UP CLOSE: Kenilworth chefs on what makes Thai food so special
"Thai food offers something for everyone" is the message from the chefs at Kenilworth's Nur Nur Paradise.
Since opening in November 2023 the town centre eatery has been bringing its Thai fusion food to the people of Kenilworth, blending traditional south east Asian flavours and western dishes.
The independent eatery - opened by Thai-born founders Lee Wongsalees and Chantana Nimcean - has a team of three running its kitchen who are eager to dispel any misconceptions about Thai food.
"Thai food is quite authentic with the ingredients and the herbs," Sous Chef Mr Ken told Nub News.
"It's totally different from Philippine, Malay, or Chinese food.
"I really like Chinese food but it can be quite greasy and a little bit oily.
"Thai food has really strong flavours from the range of herbs and spices that we use - that's the main thing.
"And it is not just stir fry with noodles, there is so much more to Thai food."
Head Chef Mr Chan has over 40 years of experience in kitchens, working for many years in five star hotels in Bangkok, before spending the last two decades in the UK.
He also worked with Lee at Thai chain Giggling Squid where he even turned down a management role because he just wanted to focus on cooking not admin.
"Our food and our style is authentic Thai food," he said.
"We use the same ingredients, the same styles, but we find new combinations here.
"Thai food is often much spicier but we adapt here to what everyone can eat.
"And some Asian people - or anyone - when they come, we can add more spices for some of the dishes because they prefer that."
As well as staying true to traditional Thai cooking methods, the team at Nur Nur Paradise also have a focus on presentation and giving diners a real experience at the Warwick Road eatery.
"The service we offer, we must keep our standards as well as the presentation of our food and decoration," Mr Ken continued.
"We also cater for all dietary needs and can prepare things specially for customers.
"If we keep a good standard of the service and the food, the people will know they are having a quality meal."
With an extensive menu packed with curries, stir fry, pinto (small plates), meats and fish dishes, Nub News asked what was most popular with customers.
"Local people around here, they always like curry and stir-fry," Mr Chan said
"Mostly, green curry, red curry, and cashew nut stir-fry. That's what they like.
"But the locals from Leamington and Coventry, they quite like the holy thai basil beef sirloin and seafood like the grilled sea bass.
"We try to adapt the food in the restaurant to see what we can do to make customers impressed."
Nur Nur Paradise has also recently launched a free membership offer, giving customers access to exclusive discounts and offers if they sign up.
Gift vouchers are also available on the website, and the local takeaway offer continues to be popular.
For those yet to visit, Mr Ken said: "For the people who haven't tried Thai food yet, or who haven't come to try in the restaurant, I just want them to know that Thai food has many different options.
"We've got a lot of options for them to try and the portion sizes here are very generous - better than most other places!
"Make sure they check out the offers on the website too before coming to visit us."
To find out more, head to the Nur Nur Paradise website here.
Nur Nur Paradise sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.
Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to bring clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.
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