“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.
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.
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
More about MattAt 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.
