Loy Krathong Thai festival celebrated at Cambridge restaurant Thaikhun

A colourful event was held to celebrate Loy Krathong, one of the most picturesque and prominent events in Thailand, on Monday (November 27) at Thaikhun Cambridge, a Thai restaurant overlooking the River Cam.

There was a Buddha blessing ceremony, Krathong (flower basket) making, refreshments, snacks and more.

Khun Kim, the Quayside-based restaurant’s co-founder, said: “I was truly honoured to celebrate the important Thai festival of Loy Krathong at Thaikhun.

“This celebration resonates deeply with myself, our colleagues, the spirit of our culture, and the rich traditions we embrace.

“The event was a blend of authentic monk blessings, the very best Thai food, and an enchanting Thai dance. The highlight for me was the beautiful tradition of releasing krathongs into the waters of the River Cam.

“It was a moment of unity, gratitude, and the vibrant essence of Thaikhun.”

The family-owned Thai street food restaurant, founded by Khun Kim and husband Martin Stead, has branches all over the country.

Khun Kim developed a passion for cooking in Khiri Mat, a rural village in Sukhothai province, Thailand, where she honed her skills alongside her mother.

At 15, Kim left her village for the lively streets of Bangkok. In 1993, fuelled by her love for food, she launched her first Pad Thai cart. She expanded to multiple street food stalls and earned an award for her Pad Thai recipe.

In 1997, Kim and Martin connected at her stall and soon after she moved to Leeds, Martin’s hometown, and opened their first restaurant.

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For more information on Thaikhun, visit thaikhun.co.uk.