© Food & Drink Guide Royal Orchid resides in Manchesters thriving China Town. This Thai restaurant fuses authentic eastern ambience with colonial grandeur. Its soft, subtle colours and peaceful, intimate atmosphere would lull the most hardened of cynics into a romantic reverie.My starter, Tung Tong deep fried chicken and prawn in a pastry purse was beautifully presented and richly flavoured. My companion had mussels steamed with sweet basil and lemon grass the ingredients were clearly fresh as the lovely, gentle aroma emanated all around.For the main course I was enticed by the roasted duck marinated in a brandy sauce with cashew nuts (8.50), and accompanied by the coconut rice, it was simply divine. My dining partner, who enjoys more of a culinary kick, enjoyed tangy pork stir-fry with chilli and holy basil (7.50). All the dishes were beautifully presented with careful attention to detail throughout.From Monday to Sunday there is a 20% discount on the la carte banquet menu until the early evening, and you can also experience authentic live Thai music on Sundays, which you can enjoy with a bottle of half price house wine after 5.30pm.Royal Orchid offers an enchanting chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.