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.”
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.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is 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.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
