Zaap Thai restaurant coming to Riverwalk in Durham

Zaap, the food chain with restaurants across the UK, has announced more details of what will be coming to Durham, as staff at the venue prepare to open at The Riverwalk in Durham City this September.

The Durham restaurant will be one of the brand’s biggest venues yet with space for around 100-120 diners in the Bangkok-inspired restaurant, with a further 20 seats planned for dining al fresco on the terrace outside. 

Here's what Zaap Newcastle looks like - with the decor expected to be the same in Durham City (Image: ZAAP)

Zaap is all about "transporting diners to the street food markets of Bangkok, where they can explore some of the most vibrant and exciting flavours that Thailand has to offer," according to its owners.

An open kitchen will allow guests to watch as their dishes be made by the Zaap team, whilst unique Thai signage and bespoke street-style artwork will add to the traditional East Asian atmosphere.

Guests can dine in custom-made tuk-tuk seating booths, whilst a large light wall and lots of neon will immerse diners in the fun, casual and lively dining experience.

Crispy Chicken Wings from Zaap (Image: ZAAP)

Zaap will feature a menu with over 80 authentic Thai dishes, offering something for everyone.

Firm favourites like Pad Thai and Gang Massaman (Massaman Curry) will be complemented by dishes including Grilled Whole Sea Bass with special Zaap sauce, Thai Papaya Salads, dim sum, bao buns, platters, curries and more.

There’ll also be lots of special dishes unique to Zaap including Crispy Pork Belly with house-made spicy green sauce, Crispy Chicken with Zaap’s special hot & sour sauce, and their Pad See Aew noodles. 

The restaurant will also serve up a collection of vegetarian and vegan dishes with meat-free options across the entire menu and special dedicated vegetarian and gluten-free menus available. 

Guests can also look forward to a drinks menu featuring a range of Thai-inspired cocktails, and Zaap’s very own bubble teas, boozy bubble tea cocktails plus Thai beers and a curated collection of wines. 

Zaap are also on the hunt for a team of hospitality heroes to join the ‘Zaapy family’.

Zaap Durham will create 20 new jobs with roles available across the front and back of the house.

Whether you’re a talented chef, bartender, or front-of-house hopeful, the team wants to hear from you.

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Anyone who thinks they could be a good fit is encouraged to send their CV to durham@zaapthai.co.uk and find out more about the opportunities available. 

Ban Kaewkraikhot, founder and executive chef at Zaap said: "Durham is a fantastic city and we’re delighted to be making a new home here for Zaap.

"With its diverse population and thriving cultural scene, it is the perfect fit for our unique concept.

"We want to create a space where people can truly feel like they’ve been transported to Thailand, from the food to the atmosphere.

"Our position along The Riverwalk provides the perfect bustling community to complement the energy and atmosphere that ZAAP will bring to the city. We can’t wait to open our doors late September.”