When it comes to Asian food, for a long time Chinese was the only kind that Belgraders knew well – and Chinese dishes mostly made more ‘European,’ at that. It wasn’t until the last couple of years that the first Thai joints started popping up, along with those that weren’t previously present, such as Vietnamese or Georgian.

So it’s still considered somewhat exotic – even though more young locals have visited Phuket than Beijing, everyone knows soy sauce, but no one knows massaman.

Out of all global cuisines, Thai is the one that makes me the happiest – a tasty, nourishing kick that keeps you energized, and makes you not only go places you’ve never been before, but that you never knew existed.

Tuk Tuk is tucked in the narrow streets of Vračar and has a neatly arranged garden. The Buddhist-themed wallpaper inside makes it feel cozier, like you’ve really entered a Thai home that someone took time, love and energy to design.

The menu is mostly classics – from green, red and massaman curry to meat in holy basil sauce. Green curry is really good, although lacking a bit of the lemongrass kick, and the papaya salad is amazing, made just like in Thailand. The only other guests were from Southeast Asia, so we knew that we were at the right spot.

The staff is friendly and an additional reason to visit the place. So if you’re looking for Thai in Belgrade, or just a place to re-energize, Tuk Tuk is worth it.