INFOCUS
EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF THAI CUISINE AT TUK TUK THAI
WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTOS BY JAMI MARSHALL
K
ansas City has many options for food connoisseurs, but those who love the aromatic and spicy dishes that Thai cooking offers need to try a relatively new restaurant in the area—Tuk Tuk Thai—which has quickly become an Overland Park favorite.
to life and filled an existing space in Overland Park. They now offer a deliciously authentic selection of Thai cuisine to the public. There is a variety in the dishes found on the menu, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Tuk Tuk Thai started as a shared dream of two sisters. “It has been my big sister’s dream to own a restaurant since I first came to the United States,” says co-owner Nicole Brizendine. “She works so hard to help her family, and she also helped me through college. I have been thinking of a way to pay her back, so we opened up a Thai restaurant together.”
“We want to spread love through food, & this is a perfect way to connect with our friends, family, and community.”
In May 2019 this shared dream was fulfilled when they brought their passion for Thai culture and cuisine
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Thai dishes tend to have a combination of five flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. This creates
an almost perfect combination. “Thai food is known to be one of the best foods in the world. We use many different kinds of ingredients. Some spices and herbs are Thai chili, ginger, galanga, lemongrass, and basil, just to name a few,” explains Brizendine. At Tuk Tuk Thai you will find many chef specialties all made in unique house sauces. “Some of them are traditional and some are classic Thai street food. Our popular dishes are pad thai, drunken noodle (pad kee mow), tuk tuk thai roasted duck, gaprow and curries,” says Brizendine. She recommends that new customers who may not be familiar with this style of food try one of the chef specialties. Another dish she recommended is the pineapple fried rice, which is served in a half-cut pineapple.
