Zaap Thai Street Food offers an immersive dining experience that transports guests to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. The restaurant's decor features neon signs, Thai artwork, and even a full-size tuk tuk, creating an authentic Thai street food market atmosphere. The extensive menu boasts over 80 dishes, including soups, salads, dim sum, and roasted mains, catering to various dietary preferences with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Notably, the restaurant has been recognized for its quality, winning the Best Asian Restaurant award at the Nottinghamshire Food and Drink Awards for two consecutive years. Zaap Thai Street Food operates on a walk-in basis, embracing the casual and bustling nature of Thai street dining.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 3,622
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,322
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Thai Experience Many mention it being close to a true Thai street-food market. You can experience all sorts of Thai cuisines within the UK.
- Extensive menu with vegetarian options The menu boasts a wide variety of dishes, including many vegetarian choices. Diners can find plenty of options to suit their preferences.
- Fast and efficient service Many reviewers have praised the restaurant for its quick service. Diners can expect their meals to arrive promptly.
- Friendly and attentive staff Numerous reviewers have highlighted the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. The positive interactions contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Immersive and unique atmosphere The restaurant's decor replicates a bustling Thai street market. The vibrant setting, including tuk-tuk seating, enhances the dining experience.
Criticised
- Authenticity concerns Some diners feel the food is adjusted to British tastes and not truly authentic Thai. Those seeking genuine Thai flavors might be disappointed by a lack of traditional taste profiles.
- Hygiene concerns reported There have been isolated reports of lipstick smudges on glassware. Such issues can raise concerns about overall hygiene standards.
- Inconsistent food quality Some reviewers mention specific dishes that were overly salty, sour, or chewy. The food quality for certain dishes does not always meet expectations.
- Menu issues for dietary restrictions The menu isn't well-presented for those with dietary restrictions (vegetarian, seafood). Navigating the extensive menu might be challenging for people with specific dietary needs.
- Service can be inconsistent Some diners have reported slow, rude, or disinterested service. Inconsistent service can detract from the overall dining experience, even if the food is good.
The longer read
Zaap Thai Street Food in Nottingham offers a vibrant and immersive dining experience, transporting customers to the bustling streets of Thailand with its authentic decor, open kitchen, and lively atmosphere. Many reviewers describe the restaurant as a feast for the senses, with colorful interiors, themed seating (including converted tuk-tuks), and the sounds of a busy kitchen creating a realistic street market ambiance. The restaurant is very popular. Many reviewers mention that there is often a short, but manageable, wait for a table, especially during peak hours. The energetic atmosphere is consistently praised, making it a great place for a fun and engaging meal. Service is frequently described as fast and friendly, with staff members being attentive and helpful. Many reviewers appreciate the quick turnaround time for food, making it a good option for those seeking a satisfying meal without a long wait. A few reviewers noted instances of slow or disinterested service, however. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide array of authentic Thai dishes, including numerous vegetarian and gluten-free options. Reviewers consistently praise the food's flavor and quality, with many stating that it is the best Thai food they've had outside of Thailand. Popular dishes include the Pad Thai, various curries (especially the Penang and Massaman), and the garlic sour pork sausages. Some reviewers note that certain dishes may be overly sweet or salty, while others mention that the spice levels can be inconsistent. Several reviewers also appreciate the reasonable prices, making it an accessible option for a taste of Thailand without breaking the bank. A small number of reviews noted that there can be lipstick smudges on the glassware. In summary, Zaap Thai Street Food provides a fun, affordable, and authentic Thai dining experience, with fast service, flavorful food, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of a Bangkok street market.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 947 0204
- Website
- zaapthai.co.uk
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 9 places to eat we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Slug & Lettuce - Nottingham Market Square.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular or must‑try dishes on Zaap Thai Street Food’s extensive menu?
- What is the typical price range for a main course or a full meal at Zaap Thai Street Food in Nottingham?
- How extensive are the vegetarian and gluten‑free options on the menu at Zaap Thai Street Food?
- What aspects of the neon signs, Thai artwork, and full‑size tuk‑tuk contribute to the dining atmosphere at Zaap Thai Street Food?
- Do you need to make a reservation at Zaap Thai Street Food and what are the usual wait times during peak hours?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.