First Thai Express Kitchen to open Scotland

A global brand specialising in Thai Cuisine is opening its first restaurant in Scotland. 

Thai Express Kitchen will launch in Edinburgh's St James Quarter this month, a milestone moment for the Canadian brand, standing as its first 'kitchen' venture not just in Scotland, but the UK. This new venue will extend its takeaway offering to include casual dining and a licensed bar. 

The Edinburgh restaurant will feature an open kitchen with expert wok chefs who cook to order using fresh, seasonal produce. Customers can choose from a menu of largely familiar favourites, including Pad Thai, green curry and papaya salad, but are encouraged to customise their dish and request their level of spice.

Sachin, 42, has been at the heart of the £100,000+ transformation of the site, project managing each process to ensure they meet exceptionally high standards – as well as hand-picking a 35-strong team.

He said: “In our view Thai food is the most exciting cuisine in the world. We can’t wait to open our doors and bring the Thai Express brand to Edinburgh and Scotland.

"I got involved with the brand because I am a Thai food obsessive. I wanted to find the world’s best Pad Thai and bring it to these shores. We can cater for people just like me, who’ll go to lengths to find the best Southeast Asian food.

Uzma and Sachin Pattani brought 300-outlet 'Thai Express' brand to the UK in 2021. As the first Thai Express Kitchen, the Edinburgh site represents their eighth-largest setting, with St James Quarter joining similar locations in Croydon, Wembley and Birmingham. 

“Edinburgh will shake up the stale food-to-go market, giving an alternative to pre-packed sandwiches, while also offering our first restaurant setting in the UK.”

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