Thai a Roy Dee — Restaurant in Leeds

I’m writing this review to express our deep disappointment with our experience at Thai A Roy Dee. We had high hopes for a nice family dinner but were let down by the staff's attitude and service.

We made a reservation for 6 people at 18:30, having called ahead to request an earlier time of 18:00. The restaurant informed us they could only accommodate us at 18:30, which we accepted. However, upon arriving at 18:30 sharp, we were made to wait until 18:40 for our table. No staff informed us about any time limitations on our table, which would have been helpful.

After being seated, we placed our order around 18:45. One of our family members had to leave by 20:00 for a driving license test, so we thought we had enough time to finish our meal. Unfortunately, the starters didn’t arrive until 19:40, well over an hour after we ordered. Our family member could only take a bite before leaving the restaurant.

To make matters worse, the rest of our dishes were served after 20:00. By 20:30, we were almost done with our meal, but two curry dishes remained about a quarter full. A waiter approached us, insisting on clearing our table, despite our protests that we hadn’t finished and that our family member would be returning shortly. The staff seemed confused and repeated the same questions multiple times, and eventually, one staff member cleared our table without our consent.

To our shock, we were then presented with the bill and asked to pay, even though we hadn’t finished our meal and had informed them that our family member would be back shortly. They claimed we couldn’t order any more food because it took over an hour to serve. We expressed that we were ready to order immediately, but the staff never returned to take our order.

In the end, we felt forced to pay and leave, as they claimed other customers were waiting, although we didn’t see any. When we explained that the delayed service had caused one of us to leave without a proper meal, the waitress dismissively suggested we should have reserved more time if we were in a hurry. None of the staff offered an apology for the situation.

Reading previous reviews, I noticed that issues of racism have been reported here before. As Asian customers, we have learned to manage our expectations in European countries, but this experience was particularly disappointing. We will not be returning to...

Had the most ridiculous experience here tonight having visited Thai a Roy Dee for over 10 years including when they were in the small premises on Vicar Lane.

On arrival we were given a table for 4. During our starter, and after we’d ordered, a member of staff asked if we would move so they could re jig tables to get more in. We agreed, I asked for some Thai crackers as a gesture and got weirdly non committal responses given the inconvenience. I thought it was strange given we had helped them out.

After we’d moved tables we got 2 of the starters and 2 mains with 1 side at once. It was all a bit chaotic. Mains without sides, starters, no mains for two of us.

We left it a few minutes to see what happened and then I went to raise with the staff. I explained and basically got no response. Given this I said “we are not paying for this” and then things exploded - plates moved, told to leave etc.

We were also told we had requested our starters and mains together - we definitely did not. We were not asked. I think it’s a basic expectation starters come first then mains.

The lady I’m now told is the owner (!!) said to me “I recognise you” in a negative way as if I was a trouble causer. I expect she recognises me because I have probably visited 50+ times. I was also told I was being aggressive. One guy also said the kitchen isn’t big enough for the restaurant.

We tried to make our case, I was told I said “we are not paying for ANYTHING” which is untrue and I challenged. The owner at this point was nowhere to be seen. We were also told if they had asked to be moved during their meal, they would just move. We had try to help them get more people in, we did this as regulars, having to move is a pain.

We left shortly after. Confused, disappointed. Like I say I think I have visited 50+ times over many years, I have also recommended hundreds to this place.

The food coming out of the kitchen here is great. Not in question. But do not question the owner, do not complain, otherwise you’re in trouble. If you want food coming out in a normal orderly way you may be...

Service - Service is always absolutely fantastic, as we are regulars we have built a rapport with some of the staff here which makes every visit always so lovely.

Atmosphere - Hustle and bustle eating at it's finest, if you're looking for a quiet bite then go away.

Food - Thai food really doesn't get much better than this in the UK. I have never once been disappointed by a dish I've ordered, and i've been working my way through the menu for over 6 years now. Some standouts that'll see you right every time;

Kao Ka Moo (Stewed pork leg) - A perfectly balanced dish, you've got the rich savoury and beautifully gelatinous pork leg which could be too rich if not perfectly balanced with the pickled mustard greens and the spicy sour vinegar on the side. Absolutely fantastic with noodles or rice, although i'm unsure if they offer this with noodles now.

Pad Ka Pao (with Century Egg) - If you're scared then you dont deserve it. Thai A Roy Dee do an excellent Pad Ka Pao alone, but their special with the fried Century Egg really lifts this dish beyond the stratosphere. Don't be scared of the black eggs, they taste like regular eggs and so perfectly battered which soak up the delicious sauce. GET THIS.

Morning Glory with Roast Pork or Tofu - No balanced meal is complete without some great veggies. People turn their nose up at ordering vegetables with their meal, why? i don't know. This stir fried morning glory is absolutely fantastic, beautifully fresh morning glory with either your choice of crispy roast pork belly or tofu! It's roast pork belly for us most days but the tofu version is just as good!

I could go on! Really you can pick any dish from this menu and I assure you will not be disappointed.

Me and my partner have been frequent customers to this amazing restaurant for over a year. One of the best restaurants in Leeds. The food is always delicious; a long menu of an array of perfectly cooked authentic Thai food. And we’re always alarmed by the small bill received at the end. Amazingly economical. Couldn’t sing any more praises...