Tuk Tuk Fail

Who wouldn’t be pumped about the opening of a Mexican-Thai spot on South Street? And when Tuk Tul Real, the “thai taqueria,” put out their menu, it still seemed promising- burritos, tacos, tortas, sides, and larger platters with thai flavors. But a great concept isn’t enough to carry a restaurant.

Our waitress who took our to-go order was sweet but didn’t seem to know anything about the menu. However, it started well, with a refreshing Hibiscus tea and authentic Thai tea.

But after that, nothing really worked. Mango salad ($7) was just a bunch of mango pieces scattered on lettuce with cucumbers.

The banh mi torta came on dry, lackluster bread, the pork belly wasn’t great quality, and there was not much of the pickley, spicy zing that we love about banh mi, nor was it the layered, protein packed monster that we love about tortas.  Not even close to being worth $9. They were out of the pork belly and kimchi buns appetizer, but something tells me I wouldn’t have liked them either.

Both the al pastor and pork kaprow  tacos (2 for $6) were small and filled with underwhelming fillings in dry tortillas.

I guess the side of guacamole was alright, though it needed salt.  Maybe this place will work out the kinks and put out better products, but I was sorely disappointed.

Has anyone had better luck?

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • Good concept

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • Poor execution so far

Tuk Tuk Real,  429 South St, 267 639-2396

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