No visitor to Thailand can fail to be enraptured by the country's culture, beaches and climate, but for most, the over-riding and long lasting impression is of the gentle warmth of its people and their unfailing kindness and welcome. A Thai Person's natural ability to be warm and welcoming creates a successful and professional atmosphere. A further attraction is the sheer diversity of the country's cuisine, which uses a limitless supply of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits to enhance local fish, seafood and meats.

Such has been the appeal of Thai cooking to visiting tourists, it has now become one of the most popular ethnic styles for restaurant diners, with over 600 Thai restaurants in the UK alone. Part of this drive in Torbay is the Thai Garden restaurant, which was established in Palace Avenue, Paignton just over a year ago. The Thai Garden offers comfort and hospitality, together with a variety of tastes and sensations that can only be produced by a menu totally using natural ingredients.

Thai decorators were appointed to create a light, airy and informal atmosphere, with the added feature of many attractive artefacts transported from Thailand. The Thai Garden attracts groups of tourists as well as local residents and office workers. Set Lunch is available for only £5.95.

From the warmth of the welcome from one of the charming Thai waiting staff dressed in traditional costume, to the creativity and authenticity of the menu - which includes a selection of over 30 vegetarian dishes - the Thai Garden has created a unique corner of Thailand in Torbay.

Soup
Tom Yum Goong
Hot and sour prawn soup with lemon grass, galangal, lime juice, kaffir lime leaves, fresh chilli and mushrooms

£4.25

MAIN DISHES CURRY
Kang Kheaw Warn
Cooked in green curry paste with coconut milk, aubergines, peppers and long beans
Choice of chicken or beef
prawns

£6.45
£7.45

Kang Phed
Cooked in red curry paste with coconut milk, aubergines, bamboo shoots and basil leaves
Choice of chicken or beef
prawns

£6.45
£7.45

Pla Sea Bass Nung
Steamed sea bass with ginger, spring onions, peppers, onions and yellow beans

£9.50

NOODLES
Pad Thai
Famous stir fried Thai noodles with bean sprouts, egg, spring onions, carrots and crushed peanuts
Choice of chicken
prawns

£6.25
£6.95