CHIReview
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food
Included In
When it comes to Chicago’s legendary Thai spots, names like In-On Thai, Ghin Khao Eat Rice, and the original Opart Thai come to mind. It takes time for a restaurant to achieve that kind of status. But much like The Grapes Of Wrath and Showgirls, Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food is an instant classic.
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Tuk Tuk is a BYOB Thai spot in Lakeview, specializing in food from the Isan region. Expect lots of grilled meats, seafood, and heat, because every dish is packed with chilies and herbs. Spice is the defining feature of a meal here (along with bright floral plastic tablecloths) and there’s a reason the menu is covered in chili pepper emojis. Yes, you’re given the option to choose a heat level, but even an innocuous “two” might require an order of fresh coconut water to stop your teeth from sweating.
photo credit: Veda Kilaru
Unless you’re delusional about your heat tolerance, a dinner at Tuk Tuk will be fantastic, filled with layers of flavor and texture. Whether it’s the pungent prik king moo krob with crunchy long beans, or something as simple as umami-rich pad kee mao, you’ll question every previous version you’ve eaten while sitting on the couch. The soups, curries, and noodles are protein-agnostic, and the meats can be hit or miss. On one visit the chicken might be a little gamey, and on another, the crispy pork belly too tough. But when the dishes are on, they’re on.
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
The small restaurant fills up fast and gets loud, but forgo takeout because dining in is the best way to get a front-row seat to centerpieces like the fried whole red snapper. It will also require a wait—for a table, serving utensils, or dishes to come out as they’re ready since everything is made from scratch (as evidenced by the steam billowing out of the small kitchen). Consider it your very own Stanford marshmallow experiment on delayed gratification, where the reward is one of the best plates of ka prow moo krob in the city.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Tum Tuk Tuk
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Tiger Cry
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Pla Rad Prik
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Ka Prow Moo Krob With Crispy Egg
photo credit: Kim Kovacik
Pad See Eiw
photo credit: Kim Kovacik