Up Close with Jubby Whitehead, teacher turned chef with her authentic Real Thai Food takeaway truck in Hadleigh and surrounding villages.

For many of us in these days of a cost of living crisis, takeaways are an exceptional treat rather than an every day event and when we do venture out for them it has to be something special.

Tasty, relatively inexpensive, and value for money.

Jubby, along with husband Bruce's Real Thai Food ticks all the boxes with their food truck, complete with five star hygiene rating, or, if you are close to Hadleigh's Market Place, their delivery service.

While I would never pretend to be a Thai food connoisseur, I have experience in this exquisite version of Asian food and I set high standards, whether it is in a restaurant or street food.

Jubby's food did not disappoint, indeed I have discovered a new favourite takeaway - and even better it is authentic Thai and there are many more dishes to try out, 22 in total. (Check out the menu below)

My introduction, on a Friday lunchtime outside the Swan in Monks Eleigh, were three pancakes, with sweet chilli sauce, which were gorgeous. Crispy, with finely thin noodles and chunks of meat were an ideal appetiser as I was salivating with the aroma of my takeaway meal.

My king prawn Pad Thai was as good as anything I have experienced on the Khaosan Road and Patpong in Bangkok. It was a firm yes when Jubby asked me if I wanted it a bit spicier than the average, travel does that to you.

These were the staples, and along with the Massaman curry sauce, which was tantalisingly bubbling away in the small cooking space, and popular dishes, although as you will see the choice is wide and will not disappoint..

Perhaps that is became the dishes, served up using her own recipes are cooked with passion by Jubby, not bad for a teacher with some 13 years experience from Shanghai, whose journey owes much to the Covid pandemic.

Bruce, who provides golf coaching for elite youngsters who want a pathway to college golf in the US was based in China was living and working in Shanghai with Jubby and their young twins, who will celebrate being seven in July when the outbreak started.

After meeting in Phuket, then moving to Bangkok, where Jubby had gone to university, they moved to China, where the pandemic eventually forced them apart for 18 months. However, the pair were reunited in Hadleigh where Bruce had a house and the new career was forged.

After a year working just from her home kitchen, they got a food trailer, but soon expanded to the new truck.

"I didn't expect to be a chef although I have always had passion for cooking and food," said Jubby. "I love cooking, it is my thing, so I thought why not do it for home and combine my passion with making some money for the family."

While sticking true to her nation's favourite dishes, Jubby has learnt to adapt her recipes for the less adventurous English tastebuds.

Jubby explained: "English people different in their tastes. Thai people like it very, very spicy. Even I now find food in Thailand almost too hot and don't enjoy it.

"Mostly my customers here enjoy the Massaman and curries, but they are quite mild, whereas those that have travelled more, enjoy spicier food and want it hotter.

"I have got to know how people enjoy the food and it is still all authentic Thai dishes.

"Pad Thai is always popular, and those who like it hot will ask for more chilli."

I for one can testify to that.

Jubby and Bruce's adaptability and enthusiasm, coupled with fabulous food, has seen Real Thai Food's popularity grow and they are regularly asked to return to various venues.

They are becoming a fixture outside the Swan in Monks Eleigh on Friday afternoons' and as the pub's kitchen is currently closed, they complement each other with customers encouraged to take their meal inside and eat at a table while enjoying a drink.

Other venues include Bildeston, and they are carving out a regular niche in the centre of Hadleigh, which is a win win all round.

"We are regular in Hadleigh, especially as the weather gets better. It has gone very well so people can grab Thai food in Hadleigh on Thursday evening," said Jubby.

"It works well for me because I can pick up kids from school and look after them," said Jubby. "I have my own recipes. I want to cook tasty food that is fresh and authentic, so people can take home and enjoy.

"It is hard work and stressful but it is worth, it especially as we have all the family together.

"I hope people reading this will get to know more about us and we are happy to deliver takeaways in Hadleigh and also nearby villages."

The Real Thai Food van will be at the forthcoming Hadleigh Show so keep an eye out and give it a go.

Customers can message Jubby on Facebook, or WhatsApp with details at the bottom of the menu.