Northampton woman launches ‘authentic’ Thai takeaway business after lockdown halts her other venture

A Northampton woman who was running a Thai massage business prior to the pandemic has adapted and launched a new takeaway service.

Sukanda Wootton was forced to temporarily close her original business when Covid restrictions were first implemented last year.

The 46-year-old, who moved to Northampton with her husband Gary two years ago from Hertfordshire, was keen to try her hand at something else and has always loved cooking, so launched Sukanda’s Thai Kitchen from her home.

Sukanda said: “I decided to pursue another venture based on a passion of mine; food.

“From the age of 10, I'd watch my grandmother and mother cooking at home over an open fire, and I continue to use those same recipes today.

“Encouraged by friends and family, I saw a demand for quality homemade food using authentic fresh ingredients, which could be delivered or collected; the type of food that was traditionally eaten by Thais and not the meals that had been adapted for the western palate, although we can create them if the customer wishes.”

The takeaway and delivery service, which launched last month, specialises in a regional cuisine from a part of Thailand called Isaan, but can also offer other Thai meals.

Gary, who is helping to manage his wife’s businesses, added: “Sukanda is good at both things. She is a qualified masseuse and she is great at cooking.

“When she was forced into lockdown, we started talking about cooking as she is fantastic at it and wanted to cook for other people.

“The food is not something you get everywhere and Sukanda is happy to be doing what she enjoys as well as giving something to the people of Northampton.”

Despite being in the early stages of the business, Sukanda and Gary made and donated meals to The Hope Centre, as helping others is important to the couple.

Sukanda continued: “It's normal practice for Thai Buddhists to “make merit” and donate to those less fortunate than ourselves, so I decided to cook for the homeless in Northampton.

“Whilst I have a business to run, I feel it’s vital I give something back to the community, and The Hope Centre is a just cause.”

“We wanted to do this early as it could bring good luck to the business in the early days,” Gary added.

“But we plan to do this more than once anyway.”

Once the next step of the roadmap out of lockdown is reached, Sukanda plans to run both businesses alongside each other.

The couple is also keen to expand the takeaway business further down the line if demand remains high.

Search ‘Sukanda’s Thai Kitchen’ on Facebook to find the menu and how and when to order.

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