Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe
Order online here.
Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe sits on the corner of Menchaca and Stassney. South Austin, especially past 290, is where you’ll find the real good stuff. The portions, the spices, and the traditions, all bundled in styrofoam...you know how it tastes, when food is made with love.
Classic Pad Thai
The unassuming façade almost disguises the heavenliness waiting inside. While the pan-Asian joint may be low-key, the flavors are anything but. The menu is expansive, with pages of curries, noodles, and fried rice. Every dish has an element of freshness to it, be it Thai basil, cilantro, or ginger. While the dishes are comforting and warm, they’re not dripping in grease. Most dishes can be substituted with tofu, but they also have an entire section of vegetarian specials. The tofu has an ideal consistency; it’s crispy and light while simultaneously soft and substantial. The staff is accommodating to dietary restrictions and allergies. Mild or spicy, carnivore or not, you’re guaranteed to be represented on this menu.
After many, many visits, I’ve curated a selection of favorites:
Thai tea: This creamy, bright orange drink is a mix of Ceylon tea and sweet condensed milk.
Crab Rangoons: With the perfect ratio of wonton wrapper to filling, these exceed any expectations of a crab rangoon. The crab is brushed with butter, which makes the filling slightly sweet, while scallions balance the bite.
Dumplings: Though I don’t eat pork, I always order them for the table. Order them half steamed, half fried. Yes, you’re welcome.
Lad Nah: Wide rice noodles smothered in a thick umami sauce, loaded with broccoli, onions, garlic, and your choice of protein. The menu calls it a ‘special brown gravy’, don’t be distracted by the word ‘gravy’. Special, it is.
Pineapple Curry Fried Rice: Level up your fried rice! The curry flavor is distinct, but still honors the salty simplicity of fried rice. Hella pineapple, egg, green onion, cucumber and lime.
Pad Thai: For those who want a predictable yet delicious meal, pad thai can never steer you wrong. Loaded with cilantro, chopped peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime.
Mango Sticky Rice: I have dreams about this dish. A serving of sticky rice, oozing with a coconut-tapioca sauce and topped with freshly sliced mangoes.
Don’t overcomplicate things- order what sounds good! I’ve never ordered something I didn’t like.
There is a familial rhythm between the kitchen and servers. The staff is attentive, unobtrusive, and cordial. If you have questions about a dish, I recommend asking the waitstaff, so you know exactly what you’re ordering. When dining in, my water glass stays full, the tables are spotless, and the floor is always clean (I mean, not even a crumb!) The decor is simple, letting the food create the impressions for diners. They also stock Asian pantry staples, like fish sauce and sesame oil, available for purchase.
Tuk Tuk is one of the few Austin institutions that still has entrees for under $10. Though they’ve been holding steady throughout quarantine, Tuk Tuk was previously a popular lunch spot, often filling up booths before noon. The patrons are an eclectic mix of families, hipsters, and regulars all looking for their fix. I hesitate sharing my love of Tuk Tuk, but the restaurant deserves the highest praise and recognition. There should be lines around the building, take-out orders 3 hours deep. Whenever that day comes, I’ll gladly wait to be served some bomb-ass food.
Whatever it was that you were looking for- a new date night spot, quick takeout, complex layers of spice, or flavors from home- Tuk Tuk can be that for you.
