Taste of Thailand can be found in the historic old Duck and Drake pub on Yaxley’s Main Street.
It is a place that has quite a following having been built up by chef Chuda, who some might know as Emma; from a stall via several pub kitchens to the city centre and since late last year at this village pub.
Driving up, certainly in the dark, there is nothing to suggest what lies in store. A small sign on the way in, separate to the pub entrance, is the first clue… then the aroma of Thai food gives the game away.
Inside it looks like a pub back room, with some bright coloured walls and hanging lanterns changing the mood a little.
The menu isn’t extensive, but quality certainly makes up for quantity.
Starters offer up the likes of prawn crackers, satay chicken, Thai fish cakes and our choice – the platter of ribs (£17), to share.
Big, meaty, and hugely tasty, the ribs are stir fried in onions and peppers, which are themselves delightful, and drizzled in the chef’s special sauce. Easy to see why these are hugely popular.
The main courses feature the ever popular panang curry, plus the red, yellow and green varieties, but perhaps swayed by the name of the pub I was tempted by the sizzling crispy duck (£19).
Pan fried, the duck breast is served on a sizzling platter (what a sound), sitting on a surprisingly appetising bed of stir friend cabbage, along with a bowl of jasmine rice and a pour over sauce.
Very appetising and very filling!
Daughter Jasmine was delighted with her choice of main – sweet and sour king prawns (£16.50). A good portion of big juicy prawns in a really sticky, vibrant and moreish sauce made with plenty of fresh pineapple – no shortage of sweetness that is for sure.
A very enjoyable “taste” of Thailand.
