Tuk Tuk Thai Owners to Open New Thai Brunch Spot in Tucson

Khao Mu Dang at Kin Dee Thai (Photo by Bud Sayso)

Tuk Tuk Thai Owners to Open New Thai Brunch Spot in Tucson

May 23, 20252 min read

“You know how some breakfast places serve you thin, floppy pieces of bacon? Yeah, I personally don’t like that,” said Bud Sayso, co-owner of all Tuk Tuk Thai locations in Tucson. “Yeah, we’re going to serve thick-cut bacon — none of those thin slices.”

Bud is preparing to open his fourth concept in town — a new Thai brunch concept coming to Midtown Tucson.

He’s planning to open Kin Dee Thai later this summer (hopefully in August) inside the former Iron John’s Brewing at 5350 E. Broadway Blvd. This is in the Plaza at the Williams Centre, next to GEORGE Wine Shop and down the line from Copal and First Watch.

a store front at day
Former Iron John’s Brewing location (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Bud launched the first Tuk Tuk Thai location at 2990 N. Campbell Ave. #130, in 2020. Since then, he’s opened two others at 12125 N. Oracle Rd. #169 in Oro Valley and 6878 E. Sunrise Dr. #160 in the Foothills.

Learn more about Bud’s journey in our November 2024 article “The Dish That Saved His Life.”

Next up: a brand-new brunch concept.

While the menu is still in the works, Bud let us know that Kin Dee Thai will feature a focused brunch menu with unique dishes like Thai-style pandan waffles and Thai French toast — deep-fried bread usually made in a wok to golden perfection.

Another dish that’ll for sure be on the menu is the Khao Mu Dang, which is Kin Dee Dang Pork and Tuk Tuk crispy pork belly served over premium Jasmine rice and topped with a housemade gravy.

Khao Mu Dang at Kin Dee Thai (Photo by Bud Sayso)
Khao Mu Dang at Kin Dee Thai (Photo by Bud Sayso)

As far as the aesthetic of the dining room, the plan is to create a vibe that’ll contrast Tucson’s desert tones with a tropical atmosphere.

Stay tuned for more details, but Kin Dee Thai ought to be open before the end of the summer.

Kin Dee Thai is located at 5350 E. Broadway Blvd. Keep up with the latest by visiting tuktukthai2990.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

You Might Also Like

Recibe gratis el boletín semanal de Tucson Foodie

Nuevas aperturas, eventos, platos recomendados y guías — cada miércoles. Sin spam.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.4K followers
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 

Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. 

Photos by @astra1wanderer@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. Photos by @astra1wanderer
@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ 

General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.”

Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 

2933 E. Grant Road

Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.” Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 2933 E. Grant Road Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com
@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day.

“Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24. Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day. “Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is.

Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is. Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐