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Tuk Tuk Express now open at Main Gate Square

Spicy Crispy Chicken Basil (Photo courtesy of Tuk Tuk Thai)

Tuk Tuk Express now open at Main Gate Square

Feb 9, 20261 min read

Tucson Thai restaurant Tuk Tuk Thai opened a cousin restaurant, Tuk Tuk Express, at 994 E. University Blvd. in Main Gate Square on Feb. 2. The space previously held Mediterranean restaurant Pelio Grill and American restaurant Fullylove’s until 2023. The space also briefly held a Michelin star taco pop up earlier this year.

“All the kids are so excited,” said Bud Sayso, who owns Tuk Tuk Thai and Kin Dee Thai. “We put a sign up and people would jump up and down on the sidewalk. They’re even more excited than me.”

Tuk Tuk Express (Photo courtesy of Bud Sayso)

The quick-serve style designed with speed in mind is inspired by Panda Express, accommodating students in the area. The menu will offer 8-10 staple items with two to three specials regularly rotating. Expect some of their most popular dishes, such as the crispy basil chicken that “saved his life.“

Read more in our November 2024 article, Bud Sayso of Tuk Tuk Thai: The Dish That Saved His Life.

Keep up with Tuk Tuk Express on Facebook. For more information, visit tuktukthai2990.com.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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