Fusion cuisine enthusiasts and burger aficionados alike have a new destination to soon eagerly visit. Ban Ban Burger, the offspring of the Tuk Tuk Thai food family, is slated to open its doors on April 12 in Los Angeles. The brainchild of Chef Amanda Maneesilasan and Katy Noochla-or, the sisters are not just riding the wave of burger popularity but are infusing it with a Thai twist that promises to tantalize the taste buds of their patrons.
Following in the footsteps of their successful ventures Chao Krung and Tuk Tuk Thai, the new establishment sits proudly next door to Tuk Tuk Thai on Sawtelle Blvd. According to What Now Los Angeles, the sisters have crafted a menu to seamlessly blend the hearty, comforting feel of the classic American burger with the aromatic complexity of Thai cuisine.
Elements resonating with their rich culinary heritage are evident. Their offerings include a range of smashburgers and sandwiches that creatively incorporate Thai flavors, like the Grapow Smash featuring free-range beef spiced up with garlic, holy basil, and Thai chili. Not to be outdone, the shakes and sweets are equally noteworthy for being infused with distinctive Thai ingredients. Pandan, Thai tea, and vegan Thai coconut sorbet shakes stand out as must-try items for the adventurous dessert lover.
The Maneesilasan sisters bring a storied family history to their latest endeavor. Their culinary journey began while growing up in their parents' restaurants, which include Chao Krung, a pioneer in LA's now-famous Thai Town. The Chef learned the art to expertly cook from her grandmother, a former royal chef in Thailand. This generational knowledge becomes apparent in their dishes, which aim to introduce the tradition of Sum Rup, or "beautiful platter," to LA foodies. In a statement obtained by What Now Los Angeles, Katy and Amanda expressed their excitement about their latest culinary chapter.
Their opening coincides with Thai New Year, known as Songkran, which may just promise to quickly immerse guests in an immersive cultural and culinary experience. While currently operating on a takeout and delivery basis via platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, eager customers will soon be able to enjoy their meals in-person come April 12. Ban Ban Burger, located at 1644 Sawtelle Blvd, is setting a new bar for what it means to enjoy a burger in the City of Angels.
