukhothai
At the heart of Sukhothai is a remarkable culinary journey led by our Executive Chef and Owner, Ban Kaewkraikhot. Celebrated for her mastery of authentic Thai cuisine, Ban’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep respect for tradition.
In 2002, she opened the doors to the original Sukhothai in Chapel Allerton – a restaurant that would redefine Thai dining in Yorkshire. Guided by her philosophy of combining true authenticity with refined creativity, Ban ensures every dish is crafted using only the freshest, most exquisite Thai ingredients, many of which are flown in weekly from Thailand.
More than just a restaurant, Sukhothai has become a Yorkshire institution – known for its elegant menus, attentive service, and unwavering commitment to quality. For over 20 years, Ban’s vision has remained the same: to deliver a dining experience that is both imaginative and unmistakably Thai, while staying proudly independent and rooted in local heritage.
What does Sukhothai mean?
The answer lies just over 240 miles north of Bangkok and is the old capital of Thailand. Sukhothai is Ban’s birthplace and translates into English as “The Dawn of Happiness”.
Ban's Story
I grew up in a small village just outside city of Sukhothai, where my love for cooking began. My mother – the best teacher I could have asked for – taught me everything I know. Our days were spent in our fields, growing fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, before coming home to prepare and cook the evening meal together.
When I left home, I began cooking in the street markets of Bangkok. It was hard work, but I loved every moment, and it was here that I started to dream bigger. Many of my customers were tourists from the UK, and they would tell me how much they wished for authentic Thai food back home. Their words stayed with me.
A few years later, I moved to the UK and took a job as a chef at a busy restaurant in Leeds. I worked tirelessly, saving every penny until, in 2002, I was finally able to open my own restaurant – the very first Sukhothai – in Chapel Allerton.
What began as a small neighbourhood restaurant has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. We’ve extended Chapel Allerton three times and opened new locations in Harrogate and Leeds City Centre. Along the way, there have been so many proud moments – being featured in the Good Food Guide, being named in The Sunday Times Top Food List, and even cooking for BBC MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of our guests and local suppliers. To everyone who has dined with us, supported us, or helped bring Sukhothai to life – thank you. You’ve helped turn my dream into reality.
Awards, Reviews & Journey
We’re incredibly proud of the recognition Sukhothai has received over the years. Since opening our doors in 2002, we’ve been honoured with glowing reviews and a steady stream of awards – something that means the world to us.
We’ve been regularly featured in the prestigious Good Food Guide and Harden’s, as well as earning praise from The Times and The Sunday Times. Closer to home, we’ve also been celebrated numerous time by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Oliver Awards – a true testament to our Yorkshire roots and loyal guests.
Where the story began
· On 27th April 2002, the very first Sukhothai opened its doors in
Chapel Allerton
The First Features
· Featured in Harden's Restaurant Guide
· Yorkshire Evening Post Restaurant Awards. Nominated for 'Best Restaurant'
· Listed in The Times as one of top 10 Thai restaurants in the UK
Another Sukho Thai Opens
· New Sukhothai restaurant opens in Harrogate
· Listed in The Times as one of top 10 Thai restaurants in the UK
· Featured in The Good Food Guide
· Leeds Restaurant Awards Nominated in 9 categories, winners in 2
· The F Word. Shortlisted as one of 10 best Thai restaurants in the UK
Our Flagship Branch Opens
· A brand new Sukhothai comes to South Parade, in Leeds City Centre
· Listed in the Sunday Times top 130 British Restaurants under £50 – the only restaurant in Leeds to be listed
· Shortlisted in Best World Category of Oliver Awards
· South Parade Restaurant opens new lower floor dining area to rave reviews
Leagacy Continues
· Shortlisted for Best World Restaurant – Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Awards
· Winner of Best World Restaurant – Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Awards
· Chosen to cook for BBC Masterchef’s Greg Wallace, as part of the Leeds Food Festival 2015
United and Unbreakable
· Covid hit closing our restaurants which led us to create a range of Thai ready meals we could ship nationally so our customers could still enjoy quality Thai food at home.
·Fundraised and donated over 3000 ready meals to NHS staff and other key workers.
· Launched a free school meals campaign providing 100s of free meals to local school children.
Twenty Years Old
· Proudly reached our 20th birthday, an incredible milestone celebrated with a fantastic dinner with our much-loved regular customers, and by bringing back some iconic dishes from our very first menu.
· Nominated for multiple more Oliver Restaurant Awards.
· Launched our popular Chapel Allerton Sunday Buffet & Bottomless Brunch at Leeds City Centre.
