Launch of Joy Thai Food at the Swan Inn Long Stratton

Published:
01:41 PM February 16, 2022

A street food business is bringing a taste of Thailand to a Norfolk town with its new home.

Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering is run by Mike and Joy Bowen, who live in Forncett, and their van now sits in the parking lot of The Swan Inn in Long Stratton.

They operate from a van that was previously used for removals, with Mr Bowen having spent the last two years converting it into a catering unit.

The pair are in the pub from 4pm to 8.30pm every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and customers can either enjoy pub food or pick up, with pre-orders taken from 12pm.

Joy Bowen, one of the owners of Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering, prepares one of the dishes.
– Credit: Danielle Boden

Mr Bowen said: “We offer a traditional street food menu and everything is freshly cooked to order.

“The reaction has been 100% positive so far and people have said it’s good to have something different from burgers, kebabs and pizza.”

Ms. Bowen is from Thailand where her mother taught her to cook and then trained as a chef.

Mike and Joy Bowen, owners of Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering, met in Thailand.
– Credit: Danielle Boden

She met her husband Mike while he was in Asia for work and they have lived together in Norfolk since 2010.

Ms Bowen, who is also a qualified hairdresser and masseuse, has since worked in several Thai restaurants around Norwich.

Joy Bowen, one of the owners of Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering, with some of the food they prepare.
– Credit: Danielle Boden

The couple launched Joy Thai Food in February 2020, a month before the pandemic hit, and took over the kitchen at The Rose and Crown in Frettenham.

They are there from Thursday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., only on site.

Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering at the Swan Inn in Long Stratton.
– Credit: Danielle Boden

They then expanded to The Swan Inn in January 2022.

The menu includes starters, such as chicken satay and spring rolls, mains, including a Thai green curry and pad Thai, and chef’s specialties such as crispy duck and weeping tiger beef.

The food is made at Joy Thai Food Mobile Catering.
– Credit: Danielle Boden

They are also planning to launch delivery from The Swan Inn and want to extend their opening hours.

Mr Bowen added: ‘It looks like the takeaway business has exploded because of the pandemic.

To pre-order for collection at The Swan call 01508 292930 or visit joythaifood.co.uk