Popular Fremont-Rooted Thai Restaurant to Open in SF

Tur, a new venture from Khao Tiew owners Wipada Rattanapun and Arkaranit Dusitnitsakul, will be an Asian-inspired brunch restaurant. The kitchen will be led by chef Varunthorn Ratanakachain, previously of Darla Café in Saratoga. While the full menu is still under wraps, potential dishes include Thai-style congee, duck confit, and various seasonal salads. Khao Tiew, the owners' first restaurant, quickly gained acclaim after opening in 2024, with the Chronicle naming it the "best new Thai restaurant" of that year. The restaurant is known for innovative dishes that offer fresh takes on Thai cuisine. This success has created significant anticipation for Tur within the San Francisco food scene. Signature dishes that cemented Khao Tiew's reputation include a unique beef tallow fried rice with grilled short ribs and a crispy fried papaya salad. The restaurant is also lauded for its spicy wontons and a flavorful duck breast in panang curry. These offerings have contributed to queues that can last for hours. Tur is slated for an April opening at 1 West Portal Ave., placing it just down the street from its popular sibling restaurant, Khao Tiew. The space was previously occupied by the breakfast spot Squat and Gobble, which closed in January after 32 years in business. The opening of Tur represents a significant expansion for the ownership within the West Portal neighborhood, further invigorating the area's dining landscape. The owners had searched the Bay Area for a second location and coincidentally landed within walking distance of their first successful venture. This new establishment joins a growing trend of Asian-influenced brunch restaurants in the Bay Area. Other notable examples include Rice and Shine in San Francisco and Tanzie's in Berkeley, which has garnered national acclaim.