Michelin star for Thai restaurant

A michelin star has been awarded to a Thai restaurant in London, the first in Europe to get the distinction.

Nahm at the Halkin Hotel in Belgravia is one of only four ethnic restaurants awarded star status in the 2002 edition of the Red Guide.

The guide has 112 starred restaurants of which two are Indian - the Tamarind and Zaika - and one is Japanese - the Nobu. All three are in London.

Australian chef David Thompson opened Nahm last summer after making his name at his Darley Street Thai restaurant in Sydney which he closed after 10 years to move to London.

Mr Thompson said: "We are delighted to get this recognition. It has been much harder making the transition from Thai cooking in Australia to Thai cooking in London because we cannot always find suitable ingredients in London."

A main course at Nahm can cost £22, a set lunch £25 and a traditional Thai evening meal £47.

The director of Michelin Red Guides, Derek Brown, said: " The flavouring of the dishes is extremely skilful and the preparation very authentic.

"The cooking has not been loosened down or modified to pander to Western palates. It is generously spicy, fiery and well done."

Mr Thompson started to learn Thai cooking after a holiday in Thailand when he was 28. He learned the craft from a former royal cook, Khun Sombat Janphetchara. He describes her as "so tough she makes Gordon Ramsay look like a pussycat".