INFOCUS

EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF THAI CUISINE

AT TUK TUK THAI

WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD PHOTOS BY JAMI MARSHALL

Kansas 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. 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.” In May 2019 this shared dream was fulfilled when they brought their passion for Thai culture and cuisine 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.

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.

“We want to spread love through food, & this is a perfect way to connect with our friends, family, and community.”

Most Thai restaurants allow you to choose your own level of spice: mild, medium, or spicy. Tuk Tuk Thai is no exception, ensuring you get food that comes at a spice level you can handle. When dining at Tuk Tuk Thai you will notice the open kitchen style as well as the many windows surrounding the dining area. As you wait for your food to come, you will even hear the food cooking. You and your company can enjoy the natural light and open seating as you savor your food. There are even outdoor seating options! The passion behind this business extends to the staff. They are attentive and friendly as they welcome customers and give them excellent service. The food arrives quickly, but without sacrificing any of the flavor. “We ordered during the pandemic and the food was delicious!” says customer April Skidgel. “I had

the chicken pad thai and highly recommend it.” During the pandemic they not only continued to serve carryout and delivery, but also gave back to the community with generous donations from their friends and family. They served lunch and dinner to front-line personnel, donating over 250 meals across seven hospitals in the area. “We want to spread love through food, and this is a perfect way to connect with our friends, family, and community through food,” says Above: Co-Owners and sisters Nicole Brizendine and Boonlue Brizendine. “Food brings us together. It is heartwarming to see the joy Athajarusith and happiness of our customers.” If you’re looking for a new local restaurant to add to your favorites, stop by Tuk Tuk Thai.

Tuk Tuk Thai • 8351 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.291.0106 • tuktukthaikc.com