If you’ve ever been to Bangkok, Thailand or just about any other city in Southeast Asia, you’ve probably taken a ride in a “Tuk Tuk.” Named after the popping sound of their motorcycle engines, these three-wheeled rickshaws are everywhere – and they’re a great way to get around! For us, the Tuk Tuk taxi represents our own journey from Bangkok to New York, where we’re delighted to bring our love of Thai cuisine and culture – with a few western twists – to our American friends.
Our first Tuk Tuk restaurant opened in Brooklyn in 2001, and it was the first authentic "Thai Noodle Shop" in the Boerum Hill neighborhood. There, we served a wide variety of spicy and not-so-spicy Thai-style noodle dishes, plus all kinds of delicious vegetarian specialties and much more.
After five lovely years of serving our Brooklyn neighborhood, Tuk Tuk on Smith Street is now closed. We experienced and were proud to be part of a renaissance in the past few years. We are very greatful for our lovely 5 years searving such a family-oriented neighborhood. We’re busy planning to re-open at a new location, so please keep visiting our website for updates. And thank you for all the great memories of the past five years!
In the meantime, if you don’t mind a short commute to Queens, we opened our second Tuk Tuk restaurant in Long Island City in September of 2005. The locals have welcomed us as the very first Thai restaurant in their area. Here we specialize in a wide range of Thai and Asian fusion dishes, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring a little spice to this up-and-coming neighborhood that’s just five minutes away from Grand Central.
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Want a quick lesson in the Thai language? Okay. "Gaw Gai" is how you pronounce the first letter in the Thai alphabet (like “A” for Apple in English). Also, the word “Gai” means chicken in Thai...
Confused? Don’t worry, all you really need to know is that in Long Island City "Gaw Gai" means delicious and fast Thai food for lunch! So bring your appetite for everything Thai and visit our cozy new “Gaw Gai” Thai Express restaurant.
We opened Gaw Gai Thai Express in March of 2006 at 23-06 Jackson Ave, right across from the Court Square 7 train and the E, V and G subway stops on 45th Road, just a few steps away from the Citicorp Building in Long Island City. This version of a Bangkok fast food stop offers a wide selection of delicious and fun Thai dishes – with a subtle range of tastes to suit every palate. Here you’ll enjoy everything from Pad Thai to scrumptious curries, spicy chicken, shrimp and light vegetarian dishes. You can order your lunch to go or enjoy it in our lovely interior decor.
