Preston People: Thai Orchid

We do a regular series on our social media called #PrestonPeople where we feature a local person, group, or business.

For this edition, we had a chat with Alex from Thai Orchid. Alongside his mum, Tik, Alex runs Preston’s best hidden-gem Thai restaurant on Cannon Street.

Read on to learn more about why you should visit Thai Orchid and why Alex loves the community in Preston.

Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:

AM: Hi! I’m Alex and I run, alongside my mum, our 24-year-old Thai restaurant called the Thai Orchid on Cannon Street. My mum ran the restaurant single-handedly for over 20 years and still is our only chef who prepares everything.

I’ve worked in our restaurant since 18 and after a political degree from Bristol, I experimented with teaching, modelling and journalism in Afghanistan & Pakistan before realising my heart lay within the restaurant where I grew up.

Society1: What’s the most rewarding part of running a family restaurant?

AM: To be honest, the most rewarding thing is seeing my mum happy from the restaurant flourishing again and for her to see how much people love her food. Also, its giving back to our amazing customers who have been so loyal and supportive over the years – I want to ensure that the Thai Orchid will continue to be their place of happy memories when my mum puts down her chef’s hat.

In my chaotic life, the restaurant has been the grounded pillar of community – I’ve met AMAZING friends like Tom Crawley who’s been coming over 20 years and we’re so happy to support him by sponsoring Society1’s ‘Solo to Team’ event on the 27^th June.

Heck, I even met my girlfriend in the restaurant so it will always be a special place for me.

Society1: What do you love about being based in Preston?

AM: COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY!

The people of Preston are amazing and have been so supportive to a 25-year-old trying to grow his small family business. So many to thank: Tom Crawley obviously, Ben from Plug & Taps, Jake from Spudbros for stocking us as a topping… so many more, so thankful x

ALSO, I know the high street is awash with bland and gormless chains but wow we have some amazing independents here.

Society1: What is one dish on your menu you think everyone should try?

AM: On my deathbed I want my mum’s Pad Krapow ‘spicy holy Thai basil’ stir-fry, with a runny fried egg and jasmine rice… it’s Thailand in a dish and reminds me of Thai street stalls with comically small plastic stools where no tourists are to be seen – its real Thai food.

Also, at least once in life you need to try my mum’s 24-year Pad Thai. I’ve been asked about it in Manchester and have even delivered a batch to London.

Society1: What is your “go-to” local business in Preston?

AM: Plug & Taps have an amazing beer selection, BARBA does the best haircut anywhere with Jonah’s & Three Sisters Roasters having elite coffee. Buy vintage Tommy at Retrogue, eat breakfast at Ravenous, enjoy Avenham at the Conti, drink NIKO’s Serbian wine and finally look down Plau’s wellhole to know you haven’t reached rock bottom.

So many more, so little space. Big up Preston.