Aberdeen | Thaikhun - New Thai restaurant launch in Union Square

The latest addition to Aberdeen's Union Square is authentic street-food style eatery Thaikhun. Opening it's doors in 2014, the restaurant is a big hit with hungry shoppers and cinema visitors. Thaikhun stands out from the crowd of pizza and burger chains and brings a little piece of Bangkok to the shopping centre. I was lucky enough to be invited along to the VIP launch event in the evening with Gordon as my (more than willing!) sidekick.

Part of the Chaophraya Thai Restaurant group, this was only the second Thaikhun location to open (there are now 9 throughout the UK) offering a far more casual dining experience than it's opulent Chaophraya sister restaurants. The interior is a mish mash of authentic decoration, collected by the owners themselves. A map of Thailand covers the far wall while the rest are filled with family portraits, heirlooms and other interesting artefacts. The open kitchen provides the background noise and the effect is a fun, exciting atmosphere. Picture a vibrant Bangkok street filled with colour, bright lights, a never ending stream of happy people chattering away over traditional Thai food, made with love by local street hawkers...

The bar was serves up top notch cocktails, pairing flavours perfectly. The Full Moon is a refreshing mix of vodka, triple sec, watermelon and cranberry juice but the lemongrass cosmo, bursting with flavour, was my favourite by a mile. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. As designated driver, this is the closest Gordon got to any cocktail action...

Chef and owner Kim is warm and welcoming, putting her passion for her country's food at the heart of the restaurant and drawing on her personal experience as a restaurant owner in Bangkok, using secret family recipes, to create the delicious dishes on offer. The trays of beautifully presented, great tasting finger food were an absolute treat. We tried everything from pork skewers, to fish cakes, to crispy won tons, but the peanut "Gai Satay" was my absolute winner!

We were entertained by uplifting speeches and a magician who made my engagement ring disappear (!). After an evening of excellent cocktails and even better food, we left with smiles on our faces. Thaikhun is the real deal. The name Thaikhun literally means "your Thailand" and their mission is accomplished - I'm inspired, not only to return for more foodie treats in Aberdeen, but to hop on a plane to that beautiful country on the other side of the world! Now where did I put my passport?

Since the opening of Thaikhun, we've visited again and again, sharing many a plate of pad Thai and massamman curry. It's a great option for tasty, affordable Thai food in Aberdeen.