[Seoul] Some may question why I chose to eat Thai cuisine in Korea, especially since I visit Thailand quite often anyway.

I think a part of me was curious how Thai food would be presented in Seoul, and since I had cravings.

Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai 툭툭누들타이 is a popular Thai restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Yeonnam-dong in Seoul.

The name may suggest the restaurant only offers noodles, but there are a lot more – offering a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes, including Curries, Stir-fries, Rice and desserts.

Note that the restaurant is quite popular, and would recommend going early to get a queue number. If you do not have a Korean number, then inform the staff accordingly, and wait around.

Its exterior and décor were done in up in a typical modern Thai eatery fashion, with many decorations brought in from Thailand itself.

From the moment you step inside, you may feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of Bangkok (minus the humidity and traffic). Except that they were playing K-pop music.

Those aren’t the only authentic element of the eatery.

The result of a collaboration between a Thai chef and a local Korean owner Im Dong-hyuk, the restaurant shines a spotlight on the cuisines of both countries, especially Thai food, through mouth-watering delectables.

The company Thai Effect Corporation also runs other popular Thai eateries such as Soi Mao at Sinda-dong.

Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai 툭툭누들타이 is also awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

The Michelin inspectors commented, “If you want to feel the authentic taste and aroma of Thailand, try Thai sausages, or spicy and sour ‘larb moo’ – stir-fried minced pork. While you are tasting the dishes, the joy of your daily life will increase by a span.”

First things first, let’s talk about the menu. It’s filled with all the classic Thai dishes you know and love, from Pad Thai to Green Curry and Tom Yum Soup.

Some of the recommended dishes include the Yeonnam Galbi Noodles, Tod Man Goong (prawn cakes), Somtam (Thai green papaya salad), Pineapple Rice, Pad See Yu Moo, Drunken Noodles, Pork Neck Barbecue, Fried Pork Spare Ribs, and Spicy Pork Spare Rib (they mentioned available since 2011).

I suppose trying their signature Yeonnam Galbi Noodles (13,000 Won) was a must.

A bowl of goodness, the noodle dish comprises two tender king pork ribs, rice noodles, and an immensely palatable full-bodied broth.

Guests wanting to go with a Thai classic should opt for the Pad Thai (13,000 Won).

While it looked paler than usual, the dish excels in gastronomic poise wherein you get to taste sweet, savoury, spicy, and tangy without any one overpowering the other.

Moreover, tamarind in the recipe gives it a sour and zesty underlining, differentiating the Pad Thai from others you might have had elsewhere.

I did wish the accompanying crushed peanuts were more roasted as it lacked the crunch.

The Green Curry (16,00 Won) followed suit, boasting a unique flavour profile derived from pork balls and quality root vegetables mixed into an appetizing coconut gravy.

It didn’t have the typical Green Curry ingredients, was not as creamy as expected, but I didn’t mind this version – was a good try.

But Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai isn’t just about the noodles. The appetisers were also a standout.

The Tod Man Goong (13,000 Won), which are fried shrimp cakes, were succulent and perfect for sharing.

Matched with a tangy-sweet sauce, apparently raisin.

Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai 툭툭누들타이
161-8 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 성미산로 161-8 1F
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

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