Uptown's Tum Rup Thai

Tum Rup Thai
1221 W Lake Street, #112
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-824-1378
http://www.tumrupthai.com/

RIP Indio. We hardly knew thee. Indio, also owned by the Tum Rup people recently closed...I never got to write a review about them, but the snapper there was amazing! I really enjoyed Indio, maybe even more than I enjoy Tum Rup, but it didn't last. Now there is another Thai restaurant called Roat Osha, also owned by the Tun Rup people on the opposite side of Uptown. Went there the other day so a post will be up soon.

Anyways, Tum Rup on the other hand is alive and well...alive at least. It's relatively new to the Uptown scene but it seems to be holding its own even though it is near Arby's and adjacent to a vacant lot. Maybe that's why it's doing so well? Who knows. Anyways, the food is good and come at a fair price so I recommend that you try it. I have a few minor problems with the joint...but it has not stopped me from visiting, so it can't be that bad, right?

In fact, I've been there quite a few times so I'm writing a little about my favorites of the menu. I have to say that nothing I've eaten at Tum Rup has ever been awful or even bad, so don't be afraid to try whatever, I'm sure it will be good.

MY FAVORITES
Fresh Salad Rolls $5.25
Your basic spring roll, but the ones here at Tum Rup are always super fresh and delicious. You can also order them vegetarian if you prefer, but a spring roll without shrimp or beef is like and neurotic Asian driven by boredom without her blog. Served with a fish and peanut dipping sauce.
Crying Tiger Salad $9.50
One of the best salads I have ever had. It's like a lettuce wedge salad on crack. Not really...it's just good. The Iceburg lettuce wedge is topped with Grilled sliced beef tenderloin that has been tossed with Thai chilies, herbs and lemon juice, then grilled. The whole thing is topped off with scallions, mint, kaffir lime leave and cilantro. Also served with cucumbers. If you're watching you wasteline (as I often am) this is a good way to fill up without a lot of carbs. The beef and dressing are tangy with a little kick. It also has a great aroma with the mint, cilantro and scallions.

Wonton Egg Noodle Soup $8.50 (vegetarian)
This soup is super simple and really homey. It's like the Thai version of chicken noodle for those days when you're not feeling 100%. The soup is filled with chicken wontons, fresh skinny egg noodles, bean sprouts, red onion slices and topped with cilantro. The bowl is huge first of all so you definitely get your money's worth. You can also add a variety of meat or seafood for a few dollars extra. The spice/heat degree can be adjusted in this dish. I like to go a little spicy, it makes this rather basic soup a little more interesting.

The only bad thing I would have to say is there is only 3 or 4 wontons in the whole thing. However, you get plenty of noodles so it evens out.

Pad Thai $9.75 (w/mock duck)
Something about mock duck that I just love. I won't even try to explain why. If you don't share my enthusiasm for fake bird meat then you can have this dish with any variety of meats or vegetarian style. These pan fried rice noodles are mixed with egg, soy sauce and topped with bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro and carrots. Served with crushed peanuts and a lime on the side. Really simple and delicious for all you noodle fanatics out there. I usually do this dish at about a 3 or 4 out of 5 for spiciness. I have noticed that depending on the day it can knock your socks off or not be too bad. If you can't deal with real spicy food then stick to the 1. It still has good flavor.

Siriracha Fried Rice $9.75 (w/chicken)
Jasmine rice stir fried with egg, sriracha sauce, tomatoes, onions, cashews, cilantro and scallions. This dish is spicy no matter what. For those of you who don't know about sriracha, get on the wagon! This is a super spicy Thai chili sauce, sometimes referred as rooster sauce. Even if you order this dish mild it will still pack a kick. Those with weak stomachs should not attempt.

THE VITALS
YAYS: Good menu variety, affordable, small bar, can choose spice level, outdoor seating during the warm months (in Minnesota that means in July and July only), and they also had a most awesome bartender who moved to run Indio when it opened and now I don't know where he is.

Nays: Not a huge dining area, some not so great seating against a wall between the kitchen and bathrooms, service not always great, waiting for a table is sometimes a pain, sometimes the dining area is really loud and they have got my take out order wrong more than once.

Notes: Get there early or be prepared to wait on the weekends. Check your to-go orders. I would also agree with most reviews on Google - service is definitely lacking. COME BACK MY FAVORITE BARTENDER!

-BananaWoo