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Images: Maxie Lee, supplied
Unlike the glitzy, pan-Asian fusion joints scattered across Adelaide, Tuk Tuk Tokyo knows exactly what it is, and proudly sticks to it. There’s no ambiguity here. The no-frills eatery on Pulteney Street serves up Thai and Japanese favourites side by side, without the fluff, the fusion, or the theatrics.
Behind the venture is Maxie Lee, whose hospitality run spans decades. Having worked in the kitchen at Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya in Melbourne’s St Kilda, as well as Adelaide’s Hibiki (now Kyuoku Yakiniku) – and he also owns Half & Halfu, the small Thai-Japanese spot on Magill Road – he’s well-versed in Japanese cuisine and Adelaide’s hospitality scene.
Tuk Tuk Tokyo is his newest project, quietly opening in July, and like his previous ventures, it operates on a “food speaks for itself” philosophy. There’s no soft openings, no grand launch, just honest food and time to find its groove.
“We didn’t invest heavily in the interiors because I believe if the food is good, people will come,” he says.
“I’d rather focus on quality ingredients than fancy chairs,” and with 5-star rave Google reviews so far, and Half & Halfu on its third successful year and counting, it’s a recipe that serves him well.
The menu is neatly split between Thai and Japanese classics. From Japan, there are donburi rice bowls for lunch topped with grilled eel, beef or chicken teriyaki, bento boxes with choose-your-own proteins, and rich Japanese curries served with potato, which Maxie says are “harder to come by in Adelaide.”
There’s also handmade pork gyoza with a house-made sauce and sashimi specials made from fresh, whole tuna sourced from Port Lincoln.
“We bring in whole fish when they’re in season and break them down ourselves,” says Maxie.
“We try to support local as much as possible. We get our fish and meat locally, and New Zealand prawns for one of our dishes.”
From the Thai side, you’ll find Bangkok-style stir fries and curries that are “a little lighter and not too spicy” alongside punchy papaya and salmon salads that hit the sweet, sour, spicy holy trinity of Thai flavours.
There’s even a DIY hot pot experience, and the truffle garlic rice “people seem to love,” for good reason.
Drinks are slowly being added to the offering. For now, diners can choose from a small curated list of locally focused drops – Maxie spotlights Clare Valley’s Skillogallee – as well as a worldly mix of sake and beers.
“We’ve just opened, so we’re keeping it simple,” he says. “But we’ll grow the drinks menu step by step.”
Despite being located slightly off the city’s busiest stretch, Tuk Tuk Tokyo’s Pulteney Street address makes it easily accessible without the headache of the CBD’s parking challenges. Prices are also intentionally kept affordable, with most mains hovering around the $20 mark.
“We want families to be able to come in and enjoy a good meal without spending too much,” he adds.
Maxie’s quiet confidence and dedication to honest, quality food shape every part of Tuk Tuk Tokyo. It’s about building a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for what matters most. The food.
“The feedback from people dining in has been really positive so far – especially in the city, where you never really know what people think and there’s so many options – it’s been really good.”
You can find Tuk Tuk Tokyo on Uber Eats
What: Tuk Tuk Tokyo Bistro
When: Officially opened July 13, Tuesday to Sunday 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-9pm
Where: 449 Pulteney St, Adelaide
For the Instagram, click here.
To book, click here.
AloJapan.com