Tande Thai recently unveiled an innovative brunch menu that marries traditional favorites with vibrant Thai flavors, reflecting the culinary backgrounds of founder and chef Paul Imjard and chef Matt Baum.
The duo has thoughtfully reimagined classic brunch items by infusing them with Thai influences. “We took basically all the brunch items you could think of in a normal brunch setting and made things with a Thai influence,” said chef Baum during an interview with Local Profile.
Notable dishes include chicken and waffles elevated with coconut milk and a lemongrass syrup twist, as well as shrimp and grits enhanced with green curry for an authentic Thai touch.
"I've been doing Southern food for a good majority of my life, and when you bring it to a Thai place, they work together,” said chef Baum. “The flavors blend really well together because Cajun food has spice and heat, just like Thai food." This harmonious blend not only showcases the culinary versatility of both cuisines but also highlights their shared elements, such as sweetness, spiciness and umami.
The synergy of the menu has sparked pleasant surprises for the chefs. "For the short rib, I knew it needed a sauce. I thought, 'I’m going to make a queso out of it and see if it works.' Just cheesing it up made it really good," chef Baum said. "The peanutty curry sauce combined with the cheese works wonderfully."
However, not every dish was straightforward to perfect. "Being in Texas, biscuits and gravy are kind of a staple. I didn’t think that would work," chef Baum admitted. "But we made it with Thai chili and garlic, used a cheese biscuit and created a Thai sausage gravy. The flavors were spot on."
For guests with dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, Tande Thai offers flexibility while the menu is still evolving. "We have a few items, like the granola with chia seeds,” says chef Baum. “If there’s an item that needs modification, we can definitely accommodate." Although a specific gluten-free range has not yet been established, the chefs are open to adjustments to meet guests' needs.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including significant exposure to both Southern and Asian cuisines, Chef Baum emphasizes the uniqueness of this brunch offering. "Working with Paul and the team here has been fabulous," he says. "I think the brunch is really good, especially in this beautiful setting."
We thank Tande Thai for hosting and treating us. Tande Thai is located at 5754 Grandscape Blvd, Ste 105, The Colony.
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