Sasi's Thai, one of the Covered Market’s most popular restaurants, is celebrating its eighth birthday.

The business is run by Sasi Phosri and her staff, including her son Alex, when he is not away at university.

She endured a tough childhood growing up in a village in the Isan region of north east Thailand, where she got up at 3am to cook with her mother.

But the hard work paid off and after honing her skills at classes in Bangkok, she relocated to the UK about 18 years ago.

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Eight years ago, she made the move into the historic market, and has been working hard ever since to prepare delicious dishes for her customers.

Oxford Mail:

Like all traders in the market, the business suffered during the pandemic, but trade is once again picking up as international tourists have returned to Oxford.

Students are regular visitors together with office workers, although it appears the total number of office staff in the city centre is still below what it was before the pandemic.

When Sasi’s Thai reopened following the lockdowns, customers told them they were delighted that the restaurant was back open.

Ms Phosri, who lives in Jericho, said: “It’s lovely to celebrate this birthday - I’m delighted.

“We have lots of loyal customers who keep coming back for our food.

“That includes students who have moved to other parts of the country - they still come back to visit.

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“There’s a good buzz in the restaurant and people enjoying coming here - some customers can’t believe Alex is my son because he is so polite.”

Oxford Mail:

Popular dishes include fish curry, crispy fried pork belly, garlic chicken, garlic pork, chicken and cashew nut, and green curry.

Ms Phosri said she was determined to continue to seek out the best ingredients for customers, despite rocketing wholesale prices.

The price of some key ingredients has risen by about 50 per cent in recent months.

“Prices have gone up but I will always look for the best rice, the best ingredients for my customers,” she added.

“My staff work as a team and work very well together.”

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Sasi’s Thai, serving curries, rice bowls and other Thai dishes is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5.30pm.

The restaurant has a five-star food hygiene rating - the highest possible rating, and a 4.5 out of 5 rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One reviewer said: “Amazing food - cheap, generous servings, and so so tasty. You can tell it must be good as it’s so popular!

“We had the Green Thai Curry and Vegetable Spring Rolls.

Oxford Mail:

“Delicious! Conveniently located too in the centre of the city in the Covered Market. I want to try the mango smoothie next time as they seemed like a popular choice. Will definitely go again.”

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