A Glasgow restaurateur with a unique background has revealed how he broke into the Thai food scene.
Robert Kokosza first began his love affair with Thailand by competing in the country's leading sport. It's through this passion for Muay Thai that he fell in love with the nation's cuisine.
The 47-year-old is now running The Thai Bar and Restaurant on Kilmarnock Road.
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He grew up in Poland and started the martial art when a friend introduced it to him after years of doing karate.
He said: "I started Thai boxing in 2000.
"After three years of training, I entered the Polish championship and I won the bronze medal. Then, I became a three-time champion.
"I love the food, the culture, I have travelled to Thailand to train there. It's a beautiful country."
Robert then launched when he realised a gap in the Southside market.
He said: "I did research in the area and there were no other restaurants serving this food in Shawlands, so I decided to go for it.
"The food really fresh and full of flavours, like no other.
"Our chefs do the home-cooking style, so the customers have to wait a little longer but the flavours are totally different than other restaurants.
"It's like you never left Thailand, you really feel the love."
The venue sells "home-style" meals, such as curries, thai pad, chicken dishes, spring rolls and so much more, prepared on-site.
Last month, the city’s Licensing Board also granted permission for the restaurant to sell alcohol in-house.
The owner said: "We can finally, with peace of mind, sell nice cocktails and drinks.
"Before, we had to apply every two weeks but we had to apply for six weeks in advance, so it was very complicated.
"The process to get the permanent licence took almost one year but we can finally hire a bar manager and bartenders to run our nice bar as well."
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