A longstanding Thai takeaway in Swansea has been crowned one of Britain's best in a new BBC show pitting the UK's independent fast-food business' against one another in a cook off competition.
The contest which see's five similar cuisine takeaways go head-to-head with one another see's Bangkok Express of Walter Road serve up some of their delicious food to a family of judges ranking them against fiery competitors to find the favourite of the episode.
Although tightly zipped on their ranking - the Thai takeaway features in a Pan-Asian episode cooking against other regional competitors to win the top spot with all of the business' being declared some of the best Britain has to offer.
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Having initially received an email from the show enquiring about the takeaway, owners April and Chris Napier initially thought the enquiry was a scam but later turned out to be "one of the best experiences" the family run business has had.
First opening in 2018, Bangkok Express has served some of the best Thai food in Swansea, quickly establishing itself as a fan favourite for its flavourful curries and noodle dishes. You can read more stories around Welsh food and drink here.
Creating a 'home-style' audition tape showcasing their cooking, show producers of Britain's Top Takeaways on BBC invited the owners to compete.
The Swansea takeaway is one of two Welsh businesses featuring on the show airing from Monday, May 9 at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
"It has been one of the best experiences we've ever had, we were invited to Manchester in an industrial estate that was built for a cook off. We are proud to fly the flag for both Swansea and Wales and immensely proud of what we do and will always go the extra for our customers." said April Napier who owns the business alongside her partner.
"Lockdown hit us really hard and we we were closed for 3-4 months as staff safety was our priority - we're a family business. This opportunity came around and it was a once in a lifetime and we couldn't believe it, we still can't when we think about it" she added.
Despite being pitted against other Pan-Asian takeaways, Bangkok Express have "loved every second of it" and even said they have made lifelong friends with the creation of a WhatsApp group between the competing businesses.
Having been inspired by the cook-off, the takeaway has announced it will soon be opening a new location with a full-time restaurant serving Thai food in the Uplands area.
"We were couldn't get over how much we enjoyed it, it still gives me goosebumps to think about and we're opening this new restaurant to celebrate Thai food and give back" she said.
During lockdown Bangkok Express helped feed front line workers with their much loved Thai food despite the takeaway being closed. Being closely sealed on where they ranked, the business said they were grateful for the experience and aimed to make the country proud.
Bangkok Express will feature on Britain's Top Takeaways on Thursday, May 19 at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
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