New Thai-Inspired Brunch Spot Coming to SF

The new establishment, named Tur, is set to open in April at 1 West Portal Ave., taking over a space previously occupied by the breakfast spot Squat and Gobble for 32 years. This location is conveniently just down the street from Khao Tiew, the owners' first successful restaurant that has been known to draw long queues since it opened in 2024. For those planning a weekend trip from Fremont, the West Portal Muni station is nearby, making it accessible via a BART ride to the city. Co-owners Wipada Rattanapun and Arkaranit Dusitnitsakul are bringing a "homestyle" cooking approach to Tur, aiming to serve dishes they would make for friends and family. Leading the kitchen will be Chef Varunthorn Ratanakachain, who previously worked at the Asian brunch spot Darla Café in Saratoga. This new venture signals a deliberate focus on the morning meal, a departure from Khao Tiew's dinner-centric menu. While the full menu is still under wraps, diners can anticipate a focus on breakfast and brunch with influences from across Asia, with a special emphasis on Thai cuisine. Hints from the owners suggest potential dishes like a savory Thai-style congee and rich duck confit. Traditional Thai breakfast often includes comforting dishes like "Joke," a rice porridge, and "Khao Neow Moo Ping," grilled pork skewers with sticky rice, which could inspire Tur's offerings. Tur is part of a growing trend of Bay Area restaurants elevating and reimagining Asian brunch. Establishments like The Peach in Oakland, from the owner of Jo's Modern Thai, and the nationally acclaimed Tanzie's in Berkeley have paved the way, showcasing unique dishes like northern Thai sausages and curry-infused fried rice. This movement offers a flavorful alternative to standard American brunch fare.