West Wichita has a new quick service Thai restaurant with the opening of Tuptim Thai Express at 1317 N. Maize Road. This replaces No. 1 Kitchen who closed last month.
People may be familiar with Tuptim Thai at 2121 N. Rock Road. This express version is a slimmed down menu that still includes many of the popular dishes like pad Thai, Thai basil, curry bowls, and soups.
===========
1317 N Maize Rd #107, Wichita, KS 67212
316-722-9999
Tuesday – Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Closed on Monday
Website
Cash/Card accepted
===========
I stopped by with a couple of buddies to check it out. They both had the chicken pad Thai, while I went with the Thai basil and tom yum soup. We also ordered some crispy spring rolls and money bags (their take on crab rangoon). Like many Thai restaurants, we were given the option of heat levels: mild, medium, hot and Thai hot.
All of our food came out quick. It should be noted, the seating is limited and all the food is served in to go containers because the focus is more on the “express” and carryout.
I love Thai food and our city is blessed with some tremendous options. With that said, Tuptim Thai Express didn’t necessarily match the flavors of my favorite spots. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Tuptim Thai’s location on Rock Road. And the food at Tuptim Thai Express was by no means bad, but it wasn’t as rich or full of flavor. The Thai basil was missing that distinct pungency to it. It’s typically a very vibrant dish in aroma and flavor and this version fell a little flat. I did finish my meal with no problem, but it just tasted like it took a minor step back. It was the same with my Tom Yum soup; lacking that intense sour and spicy flavor I was hoping for.
For what it’s worth, my friends did enjoy the pad Thai and the appetizers.
Since it was opening weekend, the staff was giving free drinks and desserts to people who arrived. We were given some complimentary Thai layered coconut pudding which was excellent. I am not sure if my buddies were into it, but this was reminiscent of some desserts I had as a child and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lastly, the staff was very pleasant and upbeat. Because I love Thai food and having a convenient, quick option helps, I’ll be going back again sooner than later to try some different dishes. I’m hoping it was just some first weekend jitters and over time, they’ll get things aligned with the quality and flavor of the original Tuptim Thai location.
Here’s the menu:
Happy Dining,
Eddy
To nominate your restaurant or event to be considered for a review, please email us with your restaurant information.
Did you love the article and want to help continue the free content at Wichita By E.B.? You can help keep our site going with a simple one-time or recurring donation. Your contribution is appreciated.
Would you like to be featured or partner for a highlight? Visit here for more information.
Went to Tumtim Thai Express tonight, stopping by after going to gym and had a craving for Thai food. Unfortunately the business was closed, even though the posted hours online and on the front door said they are open Sundays until 8pm.
I don’t mind places that take breaks or close for holidays or vacations, but it would be nice if they updated their website or had a facebook page that mentioned when they are doing things different. I drove a bit out of my way to get there and was kind of disappointed they were closed.
Probably not going to try it out again without calling or ordering first.
I finally got back to trying this place and got soup, spring rolls, and two different entrees Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) and Spicy Green Beans. Everything was delicious. I forgive them for taking a day off without letting me know now. :)