Zaap Thai Street Food — Restaurant in Nottingham

My friend and I decided to make Nottingham our go-to place for a few drinks on a Saturday night. After visiting a number of pubs, we were wondering where to go for food. My friend mentioned Zaap, as he had planned to go for his birthday, but they were a little late to be offered a place. So we thought we'd give it a try! Wow, it's almost like being in Thailand with all the colours and decor. There was virtually no wait to get a table, even on a Saturday night and a bonus the restaurant wasn't super packed! We were shown to our table and asked for our drinks order first (loved that we could see the chefs preparing orders in the kitchen from where we were sat!) Speaking of, they seemed to have a variety, including soft alcoholic too. Then onto the menu... Whoa! Quite a big menu, especially for someone who has never been before, but at least it means there is plenty to choose from (and something for everyone!) We were left for a while, which was good, as it meant we could properly look through the menu, without feeling rushed or pressured into choosing just anything. In the end, we had decided on the 'Look Chin Rod (Pla) or deep fried traditional fish balls, which were super delicious! It came with a sweet and spicy sauce, and shredded lettuce. The balls were not crunchy, but I found them to be delightful with some good flavour. For the main, I had the crispy egg noodle soup with chicken, again packed with flavour and filling too. Tender (and big) pieces of chicken throughout the soup, delicious noodles when soaked in the broth... Perfect! This time there was no dessert, as we were quite full. But from what I read, they did sound pretty good! The staff were polite, the food was good and the price altogether wasn't that bad, as we split the bill two ways. I noticed the day after, that there was a 10% optional service charge of £4.75 added to the bill. I wasn't going to quibble over such a low amount, but just be aware when you receive your bill before leaving. If you wish not to pay this, then simply let the server know, and I'm sure they'll be more than happy to take this off for you. Great place, that I'd love to return to again in...

Ensuring we grabbed a decent meal before the night ahead we chose here. The majority of reviews were nothing but glowing.

On arrival it was manic but agreed to wait for 15 min on the side for a table. Overseeing the bar I caught glimpses of waterdowned cocktails being prepped and sent out, which swayed my decision not to try one.

After 15min we were led down a busy stretch of faux tucs tucs and seated against a wall crowded with loot stuck to the wall.

The menu had plenty to offer from dim sum, Thai fishcakes lots of variants of sea bass and all Thai dishes you could think of catering from meat eaters to vegans.

I adore bubble tea so was madly curious to try a alcohol variant which was a boozy salted caramel. My other half ordered a havana rum. My partner received whisky rather than rum and mine was full of so much tapioca it spoiled it.

For food my partner had the har kau prawn dumplings and pineapple rice with prawns. Myself pork sesame skewers along with prawn red curry.

We both enjoyed the starters lovely texture and flavours besides the unhappy lettuce.

Unfortunately the mains were weak. We had eaten pineapple rice in our weeks in Thailand and wanted to experience that same tastiness. It was just plain rice , under cooked veg and big prawns on the side.. not rice laced with pineapple etc.. my red Thai curry was more of a soup with basic flavour with also undercooked veg. I like to have some bite but not like this. The prawns were cooked nicely .

Not once did anyone ask about our wellfare or food quality. Droid like they cleaned tables at lightning speed and took food orders churning the tables fast.

Overall very disappointed with and did not deserve the service charge they whacked on... not very attentive and poor...

A Culinary Gem, Experiencing Authentic Vietnamese Flavors and Stellar Service ✨️

Nestled not too far from the heart of the city, the restaurant Zaap stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. From the moment one steps through its welcoming doors, the aroma of lemongrass and ginger promises an authentic dining experience that transcends mere sustenance.

The ambiance of "Zaap" is a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics and modern comfort. Bamboo accents and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere.

The staff greets each guest with genuine smiles and an eagerness to ensure a memorable visit. Their knowledge of the menu and attentiveness to diners' needs are commendable, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and personal touch.

The menu is a vibrant showcase of Vietnam's diverse flavors. A standout dish is the Phở Bò, a beef noodle soup that is both soul-warming and complex in flavor.

In conclusion, "Zaap" is more than just a dining destination; it's a cultural journey that delights the senses and introduces diners to the depth and variety of Vietnamese cuisine. With its impeccable service and dedication to authenticity, this restaurant earns its place as a culinary gem within the city's vibrant food scene. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Vietnamese fare or a curious newcomer, a visit to "Zaap" promises an experience that will linger on your palate and in your heart long after the...