Tuk Tuk: Thai Cuisine for the Jaded Curry Lover

For a place like Tuk Tuk, it would be easy to come off seeming derivative: Its owners opened the Vernon Avenue location after the success of a similarly named sister store on Brooklyn’s Smith Street (now closed). Plus, Tuk Tuk serves much of the standard Thai fare and projects a subtle Hello-Kitty-cafeteria motif inside the restaurant. However, one bite of the Massaman Curry dispels any notion that you’re eating less than uniquely sublime southeast Asian cuisine from people who understand flavor.

The exterior is unassuming to the point of near invisibility. However, it’s saved by the charming remnants of early 20th Century stained glass lettering that lines the doorway. Walking through the shotgun space, one is struck by the contrast of dark, sultry wood with the occasional pocket of neon citrus splashed throughout.

A caveat: the aroma of curry may take your decision making skills hostage and force you to commit culinary crimes you’ll want to deny later. Perhaps you’ll order half the menu under the delusion that the term “very spicy” is a relative term. You may suck down your delicious Thai iced tea before the good natured wait staff has finished taking your order. Some may even request extra peanuts despite the generously portioned minefield of freshly crushed ones already gracing your Pad Kee-Mao dish. All of this is forgivable considering how finely seasoned Tuk Tuk’s offerings are. The Duck Tamarind imparts a richness not often encountered in the cuisine and truly adds a new dimension to the meal. With well-priced lunch specials available, Tuk Tuk also doles out liberal portions so either come hungry or keep one hand free to walk the doggy bag home.

INFO:
Tuk Tuk
4906 Vernon Blvd.
718.472.5598