Thai takeaway cooks up a storm in the TV studio
A LONGSTANDING Thai takeaway in Swansea has been crowned one of Britain’s best in a new BBC show pitting the UK’S independent fast-food businesses against one another in a cook-off competition.
The contest, in which five similar takeaways go headto-head, sees Bangkok Express of Walter Road serve up some of their delicious food to a family of judges ranking them against fiery competitors to find the favourite of the episode.
The Thai takeaway features in a pan-asian episode, cooking against other regional competitors in a bid to win the top spot – with all of the businesses being declared as some of the best in Britain.
After receiving an email from the show inquiring about the takeaway, Bangkok Express owners April and Chris Napier initially thought it was a scam, but it later turned out to be “one of the best experiences” the familyrun business has had.
Opening in 2018, Bangkok Express has served some of the best Thai food in Swansea, quickly establishing itself as a fan favourite for its flavourful curries and noodle dishes.
After they created a “home-style” audition tape showcasing their cooking, the owners were invited by the producers of Britain’s Top Takeaways to compete in the BBC show.
The Swansea takeaway is one of two Welsh businesses featuring on the show.
April Napier, who owns the business alongside her partner, said: “It has been one of the best experiences we’ve ever had.
“We were invited to
Manchester in an industrial estate that was built for a cook-off.
“We are proud to fly the flag for both Swansea and Wales and immensely proud of what we do and will always go the extra for our customers.”
She added: “Lockdown hit us really hard and we were closed for three to four months as staff safety was our priority – we’re a family
business. This opportunity came around and it was a once-in-a-lifetime and we couldn’t believe it – we still can’t when we think about it.”
Despite being pitted against other pan-asian takeaways, the Bangkok Express team “loved every second of it” and even said they have made lifelong friends, with the competing businesses creating their own Whatsapp group.
Having been inspired by the cook-off, the takeaway has announced it will soon be opening a new location, with a full-time restaurant serving Thai food in the Uplands area.
“We couldn’t get over how much we enjoyed it, it still gives me goosebumps to think about and we’re opening this new restaurant to celebrate Thai food and give back,” April said.
During lockdown Bangkok
Express helped feed frontline workers with their muchloved Thai food despite the takeaway being closed.
Tight-lipped about where they ranked in the competition, the business said they were grateful for the experience and aimed to make the country proud. ■■ You can catch Bangkok Express in action on Thursday, May 19 at 8pm on BBC Two and iplayer.